Skip to product information
1 of 15

RCA

12AU7A / ECC82 Lowray by RCA Clear Top 1959 - NOS Matched Pair - Long Gray Plates - Amplitrex Tested

12AU7A / ECC82 Lowray by RCA Clear Top 1959 - NOS Matched Pair - Long Gray Plates - Amplitrex Tested

Regular price €99,00 EUR
Regular price Sale price €99,00 EUR
Sale Sold out
Taxes included. Shipping calculated at checkout.
Quantity
🖨️ Print as PDF

12AU7A / ECC82 LOWRAY by RCA – Clear Top – 1959 – NOS Matched Pair – Long Gray Plates – Amplitrex Tested – Low Noise & Microphonics

Description:

This matched pair of 12AU7A / ECC82 LOWRAY by RCA , produced in the United States in 1959 , belongs to the famous Clear Top series by RCA, recognizable by the transparent top without upper flash getter.

The construction with long gray plates and a lateral getter is typical of RCA production in the late 1950s, known for its reliability, stability, and balanced tonal balance. The Lowray branding identifies a select supply for professional and instrumental applications.

The tubes are authentic NOS , selected as Matched Pair , Low Noise & Microphonics rated and tested in our laboratory on Amplitrex AT-1000 , ready for quality hi-fi and music applications.

Sound Characteristics

Bass: Precise, dry, and well-controlled. The low range is linear and defined, with good articulation and excellent rhythm control.

Mids: Clear and natural. Vocals are well-focused and believable, with a clean and coherent harmonic texture.

Highs: Open and airy. The top end is bright yet composed, with good extension and fine grain, typical of RCA Clear Tops.

Dynamics: Lively and stable. Excellent microdynamics and prompt transient response, with consistent and predictable behavior.

Soundstage: Wide and well-organized soundstage, with good separation of planes and a well-defined central image.

🎧 Use in Hi-Fi Amplifiers

Ideal for:

  • line preamplifiers
  • driver stages
  • amplifiers that require clarity and precision

Particularly suitable for systems oriented towards transparency and control.

🎸 Use in Music Applications

Also very valid in:

  • instrument amplifiers
  • sensitive positions thanks to the Low Noise & Microphonics classification

They offer defined response, good articulation and stable behavior over time.

🎯 Note for audiophiles and technicians

  • RCA Production – Made in USA – 1959
  • Clear Top Version
  • Lowray brand (select supply)
  • Long Gray Plates
  • NOS – New Old Stock
  • Matched Pair selected
  • Tested on Amplitrex AT-1000
  • Low Noise & Microphonics

A classic pair of American RCA production from the late 1950s, appreciated for their clarity, balance and reliability, in the true Vacuum Tubes Treasures style.


Test Results:

Valve tested on AMPLITREX AT-1000 Tube Tester:

  • Test Conditions: Va = 250V, Vg = -8.5V
  • Average 100%: Gm = 2200 ; Ia = 10.5 mA
  • Test Result: VERY STRONG

Valve #1:

  • Section 1: Gm = 2100 ; Ia = 10.0 mA
  • Section 2: Gm = 2120 ; Ia = 10.2 mA

Valve #2:

  • Section 1: Gm = 2000 ; Ia = 9.0 mA
  • Section 2: Gm = 2200 ; Ia = 10.2 mA

Additional Tests Performed:

  • Microphonics: Low. Tested and approved for use in hi-fi, including phono stages and guitar amplifiers. Also suitable for V1.
  • Output Quality: Excellent – ​​Very strong and stable output, no fluctuations.
  • Short circuits and GAS: Absent.

Conditions:

  • Condition: NOS - New Old Stock - Tested and in perfect working order. Comes 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:

    59-26 → RMA/EIA Open Date Code → manufactured week 26 of 1959 - 274 → Radio Corporation of America, Camden, NJ

    Find out why our valves are different →

    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

    View full details
    • 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.