“Just replaced the NOS Amperex 7308s in my PS Audio BHK preamp with these magical Cifte 12AU7s. HOLY SHIT. Have not experienced sounds quite this perfect in my quite revealing system. Electrostatic speakers are not very forgiving when it comes to source material and front end electronics, but when it's right wow.”

1 Helpful Report

Posted 5 years ago

Mike Gutheridge

Unverified Reviewer

“I bought 3 platinum pairs of these around 3 years ago for my Primaluna Dialogue Premium pre-amp. Lucky me! 1 pair in the front 2 slots followed by a pair of Brimar CV4003 platinum grade in the middle slots, bought 2 pair same time ago.Lucky me, bummer for those who did not,as there are no more.Stock PL silver tubes in the back 2 slots. WOW, this combination has given me the best sound from this pre-amp i have ever heard. Natural, clean, clear authority across the board,at least to my subjective ears. Rectifiers are stock PL silver 5AR4's. Driving my PL Dialogue Premium HP amp with Tungsol KT120 power tubes, 1 pair Tungsol 6189 tubes in front slots, PL stock silver tubes in all 4 other slots. ALL bought from upscale. Driving a pair of Focal Aria 926's with Marantz SA8005 sacd player. I've heard MANY systems costing MUCH more that can't touch this combination, sound & price wise. My point being , all this gear is fantastic, but the Cifte's in that particular slot is incredible, not to mention the Brimar's in their slots. Kevin ain't B.S.ing when he tells you what sounds like what.Great advice. Get the other NOS tubes before they too are gone! Highly recommended. Mike”

Helpful Report

Posted 5 years ago

Joe Savoia Jr.

Unverified Reviewer

“Just recently I watched Kevins Video on Youtube : discussing his AMAZING find; the Mazada 12AU7 (Cifte) Tubes from the 50,s!! He explained what type of sound they dispurse ! I said OK, I will give them a Try, Installing them in my PrimaLuna Classic CD Player. Within minutes after warm up Kat Edmundson was in my Audio room front & center. Over all sound stage was increase the highs, lows, mids, were very detailed with a 3D projection. These tubes are worth the investment. They will change your system for sure!! Thanks Again Upscale Audio; Especially many Thanks to (Kevin& Jared) Both of you made my Holidays Special, Joe”

Helpful Report

Posted 7 years ago

“I sent the team at Upscale a request asking what Tubes to get for my Rogue Hydra with a desire to add more sparkle to the highs. They recommended these little gems. Spectacular soundstage. Wonderful imaging and absolutely added the sparkle I was looking for. The descriptor of an almost 3D Tube is spot on. Couldn't be happier.”

Helpful Report

Posted 7 years ago

“I've really enjoyed the Cifte tubes. Kevin is right--the extra air on top is seductive. I found they were a touch sibilant and not well rounded across the spectrum in the first 10-15 hours, yet they settled in nicely north of that amount of time. The Ciftes really opened my ears to rolling in preamp tubes in my Primaluna Dialogue Premium HP integrated. I'm curious to see if the Ciftes become an all-time favorite for me. One thing I do know is that they pushed me to explore many new and NOS tubes because they made me realize my system was a bit on the dark or left of neutral side of things. So, I am going to use tube rolling as a tone control and have no guilt about it!”

Helpful Report

Posted 7 years ago

“Just added two of these jewels in my Primaluna Dialog premium HP. The best way to describe these tubes is that thy act like a corkscrew, they "open" the sound, offering better top and midrange. They are so good that should be standard. Thanks Kevin.”

Helpful Report

Posted 8 years ago

“I can only relate my experience with this PrimaLuna Dialogue Premium PreAmplifier fronting for a McIntosh solid state power amplifier pair of Martin Logan ESL speakers and a Martin Logan sub… This combination, in my listening space of 13 by 18 feet, creates an incredibly realistic soundscape. This Preamplifier, as it comes with the "stock" PrimaLuna tubes, is unbelievably beautiful and open within a few hours of run in time… Rolling in two 12AU7 1962 vintage Cifte tubes sitting in the drivers seat (first gain stage), four 12AU7 Genalex Gold Lions in the second gain stage and cathode follower output stage and two Genalex Gold Lions 5AR4 rectifier tubes, has my system sounding unbelievably lush and rich with amazing extension, edge, air and sparkle. An enigma wrapped in a paradox perhaps… This PrimaLuna Preamplifier brings such a dynamic, organic, open and holographic soundscape, I often feel totally enveloped in an original performance… I find myself looking around the room in disbelief wondering if I am sitting just a few feet from the performance or if I am actually on stage surrounded by the various band members… I am totally blown away!!! From AC/DC to ZZ Top, this preamplifier brings it all to life... Thank you Kevin and PrimaLuna for bringing such an incredible piece of artisanship to life. ddude - a digital dude trapped in an analogue body”

Helpful Report

Posted 8 years ago

Gregory Hecathorn

Unverified Reviewer

“I love this tube, I have a pair in my amp, they just bring everything together so nicely. the last tiny bit of buff and polish. I recommend them, I think you'll like them.”

Helpful Report

Posted 8 years ago

Cifte 12AU7 Gold Grade / No Cryo Reviews