12AX7 / ECC83 NOS MULLARD Blackburn 1959 – Short Gray Plates – Halo Getter – Balanced Section

12AX7 / ECC83 NOS MULLARD – Blackburn (Great Britain) 1959
Short Gray Plates – Halo Getter – Balanced Section – Low Noise & Microphonics

Description:

This 12AX7 / ECC83 NOS MULLARD , produced in the historic Blackburn factory (Great Britain) in 1959 , represents one of the most appreciated and musically balanced versions of the Mullard production of the late 50s.

The configuration with short gray plates and halo getter identifies a mature and highly reliable production phase, today highly sought after for the ideal combination of stability, silence and sonic refinement.

The valve is NOS , has balanced sections and is characterised by low noise and contained microphonics , making it perfectly suited even to sensitive positions in the circuit. An example that fully expresses the prestige and construction quality of Mullard of Blackburn.

Sound Characteristics

Bass: Compact, tidy, and well-controlled. The low end is precise and coherent, with solid support that doesn't weigh down the musical message.

Mids: The heart of the Mullard sound. Rich, warm, and three-dimensional, with extremely natural voices and a fluid, engaging harmonic texture.

Highs: Silky, well-extended, and refined. The highs are airy and never aggressive, making for long, consistently enjoyable listening sessions.

Dynamics: Smooth and natural. Excellent microdynamics, with a responsive yet composed and musical transient response.

Soundstage: Wide, stable, and well-layered. The soundstage is three-dimensional and believable, with natural separation of musical lines.

🎧 Use in Hi-Fi Amplifiers

Ideal for:

• medium-high and high quality input and pre-amplification stages,
• preamplifiers and hi-fi integrated amplifiers where silence, balance and natural timbre are required.

Particularly suitable for jazz, classical, vocal and acoustic music.

🎸 Use in Music Applications

Also highly appreciated in:

• vintage and boutique guitar amplifiers,
• V1 position, thanks to low noise & low microphonics and balanced sections.

It offers rich harmonics, great definition and classic British Mullard character.

🎯 Note for audiophiles

This 12AX7 / ECC83 NOS MULLARD Blackburn 1959 – Short Gray Plates – Halo Getter represents:

• one of the most balanced and musical Mullard productions,
• true NOS condition,
• balanced sections with low noise and limited microphonics,
• high sound and collectible value.

A valve designed for those who want the authentic Mullard sound , warm, natural and deeply musical, capable of enhancing quality hi-fi systems in true Vacuum Tubes Treasures style.

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 = 1.0 mA
• Section 2: Gm = 1500 ; Ia = 1.0 mA

• Microphonics: Low. Tested and approved for use in hi-fi, including phono stages and guitar amplifiers. Also suitable for V1.
• Noise: Low and well-controlled. Silent operation in hi-fi and music amplifiers in the intended positions.
• Balance: The sections are coherent and well aligned, making the valve also suitable for use as a phase inverter in hi-fi and instrumental applications.
• Output Quality: Excellent – ​​Very strong and stable output, no fluctuations.
• Short circuits and GAS: Absent.

Conditions:

• Condition: NOS - New Old Stock - Tested and working - Supplied in our custom box for optimal protection.
  
• Functionality: Fully functional.
  
• Cosmetic condition: Excellent – ​​Excellently preserved lettering, minimal signs of wear. See photos for details.
  
• Manufacturing Code: I61 B9E→ I6x indicates an ECC83 with the sequential progression of x, where the increment of x indicates the production changes - B9E B → Mullard, Blackburn - 9 (out of three digits) → 1959 - E → May
  

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