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PHILIPS

7189 SHERWOOD by Philips – Heerlen 1963 – Gray Plates – rx4 – Matched Pair – Tested 100%

7189 SHERWOOD by Philips – Heerlen 1963 – Gray Plates – rx4 – Matched Pair – Tested 100%

Regular price €144,50 EUR
Regular price Sale price €144,50 EUR
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7189 SHERWOOD by Philips – Heerlen 1963 – Gray Plates – rx4 – Matched Pair – Tested 100% - Made in HOLLAND

Description:

This matched pair of 7189 Sherwood by Philips , produced in Heerlen (Holland) in 1963 , belongs to the prestigious line made by Philips for Sherwood, one of the most reliable and musical combinations of the time.
This is the gray plates variant with factory coding rX4 , one of the most recognizable signatures of Heerlen productions from the early 60s, known for its stability, build quality and high-level sound reproduction.
The set was selected in our laboratory as a Matched Pair , with coherent electrical behavior and uniform timbre across all specimens. Bench testing confirmed 100% performance, with solid output, excellent linearity, and perfect operational stability.

Sound Characteristics
The 1963 Philips Heerlen 7189s are renowned for their combination of power, musicality and refinement.
The presentation is bright, defined and rich in micro-detail, with a tonal balance that places them among the best European interpretations of the EL84/7189 family.

Bass
Tight, fast, and compact. The low end is precise and controlled, without any bloat, with a powerful yet balanced response.

Medium
The strong point of Heerlen's production. Airy, transparent mids, rich in harmonics , with realistic and natural voices. Excellent performance on acoustic instruments, jazz, and vocal music.

High
Bright, silky, and well-extended. The highs are defined and fluid, without harshness, with a finesse typical of vintage Philips EL84s.

Dynamics
Lively, responsive, with excellent control at high volume.
The response is clean, stable, with great ability to follow transients and an energetic output without unwanted compression.

Soundstage
Wide, three-dimensional soundstage, with clear separation of musical lines. Excellent focus and depth, with a solid, well-layered image.

🎧 Use in Hi-Fi Stereo Amplifiers
Perfect for amplifiers:

  • Sherwood, Fisher and Scott of the time,
  • European amplifiers requiring 7189 for higher voltages,
  • systems where clarity, naturalness and dynamics are desired.

The couple guarantees:

  • uniform timbre,
  • remarkable thermal stability,
  • higher headroom than common EL84s.

Ideal for jazz, vocal, classical, fusion and high definition listening.

🎸 Use in Music Amplifiers
In music, the 7189 is highly regarded in vintage high-voltage amps such as:

  • Gibson GA-series,
  • American amplifiers with hot cathode bias,
  • boutique projects requiring more robustness than standard EL84s.

They offer:

  • progressive and musical distortion,
  • great control over harmonics,
  • wider and cleaner headroom.

🎯 Note for audiophiles and technicians
This Matched Pair Heerlen 1963 rX4 features:

  • careful selection for uniform behavior,
  • 100% test,
  • operational stability and silence,
  • high-end historic Philips building,
  • Perfect compatibility with vintage devices that require real 7189s, not modern equivalents.

An ideal set for restoration, upgrade or use in high precision hi-fi amplifiers.


Test Results:

Valve tested on AMPLITREX AT-1000 Tube Tester:

  • Test Conditions: Va = 250V, Vg2 = 250V, Vg = -7.3V
  • Average 100%: Gm = 11.3 ; Ia = 48 mA
  • Test Result: VERY STRONG

Valve 1: Gm = 10.85 ; Ia = 45.4 mA

Valve 2: Gm = 10.80 ; Ia = 45.0 mA

Additional Tests Performed:
  • Microphonics: Low. Tested and approved for use in hi-fi and guitar amplifiers.
  • 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.
  • Aesthetic condition: Very good – Clearly legible writing with minor signs of wear, no obvious defects. See photos for details.

Manufacturing Code:

  • rx4 Δ3A3 → rxx indicates a 7189 with the sequential progression of x, where the increment of x indicates the production changes - Δ3A3 Δ → Heerlen (Netherlands), 3 (out of four digits) → 1963 - A → January - 3 → 3rd week of the month

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.

Vacuum Tubes Treasures
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📧 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.