12AX7 / ECC83 GE Long Gray Plates Horse Shoe Getter - Low Noise & Mic - Made in USA
AMPLITREX Tested – Low Noise & Microphonics - Vintage American Long Plates
Description:
This 12AX7 / ECC83 General Electric, Made in USA production, represents one of the most interesting configurations of vintage American small signal tube manufacturing.
The construction with Long Gray Plates and characteristic Horse Shoe Getter belongs to the early generations of GE ECC83s, a configuration generally attributable to the second half of the 1950s, preceding the more common halo getter versions of subsequent years.
The absence of the original silk-screened logo prevents a precise dating through manufacturing codes. However, based on the constructive characteristics, internal structure, and the particular horse shoe getter, this tube can be cautiously attributed to a probable late 1950s production.
This is a used tube, carefully tested and selected in our laboratory using the AMPLITREX AT-1000 Tube Tester, found to be STRONG, with low background noise and good operational stability.
The GE Long Gray Plates from this period are particularly appreciated for the constructive quality typical of American production of the era and for their balanced and musical sonic character.
Sonic Characteristics
The early GE Long Gray Plates with Horse Shoe Getter are known for a natural, well-articulated, and very pleasant sonic presentation.
The sound signature prioritizes balance, timbral correctness, and good readability of the musical message, while maintaining the warm and credible character typical of the best vintage American productions.
Bass
The bass range is well-controlled and natural, with a good sense of solidity and an always orderly and coherent presentation.
Mids
The mids are clear, well-focused, and musical. Vocals maintain naturalness and presence, while acoustic instruments retain a balanced harmonic texture.
Highs
The high range is open and well-extended, with present but never aggressive detail. Listening remains fluid and pleasant even for long sessions.
Dynamics
The dynamic response is linear and natural, with a good ability to follow musical variations without stiffness or perceptible compression.
Soundstage
The soundstage appears stable and well-organized, with correct instrument separation and good perception of space.
🎧 Use in Hi-Fi Amplifiers
This 12AX7 / ECC83 GE is particularly suitable for:
- hi-fi preamplifiers
- line stages
- compatible phono stages
- integrated amplifiers
- compatible driver stages
The Low Noise & Microphonics selection makes it particularly interesting for circuits where quietness and operational stability are important aspects.
🎸 Use in Musical Applications
In musical instrument amplifiers, this GE Long Gray Plates offers:
- balanced and natural response
- good harmonic definition
- musical and well-present mids
- stable and predictable behavior
A vintage American configuration that lends itself very well to both vintage amplifiers and compatible boutique creations.
🎯 Note for Audiophiles
This 12AX7 / ECC83 GE Long Gray Plates Horse Shoe Getter Made in USA represents a vintage American selection of considerable interest for those seeking:
- authentic General Electric USA production
- Long Gray Plates structure
- rare Horse Shoe Getter
- Low Noise & Microphonics
- good internal balance
- musicality typical of American ECC83s from the 1950s
The classification is STRONG, with a regular electrical profile, stable emission, and well-aligned sections.
A tube that retains the charm of early GE long plate productions, selected according to Vacuum Tubes Treasures standards.
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 = 0.8 mA
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Section 2: Gm = 1300 ; Ia = 0.7 mA
Additional Tests performed:
- Microphonics: Low Noise & Microphonics – Tested and suitable for use in hi-fi systems and guitar amplifiers.
- Balance: The sections are consistent and well-aligned, making the tube suitable also for use as a phase inverter in hi-fi and instrument applications.
- Emission Quality: Good Emission – Good and regular emission, suitable for any application
- Short Circuits and GAS: Absent.
Condition:
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Condition: Vintage Tubes - Tested and perfectly functional. Supplied in our custom box for optimal protection.
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Functionality: Perfectly operational.
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Cosmetic condition: Fair – Markings completely worn off. See photos for details.
Manufacturing Code: absent, identifiable by construction characteristics. Late 1950s → General Electric Company, Syracuse 1, N. Y.
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