GE 12AU7 / 6189W
“In addition to excellent definition, the GE 6189 tubes were the quietest 12AU7 types in the world. Nothing I had in stock, currently produced or NOS, was as stunningly quiet as the GE. It was not even close. With the quiet came added definition, layering, blacker background, and greater realism.”
— ROBERT H. LEVI, POSITIVE FEEDBACK, DECEMBER 2020
Helically-wound filaments baby! This special military-spec 12AU7, when selected by ear by the Upscale Audio crew, can in some circumstances (but not all) drop the noise floor; blacker blacks make for better detail and musicality from top to bottom. Bob Levi from Positive Feedback Online was shocked by the results!
Platinum grade - The best of the best. Lowest noise and microphony with the tightest triode balance we have available. This is typically 10% or tighter, but may be higher depending on available stock. Kevin's Stash are the handful of tubes in this grade that test to near perfection.
Gold grade - Low noise and microphonics with a triode balance typically between 15% and 20%, but may be higher depending on available stock.
Click here for a more in depth discussion on how we grade tubes.
Price includes matching in any quantity you need at no extra charge.
PLEASE NOTE: Platinum and Gold grades make up a small percentage of the stock once they go through all our tests, including testing by ear. If you are a reseller, we have a large quantity of these to offer, which are great tubes but do not meet our standards. They are available in packs of 100. Please inquire.
