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AMPEREX

12AX7 / ECC83 NOS Amperex Bugle Boy Matched Pair AMPLITREX Tested Long Plates Foil Getter '50s

12AX7 / ECC83 NOS Amperex Bugle Boy Matched Pair AMPLITREX Tested Long Plates Foil Getter '50s

Regular price 6,255.00 SEK
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12AX7 / ECC83 NOS Amperex Bugle Boy – Matched Pair – Long Plates – Foil Getter – Heerlen 1958/1959 – Amplitrex Tested

Description

This NOS Amperex Bugle Boy 12AX7 / ECC83 pair, made by Philips Heerlen (Holland) in 1958 and 1959, belongs to the historical phase of the first Long Plates Foil Getter , among the most sought-after configurations for their tonal balance, three-dimensionality and construction quality.

The manufacturing codes are authentic and consistent with Heerlen production:

  • Δ8A → 1958
  • Δ9B → 1959
  • factory identified by the symbol Δ (Heerlen, Holland)

A pair from consecutive years of the Heerlen “golden era”, with long plate foil getter internal structure typical of early European production.

The specimen is in authentic NOS condition , tested in our laboratory with Amplitrex AT-1000 , with VERY LOUD result, stable sections and perfectly suitable even for sensitive positions of the circuit.

Sound Characteristics

The Heerlen Long Plates of the late 1950s are appreciated for their broad, natural and airy reproduction, with great harmonic coherence.

Bass: Deep, compact, and well-articulated. Excellent control without artificial emphasis.

Mids: Bright and transparent, with excellent vocal reproduction. The harmonics are rich yet balanced, with the naturalness typical of the Heerlen school.

Highs: Silky and well-extended. The foil getter contributes to superior extension, with refined, never aggressive micro-detail.

Dynamics: Responsive and fluid. Excellent transient response and stable behavior even on complex passages.

Soundstage: Wide and well-layered. Natural separation of instruments and a believable, three-dimensional soundstage.

🎧 Use in Hi-Fi Stereo Amplifiers

Ideal for:

  • high-end preamplifiers,
  • tube line stages,
  • vintage European and American amplifiers,
  • DAC with tube stage.

Particularly suitable for jazz, vocal, acoustic music and classical repertoire.

🎸 Use in Music Amplifiers

Excellent for vintage and boutique guitar amps:

  • progressive and musical break-up,
  • rich harmonics,
  • clean, bright and natural,
  • controlled and warm crunch.

Perfectly suitable even in V1 position thanks to Low Noise & Low Microphonics .

🎯 Note for Audiophiles and Collectors

  • Heerlen production 1958/1959,
  • First Generation Long Plates Foil Getter,
  • Amplitrex professional test,
  • VERY STRONG emission,
  • consistent technical pairing.

The lettering features slight graphic variations typical of vintage production; the Δ9B code shows a slight trace of coloring, a purely aesthetic element that does not affect electrical performance in any way.

A pair of great historical and musical value, designed for those who desire the true Amperex sound signature of the late 1950s, in the full Vacuum Tubes Treasures quality standard.


Test Results:

Valve tested on AMPLITREX AT-1000 Tube Tester:

  • Test Conditions: Va = 250V ; Vg = -2V
  • Average 100%: Gm = 1600 ; Ia = 1.2 mA
  • Test Result: VERY STRONG

Valve 1:

  • Section 1: Gm = 1700 ; Ia = 1.1 mA
  • Section 2: Gm = 1700 ; Ia = 1.1 mA

Valve 2:

  • Section 1: Gm = 1600 ; Ia = 1.0 mA
  • Section 2: Gm = 1500 ; Ia = 0.9 mA
Additional Tests Performed:
  • Microphonics: Very Low. Tested and approved for use in hi-fi and guitar amplifiers. Compliant for use in V1.
  • 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: Good – Lettering partially eroded, but still legible. Valve body in good condition. See photos for details.

Manufacturing Code:

  • ??? Δ8A - ??? → Internal structure consistent with Heerlen mC6 Long Plate Foil Getter production from the late 1950s. Δ8A Δ → Heerlen (Holland), 8 (three digits) → 1958 - A → January
  • ??? Δ9B - ??? → Internal structure consistent with Heerlen mC6 Long Plate Foil Getter production from the late 1950s. Δ9B Δ → Heerlen (Holland), 9 (three digits) → 1959 - B → February

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

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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.