Matsushita / National PCC88 / 7DJ8 Gold Grade / No Cryo Reviews

4.6 Rating 83 Reviews

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Richard Levy

Verified Reviewer

“Wasn't sure at first, but this tube became more open and balanced after a relatively short break-in. Excellent detail, balanced tone, and depth accompanied its deep and wide sound stage. It lives up to its reputation of not sounding hyped at either end, solid clear and well defined bass and open "live" high end. Listened mainly with Schiit headphone amp and Grado 1000s open back, and a few closed back headphones. It's greatest asset warm yet detailed, "live" yet not overtly bright. Full Drum kits convincing including symbols (when well recorded), strings have natural resin and body, winds reedy, trumpets open but not pinched, voices the same, grand pianos have appropriate clarity and weight. Would I buy another? Yes, while still planing to experiment with some other tubes, I've already decided to buy more of this particular tube. Very happy with it.”

Helpful Report

Posted 3 years ago

“I have used these in my AI Modulus 3A since I first saw them on Kevin's site years ago. They image well, have a palpable presence and great extension on both ends. They last 2+ years and I never turn the preamp off unless leaving for more than a weekend. But I have never had the "tube eating" problem with my AI which I have used daily since 2000 either regardless of tubes used. No microphonic noise either.”

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Posted 3 years ago

“Oh my god this tube made my little Schiit Vali come alive! I had a Gold Lion 6922 in there before and it was nice, but was a bit bloomy and sloppy. When I put this tube in, everything tightened up, but did not become clinical. It just became more exciting. I love my cheap and cheerful setup now!”

1 Helpful Report

Posted 3 years ago

Willard Worcester

Verified Reviewer

“Sound just like it was described. Am very happy with the purchase.”

Helpful Report

Posted 4 years ago

“These tubes greatly enhanced my phono stage. Enjoying vinyl more than ever. Great, affordable upgrade!”

Helpful Report

Posted 4 years ago

Steven Swartz

Verified Reviewer

“Excellent.... they work great!”

Helpful Report

Posted 4 years ago

“I bought a pair of these for my headphone amp. I've never tube rolled before but after all the posts in various audio forums saying stuff like "you'll never know how good your music can sound unless you put old tubes in it." So, not really knowing what I was doing, I picked up a set of these tubes and plugged them in. I put a playlist on repeat and let them play over night. When I gave them a listen, I was blown away. The sound was so different, but in a good way. I finally understand what people talk about when they say "holographic". It was very easy to close my eyes and imagine I was at a real performance with depth, width and height. I never much liked live music much because the crowd noise sounded terrible and made the music unlistenable. But I put one on anyway and what was once just a garbled mess of voices resolved into individual people and I felt like I was in a live audience. This got me wondering so I started digging deep into my collection, really deep, and pulled out Frampton Comes Alive. I'm floored. just floored. So now I'm pulling out stuff I haven't listened to in 20 or 30 years and am having a blast! It's hard to imagine how things could get much better, but I've got the itch to sample some more of Up Scale Audios tube offerings. This is the most fun I've had in this nursing home in 8 years.”

Helpful Report

Posted 4 years ago

“Made midrange more organic, highs refined, but bass is a little soft. It’s not a deal breaker. Overall, I love the sound, I’m enjoying it.”

Helpful Report

Posted 4 years ago