12AX7 / ECC83 NOS Amperex Bugle Boy AMPLITREX Tested Long Plates Foil Getter '58

12AX7 / ECC83 NOS Amperex Bugle Boy Long Plates – Foil Getter – Heerlen 1958 – Amplitrex Tested

Description

This NOS Amperex Bugle Boy 12AX7 / ECC83, manufactured in Heerlen (Holland) in 1958, belongs to the historical phase of the first Long Plates Foil Getter, one of the configurations most sought after by enthusiasts today for its musicality, tonal refinement, and meticulously crafted internal construction.

The manufacturing code is authentic and consistent with Heerlen production:

• Δ8I → 1958
• factory identified by the symbol Δ (Heerlen, Holland)

A tube from the "golden era" Heerlen, with a long plate foil getter internal structure typical of early European production.

The specimen is in very good condition, tested in our laboratory with Amplitrex AT-1000, with a result of VERY STRONG, stable sections and perfectly suitable even for sensitive circuit positions.

Sonic Characteristics

Heerlen Long Plates from the late 1950s are appreciated for their broad, natural, and airy sound reproduction, with great harmonic coherence.

Bass: Deep, compact, and well-articulated. Excellent control without artificial emphasis.

Mids: Bright and transparent, with excellent vocal reproduction. Harmonics are rich but always balanced, with the naturalness typical of the Heerlen school.

Treble: Silky and well-extended. The foil getter contributes to superior extension, with refined and never aggressive micro-detail.

Dynamics: Responsive and fluid. Excellent transient response and stable behavior even on complex passages.

Soundstage: Wide and well-layered. Natural instrument separation and a credible, three-dimensional soundstage.

🎧 Use in Hi-Fi Stereo Amplifiers

Ideal for:

• high-end preamplifiers,
• tube line stages,
• vintage European and American amplification,
• DACs with tube stages.

Particularly suitable for jazz, vocals, acoustic music, and classical repertoire.

🎸 Use in Musical Amplifiers

Excellent for vintage and boutique guitar amplifiers:

• progressive and musical break-up,
• rich harmonics,
• bright and natural clean,
• controlled and warm crunch.

Also perfectly suitable for V1 position thanks to Low Noise & Low Microphonics.

🎯 Note for Audiophiles and Collectors

• Heerlen production 1958
• First generation Long Plates Foil Getter
• professional Amplitrex test
• VERY STRONG emission
  

A tube of great historical and musical value, designed for those who desire the true Amperex sound signature of the late 1950s, in full Vacuum Tubes Treasures quality standard.

Test Results:

Tube 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

Tube :

• Section 1: Gm = 1700 ; Ia = 1.1 mA
• Section 2: Gm = 1700 ; Ia = 1.1 mA

• Microphonics: Very Low. Tested and suitable for hi-fi and guitar amplifier use. Suitable for V1 use.
• Balance: The sections are consistent and well-aligned, making the tube suitable for use as a phase inverter in hi-fi and instrumental applications.
• Emission Quality: Excellent – Very strong and stable emission, without fluctuations.
• Short Circuits and GAS: Absent.

Condition:

• Condition: NOS - New Old Stock - Tested and functional - Supplied in our custom box for optimal protection.
  
• Functionality: Perfectly operational.
  
• Cosmetic condition: Good – Markings partially eroded, but still legible. Tube body in good condition. See photos for details.
  

Manufacturing Code:

• ???  Δ8I - Δ → Heerlen (Holland), 8 (out of three digits ) → 1958 - I → September 

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