“I know I will regret this review because these wonderful pre-amp tubes will be scooped up. I cannot believe the improved sound I am experiencing with the change of the stock JJ 12AU7 tube with the Brimars on my Rogue Sphinx amplifier. I am using Uni-Fi slim towers for my speakers with a SVS PB1000 sub and a Musical Fidelity turntable with a Hana SH cartridge. Expanded soundstage, improved resolution (instruments and vocals in distinct locations in the listening room) and an overall improved realism in the music. I honestly believe this was a 50% minimum improvement in the overall sound of the system. Thank you Kevin and Upscale Audio.”

2 Helpful Report

Posted 6 years ago

“I know firsthand why they offer a CJ grade for some tubes. Conrad Johnson pre-amps are brutal on tubes. It's just a fact. I purchased this unit back in the early 90's, and it has never sounded better. Full mid-range, extended soundstage, tight bass, vocals in total balance, bright highs without a trace of shrillness... What's not to like? I'm going to buy another set so I have them when I need them.”

Helpful Report

Posted 6 years ago

“Review update - August 11, 2018. Replaced my Telefunken NOS tubes with Brimar 12AU7. After just 50 hours of use these tubes are truly the cat's ass! I am using two of these tubes in my Dialogue Premium HP integrated amp in the preamp section -- slots 3 & 4. Very detailed and specific placement of instruments in the soundstage. The voice in center is just a bit forward but I like this distinction. McCartney's RAM is a favorite LP. I played the DCC gold CD (not available on vinyl) and I am hearing instruments that I have never heard before. Indeed, EVERY LP or audiophile CD / SACD that I have played since plugging in these Brimar tubes has sounded much more interesting and dynamic. I now have a whole new LP and CD/SACD collection. Buy these tubes!”

4 Helpful Report

Posted 6 years ago

“I have been using NOS Telefunken in my Dialogue HP integrated with KT 150s for a few years. I use Volent VL-2 speakers. Sound was terrific. I heard that the Brimar sounded a bit more analogue but not fat or syrupy. Good news! The Brimar added more realism to vocals (Sinatra and Orbison) and really brought out an earthyness to female vocals. I added two of these tubes in the input stage (tube slots 3 & 4 in the Dialogue integrated) and kept my NOS Telefunken in slots 1, 2, 5, 6. The Brimar can be a bit top heavy and sometimes bring a sibilant quality to female jazz vocalists (Holy Cole "Don't Smoke in Bed) but not so much to distract from the rest of the soundscape. I am hearing many more instruments and much greater instrument placement in the sound stage. The Brimar is a very welcome difference to the Telefunken. Better? Just different. I recommend them -- especially at the $80.00 (each) price point.”

Helpful Report

Posted 6 years ago

“Different sound than the great Mullard 12au7 that a lot put in the center slot of Rogue Cronus Magnum II. The Brimar adds more air and a sense of clarity versus the more lush Mullard. Clear but yet sweet in the mids. Large and open sounding. Highly recommended for anyone wanting to try something different in a CM II. Not bright just the right amount of detail.”

1 Helpful Report

Posted 6 years ago

“I have a Primaluna Premium Dialogue HP and had previously upgraded the otherwise very good stock tubes with KT 120’s and Mullard 12AU7’s to get more power but also a smoother midrange for my Apogee Stages. Interestingly the KT 120’s provided significantly more apparent dynamic range and at the same measured output as my substantially more powerful Krell. I listened to that combination for at least 200 hrs to become familiar with well broken in tubes. Virtually everything from top to bottom was better with that upgrade and I was ready to happily live with it for years. But because of Kevin’s observations about the Brimars I couldn’t resist and I decided to replace the two center preamp Mullards with two Brimars. Now that was a revelation. The midrange was, to my ears, slightly more forward but not in any way harsh or strident and the bass and treble more extended. The bass was also considerably more visceral. Detail was improved especially in the highest and the lower frequencies. Also the apparent dynamic range again increased to where it could be startling. All these elements continued to improve over the next 500+ hours. I replaced the Brimars with the Mullards the other day. Suffice to say the Brimars went back in after an extended listening with the Mullards and will remain there. They’re really that good. Thanks Kevin. These tubes really are something special, at least for my system. I would never have guessed.”

Helpful Report

Posted 6 years ago

“I just got this last week. Been trying out different center preamp tubes in my VTA ST120 amp (in ultralinear so far). The sound is beautiful. It's warm but not overly so. I'm trying this out with a few other NOS tubes and with this one, the highs are clear and light without being bright or shrill. I feel like I can hear all the instruments in the studio. Vocals are there and up front. Mid bass is wonderful and can be felt as well as heard. Not boomy, just musical. Much more listening to come. I won't be returning this, btw. Maybe I said too much...?”

Helpful Report

Posted 6 years ago

Chuck Lawrence

Unverified Reviewer

“I have been using the stock PL tubes in my PrimaLuna Dialogue Premium HP integrated since I purchased it back in November 2017. I really have not had any complaints on the PL tubes but I really wanted to try some NOS tubes to see what all the fuss was about. I talked a few times with the great staff at Upscale Audio and ultimately decided to try out a couple Brimar's in the front two slots of the PrimaLuna integrated. I didn't do any critical listening for the first 50 hrs., but right out of the box I knew I was in for something special. The very first thing I noticed was that these tubes changed the tonal character of the amp in a good way. They sound more natural without having rolled off high's. Bass is punchy and the mid's are beautiful. After 50 hrs or so, the sound has gotten even better. Well worth the $$, no glare at all in the upper mid's. Cymbals have a very realistic sound. The originals were not bad, by any means, but the Brimar's take it to the next level........great upgrade!”

Helpful Report

Posted 6 years ago

Brimar CV4003 / 12AU7 Platinum Grade / No Cryo Reviews