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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

Regular price €34,90 EUR
Regular price Sale price €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

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

Burglar-Resistant Security Seal Policy:

Each product is sealed to ensure quality and integrity.
The right of withdrawal is subject to the tamper-proof seal being kept intact, as required by the Consumer Code.


Eco-friendly packaging:

The valve will be shipped in protective packaging to ensure safety during transportation.
We use recycled and recyclable paper for packaging, and brown tape ECO-KRAFT , eco-friendly and solvent-free.


Important Notes:

This tube, manufactured to the standards of the time, is designed to work in equipment compatible with vintage tubes.
It is recommended to follow the safety guidelines to avoid malfunctions or damage.


Security Guarantee:

While not tested to modern GPSR regulations, this valve has been designed to operate safely under the conditions for which it was manufactured.
We recommend using it with equipment that supports vintage tubes, to avoid the risk of malfunction or damage.


Safety Information:

  • Attention: Keep out of reach of children.
  • To be used under adult supervision.
  • Use this product only with equipment designed for vintage tubes.

Condizioni di vendita e sicurezza

Anti-Tamper Security Seal Policy:
Each product is sealed to guarantee quality and integrity.
The right of withdrawal is subject to the seal remaining intact, as provided for by the Consumer Code.

Eco-Friendly Packaging:
The tube will be shipped with protective packaging to ensure safety during transport.
We use recycled and recyclable paper for packaging, along with brown ECO-KRAFT adhesive tape, eco-friendly and solvent-free.

Important Notes:
This tube, manufactured according to the standards of its era, is designed to operate in equipment compatible with vintage tubes.
It is recommended to follow standard safety guidelines to avoid malfunctions or damage.

Safety Assurance:
Although not tested according to modern GPSR regulations, this tube was designed to operate safely under the conditions for which it was manufactured.
We recommend using it only with equipment that supports vintage tubes, in order to avoid risks of malfunction or damage.
Technical data note:
In some cases, the technical data provided may be based on datasheets from other manufacturers or on equivalent historical specifications, when a specific official datasheet for the production batch of the listed item is not available.
Electrical characteristics may vary slightly depending on the production batch and manufacturing period, as is typical for thermionic components.

Safety Information:
Warning: Keep out of reach of children.
To be used under adult supervision.
Use the product only with equipment designed for vintage tubes.

Shipping & Returns

Shipping & Returns

Shipping Costs

Shipping costs vary depending on the total amount of the items in the cart and are calculated automatically during the checkout process.
All shipments are fully insured. The courier is automatically selected based on destination, weight, and shipment characteristics.

Shipping Times and Delivery

The indicated delivery times are purely indicative.
Any delays, storage issues, or operational changes made by the carrier (for example during peak periods such as holidays) are not attributable to Vacuum Tubes Treasures.

In such cases, we will nevertheless provide the Customer with all necessary support to open claims or assistance requests with the appointed courier.

International Shipping (Non-EU Countries)

For orders shipped to countries outside the European Union, any customs duties, import taxes, or additional charges are the sole responsibility of the recipient.
Vacuum Tubes Treasures has no control over these costs, which may vary from country to country. Customers are therefore advised to contact their local customs authorities prior to placing an order.

Warranty

All products sold by Vacuum Tubes Treasures are covered by the legal warranty of conformity, in accordance with Italian Legislative Decree No. 206/2005 (Consumer Code) and the Italian Civil Code (Articles 1490 et seq.), under the conditions set out below.

Warranty for Vacuum Tubes

Vacuum tubes, being components subject to wear and of vintage or specialized nature, are covered by a specific warranty of 6 (six) months from the date of delivery.
The warranty covers exclusively proven manufacturing or conformity defects that arise during proper use in accordance with technical specifications.

The warranty does not cover:

  • normal wear and tear,
  • subjective sound preferences,
  • use in incompatible equipment,
  • tampering or improper use.

Right of Withdrawal

Purchases made on the Vacuum Tubes Treasures website are governed by Italian regulations on distance contracts (Legislative Decree No. 206/2005).

Consumers have the right to withdraw from the contract within 14 (fourteen) days from the date of receipt of the goods, without providing any reason.

Conditions for Exercising the Right of Withdrawal

The right of withdrawal may be exercised only if:

  • the product has not been used,
  • the product is returned in its original condition,
  • the tamper-evident security seal is intact and not broken.

📌 Returns are not accepted for reasons related to sound preference, tube rolling, or subjective audio evaluation.
As with a music recording, a vacuum tube cannot be returned simply because its sound does not match personal taste.

Effects of Withdrawal

In the event of a valid withdrawal:

  • all payments received, including standard shipping costs, will be refunded,
  • refunds will be issued within 14 days from receipt of the returned goods,
  • the refund may be withheld until the goods have been received and inspected.

Refunds will be made using the same payment method used for the original transaction, unless otherwise agreed.

Return Shipping Costs

Return shipping costs are borne by the Customer, except in cases of:

  • verified defective products,
  • errors attributable to Vacuum Tubes Treasures.

In such cases, return shipping costs will be fully covered by us.

Damaged or Incorrect Items

If the Customer receives a damaged or incorrect item, it must be reported within 5 (five) working days from delivery, by email or telephone, clearly stating the issue.

Uncollected Parcels, Storage, and International Shipments

It is the Customer’s responsibility to monitor the shipment and promptly arrange for collection or customs clearance.
Any costs, delays, or losses resulting from:

  • failure to collect the parcel,
  • prolonged storage,
  • abandonment of the parcel at customs,

do not entitle the Customer to any refund.

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.