JJ ECC83S / 12AX7 Preamp Vacuum Tube
The JJ ECC83S / 12AX7 preamp tube is a fantastic performer at a very affordable price.
From our review of this tube: "The compact plate structure does nothing to dampen their sound or dynamic response. I find them to be well balanced. While not as harmonically rich as others I tested, they do provide high gain without the usual noise and microphonic problems you would expect. This is great sound for your dollar..."
JJ Electronic is distinguished worldwide for manufacturing high quality vacuum tubes and capacitors. They have been producing vacuum tubes for over 30 years in the Slovak Republic.
Additional Information and Downloads
Reviews:
12AX7 Tube Review
Tube Matching Information:
Matched Sections Service
Downloads:
JJ ECC83-S / 12AX7 Datasheet (PDF)
Download Adobe Acrobat PDF reader
Warranty Information and Return Policy
Warranty Period: 3 monthsAll our tubes are guaranteed for 3 months from the date of purchase. (Any exceptions will be noted on that tube's Warranty tab)
If you receive a tube that does not perform to the manufacturer's specifications, please do the following:
- contact us to get a return authorization
- return it via regular mail within 90 days from when we shipped it, and we will provide an exchange or refund of the full purchase price of the tube.
Returns not related to warranty or defect will be considered at our discretion, and are subject to a 15% restocking fee.
We can not accept returns that don't have an authorization, are past 3 month, or are returned improperly.
These guidelines may be updated without notice.
Ratings & Reviews
34 reviews
JJ ECC83-S / 12AX7 | Suited for Metal.
by Daggertx -
Used as PI or gain stage before on a SLO and 6505+ has that low end chug and rolled off highs that other vacuum tubes lack. On a clean channel it sounds flat, uncolored and works well with fx.
I am a believer in different amps for different things. If your amp has a lot of negative feedback in the power amp section this JJ-ECC83 tube should be able to help you dial in a tight, metal tone easily.
JJ ECC83-S / 12AX7 | Matchless HC-30: Excellent Phase Inverter
by Jordan
This JJ-ECC83S preamp tube ships stock with Matchless HC-30's or at least it did in 2017. I purchased a brand new DC-30 (Head) in 2017. I have experimented with other tubes in this position (see list below):
- Tubestore Prefered Series 12AX7
- Tubestore Preferred Series 7025 (no longer available)
- Mullard CV4004
- Svetlana
None of these tubes sound as good as this tube in the Phase Inverter in my opinion. And while this might be a tube position that doesn't get talked about a lot; in the Matchless it definitely contributes to the amp having a slightly softer but very full and round bottom end compared to the other tubes tried which seem to make the amp too stiff and with a harsher "edge of breakup" grit.
JJ ECC83-S / 12AX7 | Best value
by Dean
Best value, smooth response, great for high gain, JJ-ECC83S is a very long lasting tube.
JJ ECC83-S / 12AX7 | My go to preamp tube.
by Billy Meech
My go to 12AX7 preamp tube. JJ-ECC83S is always consistent always sound great in my JMC 800 2203X. Clean or dirty always right.
JJ ECC83-S / 12AX7 | Mediocre and FIZZY
by Ken U
Rugged and durable but mediocre sound quality. Many say the JJ-ECC83S sound dark, but my experience is that they have a harsh and particularly fizzy character when driven into distortion. In a Marshall, this results in a persistent fizz on top of notes that cannot be dialed out. In a clean Fender amp, they sound ok until pushed hard, then they break up harshly with a grating "bark". I have found these characteristics remain true whether they're placed in the first stage, or the tone stage/cathode follower. Interestingly, I do really like the JJ in the PI position, better than the Sovtek LPS in fact, which seemed too aggressive in the upper midrange when used as PI.