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12BY7A EL180 RCA NOS Gray Plates Smoked Glass Halo Getter Tested Tube Made in USA

12BY7A EL180 RCA NOS Gray Plates Smoked Glass Halo Getter Tested Tube Made in USA

€34,90 EUR
€34,90 EUR
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12BY7A ( EL180 ) RCA NOS Gray Plates Smoked Glass Halo Getter Tested Tube Made in USA

The price refers to a single selected valve.

Description:

This 12BY7A / EL180 valve, made by RCA in the USA , is a low-power pentode widely used in hi-fi amplifiers, tuners, laboratory equipment and audio valve driver stages.
This is a NOS (New Old Stock) model, never used, tested on professional instruments, with excellent emission and transconductance values .

The valve features grey plates , smoked glass and a circular halo-type getter , typical features of RCA production in the second half of the twentieth century.

Timbre characteristics and sound description

Bass:
Defined, fast, and dry. The low end is precise and well-controlled , with a coherent, timbral behavior free of bloat. Perfect for systems that prioritize detail.

Medium:
Analytical and well-focused. Voices and acoustic instruments emerge with transparency and rigor , making this tube ideal for applications where linearity and neutrality are required.

Highs:
Extended and bright. The high frequencies are detailed and clear , without becoming aggressive. Excellent for accurately reproducing ambience, reverberations, and upper harmonics.

Dynamics:
Responsive and controlled. The valve responds with good speed and consistency , maintaining excellent performance even on dynamically complex signals.

Soundstage:
Focused and stable. The soundstage is well-centered , with good separation between sources , ideal for technical use or on systems with separate preamp stages.

🎧 Use in Hi-Fi Amplifiers and Tuners

The 12BY7A RCA is widely used as a driver valve in push-pull amplifiers , but also in high-end valve tuners , pre-drivers for power valves such as EL34, KT88 or 6550.
It offers a neutral, stable and well-controlled sound, with excellent electrical reliability and faithful signal reproduction.

🎸 Use in Music Applications

Suitable for custom audio projects or for restoring vintage studio gear , the 12BY7A can function as a gain stage with a sober and well-defined character , more technical than euphonic. Appreciated in some American vintage audio magazines.

🎯 Note for audiophiles and technicians

This RCA 12BY7A is a tested, NOS example with smoked glass, gray plates and getter halo , and represents one of the most reliable versions of the series.
Excellent for those looking for stable performance, low microphonics, and Made in USA construction .
A smart choice for precision audio circuits, driver stages, hi-fi restorations or professional applications where electrical quality and quiet operation count .

Test Results:

Valves tested on AMPLITREX AT-1000 Tube Tester:

  • Test Conditions: Va = 250V, Vg2 = 180V; Vg = -3.2V
  • 100% average: Gm = 11.0 ; Ia = 26.0 mA
  • Test Result: VERY STRONG

Valve 1: Gm = 12.8 ; Ia = 26.6 mA  -  SOLD

Valve 2: Gm = 12.6 ; Ia = 25.0 mA

Valve 3: Gm = 12.3 ; Ia = 27.5 mA

Additional Tests Performed:
  • Microphonics: Low Noise & Microphonics. Tested and approved for use in hi-fi and studio amplifiers.
  • 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: DU - Manufacturing April 1972

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.

Vacuum Tubes Treasures
www.vtt.store | www.vacuumtubestreasures.com
📧 info@vacuumtubestreasures.com

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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.