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

4.6 Rating 83 Reviews

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909.931.9686

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2058 Wright Avenue,
2058 Wright Avenue
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“Upscale Audio has provided me with outstanding service for the past 25 years or so. Delivery and accuracy is second to none. Their tubes work. Upscale Audio is my first stop for tubes. Mr Kevin Deal and his staff are are truly outstanding and trust me I know. Prices are higher and after you received your tubes and play them, you say " Now I understand that price" Thank you Upscale.”

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Posted 6 years ago

“As others have mentioned, these tubes have a bit more top end to them -- perfect for my LCD-3 headphones which have some treble roll-off. I'm just getting in to tubes and have only tried the stock tubes that came with my Schiit Mjolnir 2 and JJ Gold Pin tubes (the latter worked well with my Grado HF2 but not the Audeze LCD-3). These National PCC88/7DJ8 tubes are really wonderful, not lacking in top or bottom end and nice, rich mids. Also wanted to also give a shout out to Jared who was extremely helpful and answered all the questions I had. Great tubes backed by great customer service. Really can't go wrong!”

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Posted 6 years ago

“Someone on Audiogon recommended these and so I picked up 6 platinum grades about 6 months ago for my preamp. At first I found them a touch bright but after about 25-30 hours that brightness went away leaving a clear detailed well balanced sound. These have been a godsend to me as I said my preamp takes six, plus I listen a ton. A really fantastic value relative to what's out there on the market kudos Upscale. Great customer service btw, my preamp is a custom job and got an email shortly after my order just making sure these tubes would work with my gear. I cannot recommend these guys enough and a really excellent preamp tube!”

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Posted 7 years ago

“I'm using a pair of these in a Schiit Mjolnir 2 headphone amp. I'm driving a pair of Grado GS2000e's. All I can say is "Wow". Everything is so clear without being bright. Excellent detail and bass. My phones never sounded this good. I got a pair of Telefunken ECC88's, too, but I am not anxious to replace these National's at all. VERY highly recommended!”

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Posted 7 years ago

“Gorgeous and liquid. Much better than the Sovtek”

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Posted 8 years ago

“I am using them in a DIY balanced phono preamp called the Equal Opportunity MM. It's really a first rate design, but not something other people may be able to relate to. Still, difference in tubes should be similar across equipment. Comparing them to the Tungsram PCC88, I like the Matsushita better. The Matsu's have plenty of detail but give a smoother, more natural presentation. The Tungsram seem a little dry and thin sounding by comparison. I would say that the Matsu's are neutral but relaxed sounding.”

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Posted 8 years ago

“Uncle Kevin hit these right on the head. For the price and the sound they are great also. Sometimes when one buys the more expensive ones like any thing else that does not mean they are better. These are very nice tubes and super quiet in my gear. Give them a try. Uncle Kev knows his stuff and stands behind his word. Thanks!”

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Posted 8 years ago

“Looks like I can't update a previous review, but it appears just below. I sold these tubes to a local friend with the identical preamp with at least as good other components. Though his ears are as good, his sonic preferences are known different from mine, and he LOVES these tubes, seemingly for all the reasons I didn't. He's using one pair to complement his Tungsrams (that I have always put at the top of the tube food chain) and Golden Dragons. So even though my assessment remains, it clearly goes to show that YMMV...”

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Posted 8 years ago