12AX7 / ECC83 GE Long Gray Plates Halo Getter Made in USA '65
AMPLITREX Tested – Balanced Sections – Low Noise & Microphonics
Description:
This 12AX7 / ECC83 General Electric, manufactured in the United States in March 1965, is a classic American signal tube from one of General Electric's most acclaimed productions.
The internal construction is typical of GE at the time, featuring Long Gray Plates and a Halo Getter, a configuration now highly sought after for its reliability, operational stability, and balanced musicality.
The tube has been thoroughly tested in our laboratory using the AMPLITREX AT-1000 Tube Tester, receiving a STRONG rating. It also exhibited Low Noise & Microphonics, a particularly desirable characteristic for hi-fi applications and sensitive circuits.
Electrically, it shows very consistent performance and perfectly balanced sections, qualities that enhance its versatility in use.
Sonic Characteristics
GE Long Gray Plates from the 1960s are valued for a balanced, natural, and well-organized sound presentation, with an open and musical timbre that easily adapts to many system types.
Bass
Well-extended and controlled. The low range is stable and articulate, with a good sense of order and depth.
Mids
Clear, natural, and well-focused. Vocals maintain presence and intelligibility, while acoustic instruments are reproduced with balance and timbral accuracy.
Highs
Open and airy. The high end is clean and well-extended, contributing to a detailed yet always pleasing sound presentation.
Dynamics
Responsive and linear. Dynamic variations are reproduced naturally and with good consistency across the entire audio spectrum.
Soundstage
The soundstage is stable and well-organized, with correct instrument separation and good image focus.
🎧 Use in Hi-Fi Amplifiers
This 12AX7 / ECC83 GE is particularly suitable for:
- tube preamplifiers
- phono stages
- driver stages
- integrated amplifiers
- compatible vintage and modern hi-fi equipment
The combination of Low Noise, contained microphonics, and perfectly balanced sections makes it suitable for sensitive circuit positions, including applications such as phase inverters.
🎸 Use in Musical Applications
This GE Long Gray Plates is also popular in musical instrument amplifiers thanks to its:
- balanced dynamic response
- good signal definition
- natural musical character
- stable and predictable behavior
These characteristics make it interesting for both studio use and compatible vintage and boutique amplifiers.
🎯 Note for Audiophiles
- General Electric – Made in USA
- Production: March 1965
- Long Gray Plates – Halo Getter
- AMPLITREX Tested
- STRONG
- Low Noise & Microphonics
- Perfectly Balanced Sections
This 12AX7 GE represents a solid American selection from the 1960s, capable of offering balance, reliability, and musicality in a classic and highly appreciated configuration.
An authentic vintage tube, selected according to Vacuum Tubes Treasures standards, ideal for those seeking a well-preserved, quiet, and perfectly usable American ECC83 in numerous hi-fi and musical applications.
Test Results
Tested on AMPLITREX AT-1000 Tube Tester
Voltage Test: Va = 250V, Vg = -2V
Average 100%: Gm = 1600 ; Ia = 1.2 mA
TEST RESULT: STRONG
Tube:
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Section 1: Gm = 1400 ; Ia = 0.9 mA
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Section 2: Gm = 1400 ; Ia = 0.9 mA
Additional Tests Performed:
- Microphonics: Low Noise & Microphonics – Tested and suitable for use in hi-fi systems and guitar amplifiers.
- Balance: Sections are consistent and perfectly aligned, making the tube suitable for use as a phase inverter in hi-fi and instrument applications.
- Emission Quality: Strong – Strong and consistent emission, suitable for any application.
- Shorts and GAS: Absent.
Condition:
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Condition: Vintage Tubes - Tested and fully functional. Supplied in our custom box for optimal protection.
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Functionality: Perfectly operational.
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Cosmetic Condition: Good – Markings partially faded, but still legible. Tube body in good condition. See photos for details.
Manufacturing Code:
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FU 188 → two-letter code → March 1965 production - 188 → General Electric Company, Syracuse 1, N. Y.
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