Northern Electric 12AU7

I am not an audiophile or tube expert. But I love experimenting and thought, why not try a tube rolling. I ordered this pair and replaced the stock JJ ECC802s (not gold) ones in the new Sphinx v2. Even my "un-trained" ears can sense a difference and improvement in sound. It is more natural but packed with strength now. Imaging is improved and the air between vocals and instruments are much more lively. I would recommend these, though I have no comparison with any other tubes than the OEM ones I replaced.

For my headphone amplifier I already tested some tubes. The best are the "Holy-Grail" NOS SIEMENS 12AU7/ECC82 long plates. Disadvantage: very expensive, and it's a matter of luck what you get. The worst ones were the JJ-Gold, they sounds like a gramophone. The PSVANE 12AU7-TII are among the best, super low bass, airy highs, very natural mids. The EH Gold are somewhere in between; Genalex Gold Lion and BTB-4SA Performance are also somewhere in between, but at the top. The SIEMENS have a slightly better kick bass compared to the PSVANE. Then I tested the Northern Electric. Wow!!! Sounds pretty much the same as the SIEMENS!!!! Northern Electric are identical to Sophia Electric, but much cheaper. Northern Electric / Sophia Electric and PSVANE are the only 12AU7 tubes that have a shielding plate between the systems! Whether Northern Electric or PSVANE, that's a matter of taste. The PSVANE sounds a little bit softer, perhaps better suited for vintage music.

Very nice improvement over the stock 12AU7 that came with my Bottlehead Crack (with SB). After a short break-in I noticed improved clarity in all frequencies, clean and better imaging and a more natural instrument timbre. This seems to be a very good, intermediate-price, 12AU7. I like the fact it is Canadian

I replaced a pair of TAD tubes with a matched set of these in my Conrad Johnson PV-10A preamp. I was debating between these and the Genelex Gold Lions but I read a review of how these were way better so I went for it. The first thing I noticed was how "fast" the Northern Electric sounded. Tracks I was so familiar with had more rhythm and flow. Next thing I noticed was how I could now pick out all the lyrics of my favorite songs so easily so details are there but very smooth. I then noticed how the tone of all the instruments sounded very real (former band member here). Soundstage width and depth improved.This is a very quiet high quality tube as you can see from the build and packaging. The best compliment I can give it is that it is just musical. I just sit back and enjoy the music instead of thinking how I can improve the sound. Perfect for my Conrad Johnson PV-10A. Best 12AU7 tube I have ever encountered.

I have been tube rolling my Sunvalley SV-EQ1616D and its very interesting indeed. I had not realized that the V3 socket, a phase inverter, had so much affect on the sound.

It seems to rule the stereo stage and affects the tone as well. I got a Bimar 12AU7 with the tube set I bought. I was eventually unsatisfied and dropped in my British Gold Pin Mullard 6201 and it both did a better stage and sounded better. Then I tried my Brimar Yellow Triangle T 6060 12AT7 and it too was very nice.

Got my Northern Electric 12AU7 a day or so ago. Stuffed it in and really the best I have heard in that socket. The sound stage is just superior. Very well laid out and even across the stage. The tone may not quite be up to my grail level tubes, but damn, it is brand new. I look forward to it developing its tonal signature as it burns in a bit.

Looking forward to my matched pair of Northern Electric 12AX7s which are on the way and so far I'm very impressed with the brand.