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AMPEREX

12AX7 ( ECC83 ) NOS AMPEREX Bugle Boy Short Plates Halo Getter Tested Tube MADE IN HOLLAND '60s

12AX7 ( ECC83 ) NOS AMPEREX Bugle Boy Short Plates Halo Getter Tested Tube MADE IN HOLLAND '60s

€189,00 EUR
€189,00 EUR
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12AX7 ( ECC83 ) NOS AMPEREX Bugle Boy Short Plates Halo Getter Tested Tube MADE IN HOLLAND '60s

Description:

The 12AX7 / ECC83 Amperex Bugle Boy with short plates and halo getter , produced in Heerlen, Holland, in the 1960s, represents one of the most legendary and sought-after versions of this tube. Supplied in NOS (New Old Stock) condition and tested, it is famous for its unique combination of technical precision and refined musicality. The famous “Bugle Boy” logo printed on the glass is today an absolute icon in the hi-fi and guitar world, symbolizing a golden age of European production.

Timbre characteristics and sound output

  • Bass : tight and fast, with impeccable articulation and excellent control.
  • Mids : the real Amperex magic: warm, bright and airy, with extraordinary naturalness on vocals and acoustic instruments.
  • Highs : silky and detailed, never aggressive, with an airy extension that gives brightness and breath.
  • Dynamics : lively and responsive, with excellent micro-detail and consistently smooth rendering.
  • Soundstage : wide, three-dimensional and realistic, with impeccable separation of musical lines.

🎧 Hi-Fi use
Considered one of the best 12AX7s ever, it is perfect as a preamp tube for high-end amplifiers and hi-fi preamps. It provides tonal refinement, transparency, and a sense of naturalness that make it indispensable in the most demanding systems.

🎸 Use in music amplifiers
In vintage guitar amps, the Bugle Boy Amperex d The '60s vibe is legendary: rich harmonics, bright mids, and a touch of sweetness that enhances both clean and slightly overdriven sounds. A must-have for anyone seeking authentic European vintage tone.

🎯 Note for audiophiles and technicians
This NOS version with short plates and halo getter , produced and tested in the Heerlen factory, is extremely rare today. The original Bugle Boy logo makes it a collector's item, as well as an absolute reference for those who desire the highest sound quality.

Test Results:

Valve tested on AMPLITREX AT-1000 Tube Tester:

  • Test Conditions: Va = 250V ; Vg = -2V
  • Average 100%: Gm = 1600 ; Ia = 1.2 mA
  • Test Result: VERY STRONG

Valve:

  • Section 1: Gm = 1500 ; Ia = 1.2 mA
  • Section 2: Gm = 1400 ; Ia = 1.0 mA
Additional Tests Performed:
  • Microphonics: Very Low. Tested and approved for use in hi-fi and guitar amplifiers. Compliant for use in V1.
  • Balance: The sections show a slight deviation in values; excellent for use in hi-fi and musical applications (guitar) where balanced sections are not specifically required.
  • Output Quality: Excellent – Very strong and stable output, no fluctuations.
  • Short circuits and GAS: Absent.

Conditions:

  • Condition: Vintage tubes - Tested and in perfect working order. Shipped in our custom box for optimal protection.
  • Functionality: Fully functional.
  • Cosmetic condition: Good – Lettering partially eroded, but still legible. Valve body in good condition. See photos for details.
  • Manufacturing Code: absent – Philips Heerlen production for Amperex USA, identifiable by its 1960s construction features

Find out why our valves are different →

Terms of Sale & Safety

Sales Terms & Product Safety

Each vacuum tube is carefully selected, tested, and verified in our laboratory before shipment. Where stated in the listing, test results, matching data, and declared characteristics refer to measurements performed using the specified test equipment and operating conditions.

Sound descriptions are provided for guidance only and reflect the characteristics generally associated with that particular tube type. Personal sound preferences, tube rolling, or perceived differences between audio systems do not constitute a product defect.

Before installation, please verify the tube’s electrical and mechanical compatibility with your equipment and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

New production and NOS tubes are shipped with a tamper-evident security seal and internal technical documentation to ensure traceability of the product’s condition at the time of shipment.

Product Safety (GPSR)

Vacuum tubes are electronic components intended exclusively for use in compatible equipment and must be installed in accordance with the equipment manufacturer’s instructions.

Due to their historical or vintage nature, certain technical specifications may be based on original datasheets or equivalent technical documentation when documentation from the specific manufacturer is unavailable.

Use only with suitable equipment. Keep out of reach of children.

Shipping & Returns

Shipping & Returns

We ship worldwide using carefully selected express carriers and protective packaging specifically designed for vacuum tubes.

If you change your mind, you may exercise your right of withdrawal within 14 days of delivery, where applicable under the relevant consumer protection laws. The product must be returned complete with its original packaging and accessories, in the same commercial condition in which it was received. Return shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer.

Every returned item undergoes a technical inspection. Installation, use, tube rolling, or any other handling may reduce the product’s commercial value and may affect the refund amount, in accordance with applicable law.

If you believe the product has a lack of conformity, our laboratory will carry out the necessary inspections and apply the remedies provided by the applicable consumer protection legislation.

For further details, Customers are invited to consult the “Terms and Conditions” and “Refund Policy” sections of our website, or to contact us before placing an order.

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  • ATTENTION PLEASE

    Please understand that the writing on the glass of vintage valves has become very delicate over the years and comes off easily. You must handle them with extreme care to avoid this. Wear and damage to the writing on the valves reduces their market value and causes damage. Please exercise extreme caution.

  • ATTENTION PLEASE

    We wish to inform you that any attempts to manipulate shipping destination information in order to obtain lower shipping rates may be considered fraudulent acts. Please provide accurate information and contact us if you have any concerns. We reserve the right to review and, if necessary, cancel orders that we deem to be in violation of our conditions. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.