Mullard CV4004 / 12AX7 - Price of NOS 12AX7s got you down? This new re-issue of the famous Mullard CV4004 made in Russia is the answer to your woes! This is a short plate version of New Sensor's excellent Mullard 12AX7. Very low noise and microphony make this tube an excellent candidate for many touchy preamps and phonostage applications. By all reports, these are even quieter than the long plates, so if you have a difficult circuit, this tube may be your solution.
Like it's long plate brother, the CV4004 has a smooth midrange. Some folks have reported them to be a smidge relaxed on top. If you want something with a little more lively presentation, try the new production Tung-Sol 12AX7.
A quick note on this tube: The filaments on these tubes are almost completely encased in the plate structure. So if you don't see them glowing as bright as some of your other 12AX7s... don't sweat it. It's normal for this tube.
This tube tested extremely low in noise and microphonics across the board, so we do not have any Driver Grade.
