12AT7 / ECC81 GE by MULLARD Blackburn Wing Gray Plates Halo Getter Tested Tube MADE IN GT. BRITAIN

12AT7 / ECC81 GE by Mullard – Blackburn (Great Britain)
Wing Gray Plates – Halo Getter – Tested Tube
Low Noise & Microphonics – Vintage British Production '60s

Description:

The 12AT7 / ECC81 GE by MULLARD , produced in the historic Blackburn factory (Great Britain) in 1963 , is a highly prized signal tube, an authentic expression of the English Mullard school intended for the GE market. The construction with wing gray plates and halo getter identifies one of the most popular configurations of the British ECC81 of the early 1960s, known for its reliability, operational stability and refined sonic character.

The valve is tested and perfectly efficient, ready for use in quality hi-fi and music applications.

Sound Characteristics

Bass: Compact, well-controlled, and uncluttered. The low end is precise and coherent, with a quick response that maintains balance and clarity.

Mids: Clear, present, and harmonically rich. Vocals sound natural and well-sculpted, with that signature Mullard musicality that lends realism and fluidity.

Highs: Open, silky, and well-extended. The high end is refined and never aggressive, making for detailed yet relaxing listening.

Dynamics: Lively and controlled. Transient response is prompt, with legible microdynamics that make music reproduction energetic and precise.

Soundstage: Wide and well-focused. The soundstage is stable, with proper instrument separation and believable depth.

🎧 Use in Hi-Fi Amplifiers

Ideal for:

• input and driver stages,
• preamplifiers and hi-fi amplifiers that require clarity, speed and control,
• systems oriented towards transparency and definition without sacrificing musicality.

🎸 Use in Music Applications

Also highly appreciated in:

• guitar amplifiers and instruments,
• circuits where quick attack, definition and controlled dynamic response are required.

It offers a bright but always balanced character, typically British.

🎯 Note for audiophiles and technicians

This 12AT7 / ECC81 GE by MULLARD Blackburn – Wing Gray Plates – Halo Getter (1963) represents:

• authentic Mullard production Made in Great Britain ,
• GE branded supply for the international market,
• solid and historically correct construction,
• refined, fast and musical timbre.

A valve designed for those who desire the precision and elegance of the Mullard ECC81 , capable of enhancing hi-fi and musical systems with coherence, detail and personality in full Vacuum Tubes Treasures style.

Test Results:

Valve tested on AMPLITREX AT-1000 Tube Tester:

• Test Conditions: Va = 250V, Vg = -2V
• Average 100%: Gm = 5.5 ; Ia = 10.0 mA
• Test Result: STRONG

Valve:

• Section 1: Gm = 4.1 ; Ia = 8.2 mA
• Section 2: Gm = 4.5 ; Ia = 9.2 mA

Additional Tests Performed:

• Microphonics: Low Noise & Microphonics – Tested and compliant for use in hi-fi systems and guitar amplifiers.
• Balance: The sections present a coherent balance, fully compatible with use in hi-fi and musical amplifiers, in all applications where absolute symmetry between the sections is not required.
• 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.
• Cosmetic condition: Good – Lettering partially eroded, but still legible. Valve body in good condition. See photos for details.
• Manufacturing Code: TK3 B3A2 → TKx indicates an ECC81 with the sequential progression of x, where the increment of x indicates the production changes - B3A2 B → Mullard, Blackburn - 3 (out of four digits) → 1963 - A → January - 2 → 2nd week of the month

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