Brimar CV4003 / 12AU7 Platinum Grade / No Cryo Reviews

4.9 Rating 147 Reviews

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Phone:

909.931.9686

Email:

joel.m@upscaleaudio.com

Location:

2058 Wright Avenue,
2058 Wright Avenue
California
91750

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“I’ve tried the PrimaLuna ‘s, Tung-Sol’s, Gold Lion’s, the mighty Mullard’s, and now the Brimar’s. My two favorites are the Mullard’s and Brimar’s. The Mullard’s are truly glorious, especially in the midrange, but the Brimar’s are slightly better balanced. The Brimar’s have the best combination of detail, balance, and are the least fatiguing of all. The Mullard’s, which are also listenable for long periods without listener fatigue, have the best midrange, but the Brimar’s aren’t far behind. Both have outstanding strengths with no real sonic flaws. I️”

Helpful Report

Posted 7 years ago

“I’ve been swapping between these and some mullard’s. These are awesome tubes in the sphinx. Quiet. Holographic. Nice range. I’m now saving the mullard’s for backups.”

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Posted 7 years ago

“Been through so many 12AU7's, I'll cut right to the chase this, thiis the most natural sounding tube I've ever heard!!! Some tubes add this or take that away, but this tube just makes everything sound sound they way it should!!! Best of the best in my Triode TRX-M845 amps and PrimaLuna Dialogue Pre!!!”

Helpful Report

Posted 7 years ago

“When I was told how good these are, I decided to get a pair to test it out on my Primaluna Dialogue Premium HP Integrated. I had recently also switched from EL34s to KT120s which gave the Primaluna more pop and better bass/weight. I replaced the center two stock 12AU7s (which I believe are the gain tubes) and heard immediate gain on detail. There seemed to be more sparkle on instruments such as piano and strings and the sound was overall brighter and welcoming on some duller recordings especially playing at lower volume. I then purchased four more of these to complete the setup. Once they were in place, the brightness and airiness had proven to be perhaps too much of a good thing. The overall balance of my system was too bright and lighter and overall - something I have been trying hard to avoid. I have taken them out for now and gone back to the stock Primaluna 12AU7s and found them to have overall more realistic balance without the exaggerated brightness across the spectrum.”

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Posted 7 years ago

“I plan on getting a Prima Luna Dialogue but while I save up I wanted to see if I could improve the midrange on my Rogue which I find to be shallow in depth and frankly...a little rough. Rough? Maybe it's a grain. I spent a lot of money trying to improve this amp and this tube did the best job. It helped by making the midrange livable without killing top end response. It helped a lot but no matter what the amp has issues I can't live with. The good news is the Prima Luna uses 12AU7's too so when I get one I will have some tubes to play with! I like the Brimars better than any other tube I've tried.”

Helpful Report

Posted 7 years ago

“This is by far the best 12AU7 I have tried...period! Liquid mid range like Mullard, but deep extended bass and highs as well. Just a rockstar of a tube. Kevin is exactly right in his description. I have compared these with: Siemens E82CC RCA Cleartops Radiotechnique 6189 Ken-Rad 12AU7 CBS-Hytron 5814a This tube rocks them all--I might have to pick up a few more pairs just to stock up for the future. I currently have them in the 12AU7 row of my Raven Audio Osprey and they put the sound of this killer amp over the top. I would love it if someday Kevin picked up some Brimar 12AX7 or 12AT7 yellow T's as I'd love to give those a try. But, definitely get these if you can!”

Helpful Report

Posted 7 years ago

“I rolled a set of platinum level Brimar 12AU7s into my Primaluna Prologue Premium to replace the stock tubes. The immediate impression is how quite these tubes are. After only 50hrs of burn-in they sound wonderful. I can hardly wait to here them fully burned-in. Bass now has authority and control. The highs have just the right sparkle without a hint of harshness. The mid-range is rich and warm. With time it can only get better! The best $300 I have spent upgrading yet!”

Helpful Report

Posted 7 years ago

“I collect tubes and have examples of most every 12AU7 made over history. Mazda, Siemens, Telefunken, Amperex, Mullard, Radiotechnique, you name it. The two favorites for my ears are Mullard and Brimar, but Brimar has a edge as I get the incredible midrange I crave but no loss of air. They are also VERY quiet and never fail to please. I only wish Uncle Kevvy had some Brimar 12AX7 for me to scoop up too (How 'bout it Kevin? Do me a favor!). Also I should note that other tubes dealers selling Mullard, Tele, Siemens, etc are selling "used - tested" tubes. Upscale is the only place left with actual stock of true new-old-stock tubes. Even if I paid twice the price that makes it worth it to me as "used-tested" tubes were pulled out of a piece of gear at some point for being "worn". I have had some tubes from "other suspects" that have failed pretty quick and tested weak. If you are new to tubes some of these other guys with fancy websites are pretty shady. Sometimes.”

1 Helpful Report

Posted 8 years ago