12AX7 / ECC83 NOS MULLARD – Blackburn (Great Britain) 1958
Long Gray Plates – Goalpost / Dual Post Getter – Matched Pair
Description:
This matched pair of NOS MULLARD 12AX7 / ECC83s , produced in the historic Blackburn factory (Great Britain) in 1958 , represents one of the rarest, earliest and most sought-after versions of the entire Mullard production.
The construction with long gray plates and goalpost / dual post getter identifies a very early technical configuration , today particularly appreciated for its construction quality, mechanical stability and sonic refinement. It is a tube that fully embodies the golden age of Mullard, when the absolute priority was musical performance and reliability over time.
The pair is NOS , selected as a Matched Pair , and features low noise and limited microphonics , making it suitable even for sensitive positions in the circuit.
Sound Characteristics
Bass: Deep, rounded, and perfectly controlled. The low end is authoritative yet elegant, with a solid structure that supports the music without weighing it down.
Mids: The heart of this version. Rich, textured, and three-dimensional, with extremely natural voicings and a deep harmonic texture, typical of first-generation Mullards.
Highs: Silky, refined, and well-extended. The highs are sweet and never aggressive, with a naturalness that favors long, highly engaging listening sessions.
Dynamics: Fluid, expressive, and very natural. Microdynamics are excellent, with a responsive yet composed transient response.
Soundstage: Wide, deep, and beautifully layered. The soundstage is three-dimensional and stable, with realistic instrument placement and excellent separation.
🎧 Use in Hi-Fi Amplifiers
Ideal for:
- high-level input and pre-amplification stages,
- high-end hi-fi preamplifiers and integrated amplifiers,
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systems that seek tonal refinement, naturalness and silence .
Particularly suitable for jazz, vocal, classical and acoustic music.
🎸 Use in Music Applications
Also excellent in:
- vintage and boutique guitar amplifiers,
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V1 position , thanks to low noise & low microphonics .
They offer rich harmonics, great tonal depth and an authentically British character of their origins.
🎯 Note for audiophiles and technicians
This 12AX7 / ECC83 NOS MULLARD Blackburn 1958 – Long Gray Plates – Goalpost / Dual Post Getter – Matched Pair represents:
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a very early Mullard production of Blackburn ,
- one of the rarest and most musically appreciated configurations,
- NOS selection with low noise and contained microphonics,
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first-rate sound, historical and collectible value .
A pair intended for reference systems and demanding collectors , for those who desire the original Mullard sound , rich, natural and deeply emotional, in the full Vacuum Tubes Treasures style.
Test Results:
Valve tested on AMPLITREX AT-1000 Tube Tester:
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Test Conditions: Va = 250V ; Vg = -2V
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Average 100%: Gm = 1600 ; Ia = 1.2 mA
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Test Result: VERY STRONG
Valve #1:
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Section 1: Gm = 1500 ; Ia = 1.2 mA
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Section 2: Gm = 1600 ; Ia = 1.2 mA
Valve #2:
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Section 1: Gm = 1500 ; Ia = 1.2 mA
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Section 2: Gm = 1500 ; Ia = 1.3 mA
Additional Tests Performed:
- Microphonics: Low. Tested and approved for use in hi-fi, including phono stages and guitar amplifiers. Also suitable for V1.
- Noise: Low and well-controlled. Silent operation in hi-fi and music amplifiers in the intended positions.
- Balance: The sections are coherent and well aligned, making the valve also suitable for use as a phase inverter in hi-fi and instrumental applications.
- Output Quality: Excellent – Very strong and stable output, no fluctuations.
- Short circuits and GAS: Absent.
Conditions:
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Condition: NOS - New Old Stock - Tested and working - Supplied in our custom box for optimal protection.
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Functionality: Fully functional.
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Cosmetic condition: Excellent – Excellently preserved lettering, minimal signs of wear. See photos for details.
Manufacturing Code:
- f92 B8K→ f9x indicates an ECC83 with the sequential progression of x, where the increment of x indicates the production changes - B8K B → Mullard, Blackburn - 8 (out of three digits) → 1958 - K → November
- f92 B8L→ f9x indicates an ECC83 with the sequential progression of x, where the increment of x indicates the production changes - B8K B → Mullard, Blackburn - 8 (over three figures) → 1958 - L → December
Find out why our valves are different →