RCA 12AX7's (Plate Options)
$80.00 - $200.00
RCA 12AX7 Collection
Over the years, RCA has offered a variety of different types of 12AX7's (black plates, long grey plates, short grey plates, etc.) and each 12AX7 type has their own strengths, weaknesses, and tonal qualities.
Here are a few rules to remember:
- Shorter plates are less noisy (on average)
- Longer plates are tonally more complex i.e. more "depth/fullness" (on average)
- Reach out to a Fuzz expert if you would like more help determining what tubes are best for you! We can be reached at Support@FuzzAudio.com or by clicking the chat icon in the lower right hand corner of your screen.
RCA 12AX7 Black Plate
The RCA black plate 12AX7 is 1 of 2 long plate 12AX7 variations manufactured by RCA and is the oldest RCA 12AX7 we offer.
Manufactured roughly between 1950-1959, these tubes would be found stock in classic 1950's Fender Tweed Amplifiers, along with many amplifiers made in the 50's. They are THE best option for restoring American 1950's amps back to former glory or enhancing the sound of a clone!
Two Notable amps that originally used RCA Black Plate 12AX7's:
-
Fender Champ
- Teletronix LA-2A
Black plate tubes flourish in smaller amplifiers (typically one speaker) but are excellent for most applications. They have the least amount of headroom (breakup sooner) amongst the RCA 12AX7 types and come with a HUGE bottom end. They are super warm and are a great option to get rid of some "shrill" in any amplifier.
The RCA 12AX7 black plates' distorted sound is legendary, with lows, mids, and highs all staying more defined than any other tube. If you like fuzz, or play heavy rock and roll- the black plate is for you.
That being said, black plates can be a tad noisy and if you are trying to avoid noise, these may not be a great choice. Likewise, if you play clean.. these should not be considered as they reduce headroom (breakup sooner) and again, can be noisy.
Best tubes for one speaker amps hands down.
RCA 7025 (Short Plate)
In many ways, the RCA 7025 is the opposite of the black plate. It has grey short plates, it is quiet, comes with more headroom, the most recent of RCA tubes made and can be less 3 dimensional in tone. Keep in mind that all RCA 12AX7 variants are tonally exceptional- yet few tubes are as warm as US long plate tubes...
Rumor is that the 7025 was invented/manufactured to reduce noise in larger guitar amplifiers, and could be found stock in fender amplifiers throughout the 60's. It is the most recent of the RCA tubes manufactured, along with the 12AX7A/ECC83. They are exceptional in Twin Reverbs, any blackface Fender amp, or any application where noise is undesired.
RCA 12AX7 (Long Grey Plate)
Found stock in Fender, Silvertone, Gibson and so many more classic amplifiers of the late 50's and early 60's, the long grey plate has been heard a million times on all your favorite albums from the 60s and 70s.
The RCA long grey plate 12AX7 will be less noisy than the black plate but more noisy than the 7025 or 12AX7A (long plates=more noise but better tone). Like the black plate, the long grey plate breaks up sooner and has amazing breakup and clean tone.
Believe it or not, at Fuzz Audio, we consider this tube the best overall RCA 12AX7 tube if a little noise does not bother you and you like to play clean and dirtay evenly. Compared to the black plate, the long grey plate will have better cleans and less noise. Again, if your amplifier is larger and noise is an issue.. you should consider another type over this one.
RCA 12AX7A (Short Plate)
Can't wait to get push back from what we are about to say.. but 7025 and 12AX7A are for all into intensive purposes the same.... queue angry mob!
Although, maybe slightly more noisy, the 12AX7A/ECC83 is a fantastic all around tube that is extremely quiet and great tonally.
Need help deciding what tubes are best for you?
Use our plate cheat sheet and vacuum tube buyers guide to determine which tubes are best for you. Likewise, you are welcome to reach out to us directly at Support@FuzzAudio.com or by using our chat located on our shop page if you have further questions.
NOS vs. ANOS vs. Test NOS
These designations are strictly used to describe the cosmetic condition of our tubes. All tubes we sell test identically, come with 100% life and are guaranteed to work in your device!
If you are picky about owning an original box or wanting a specific logo please reach out to us before purchasing.
- NOS (New Old Stock) Tubes- are 100% brand new vintage tubes in mint cosmetic condition with show zero signs of use. You should expect a legible logo and clean straight pins. An original box is not guaranteed.
- ANOS Tubes- otherwise known as “almost new old stock” tubes are basically new, but may show slight signs of use in cosmetic condition, such as a missing logo or slightly bent pins. An original box is possible but unlikely.
- Test NOS Tubes- are used but still operating to specification with 100% life. These tubes are equal in function to NOS valves, yet they cost considerably less because they have cosmetic blemishes. If you plan to disappear your tubes into the back of an amplifier or do not care what the tubes look like, then this is cost effective choice. Blemishes and cosmetic imperfections do not affect tone…
Logos: Vintage tubes have a wide variety of logos printed on them. It is not uncommon to see a Mullard made tube with an RCA or GE logo, or a GE made tube with a Mullard logo. Your tube may come with a logo such are Heath Kit, Baldwin, Fisher, Hammond, Magnavox, Fender, Gibson, Silvertone, etc. but the true manufacturer of that tube will be correct to your order. If you are looking for a specific logo please reach out before purchase.
Testing Standards
Testing Standards
At Fuzz Audio:
- We match all tubes for free!
- All vintage tubes are guaranteed for one year.
- All tubes are tested on a calibrated Hickok 539C, Amplitrex, Maxi-Matcher, or other industry standard tube analyzers.
- Preamp tubes are matched by gain and mutual conductance (Gm)
- Power tubes matched by mA and Gm
- All tubes tested for microphonics and are guaranteed to work in your application.
- If you require SUPER LOW noise tubes, please reach out. We will most likely meet your requirements for free.
- Do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns, we are here for you.
We guarantee NOS test scores, clean pins, tight matches, and ultimately that they work in your application or YOUR MONEY BACK!
Tubes in photos represent the tube you will receive. Getter construction or logo may differ. Logo may be partially missing or cleaned off. You may or may not receive a box. Tube type, manufacture, and NOS test quality will NOT change. If logos and original boxes are a deal breaker- please reach out before purchase we are always happy to accommodate.
Shipping details
1. General
Subject to stock availability. We try to maintain accurate stock counts on our
website but from time-to-time there may be a stock discrepancy and we will not
be able to fulfill all your items at time of purchase. In this instance, we will
fulfill the available products to you, and contact you about whether you would
prefer to await restocking of the backordered item or if you would prefer for us
to process a refund.
2. Shipping Costs
Shipping costs are calculated during checkout based on weight, dimensions and
destination of the items in the order. Payment for shipping will be collected
with the purchase.
This price will be the final price for shipping cost to the customer.
3. Returns
3.1 Return Due To Change Of Mind
Fuzz Audio will happily accept returns due to change of mind as long as a
request to return is received by us within 30 days of receipt of item and are
returned to us in original packaging, unused and in resellable condition.
Return shipping will be paid at the customers expense and will be required to
arrange their own shipping.
Once returns are received and accepted, refunds will be processed to store
credit for a future purchase. We will notify you once this has been completed
through email.
(Fuzz Audio) will refund the value of the goods returned but will NOT refund the
value of any shipping paid.
3.2 Warranty Returns
Fuzz Audio will happily honor any valid warranty claims, provided a claim is
submitted within 90 days of receipt of items.
Customers will be required to pre-pay the return shipping, however we will
reimburse you upon successful warranty claim.
Upon return receipt of items for warranty claim, you can expect Fuzz Audio to
process your warranty claim within 7 days.
Once warranty claim is confirmed, you will receive the choice of:
(a) refund to your payment method
(b) a refund in store credit
(c) a replacement item sent to you (if stock is available)
4. Delivery Terms
4.1 Transit Time Domestically
In general, domestic shipments are in transit for 2 - 10 days. We ship packages Tuesday-Thursday so plan accordingly.
4.2 Transit time Internationally
Generally, orders shipped internationally are in transit for 4 - 22 days. This
varies greatly depending on the courier you have selected. We are able to offer
a more specific estimate when you are choosing your courier at checkout.