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ECC82 NOS TUBES
(Last updated: 27-Nov-2023 15:12 )

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The NOS Supply Situation with ECC82 (12AU7) is not as good as with the ECC81. We have seen some quantities pop up from military stocks, apparently sold via the back door, but that is about it. 20 years ago, there was the "last time buy" done by the American Army, in 1986 and 1987. From this stock are most of the NOS tubes that can be found in sealed 100pc master cartons. These are the ones with barcode labels on the tube boxes. ECC82 as such is not found, but it is mostly the upgrade versions like 8514, 5963 and 6189. These are all ECC82/12AU7 with specifications above standard. Additional there was a lot of safety buying in the 1970's 1980's by armies of the former East European countries. These tubes are often RFT, Neuhaus and Tesla that come on the market now. However, don't overestimate the artificial "good supply" of this tube. It comes only from clearing military stock rooms mostly in the east part of Europea, clearing old buildings to get hold of the land. Once these stocks are all cleared (and it seems to be going that way pretty fast) prices for ECC82/12AU7 probably go up. No need to rush things, but on the other hand prices for ECC82 are attractive at the moment, so it is a good moment to buy still. A similar example we had with the 12AX7 (ECC83). in 2008 a reasonable stock of Philips ECG 12AX7 was found, and prices dumped quickly to 10€ for those. Everybody thought that was the new price, due to the new good supply situation. However, these stocks were all gone after two years, and now we are (back) at above 55€ for those. Tendency upwards. This is just one example of many. So if you run across "cheap" 6189WA, which is like ECC802S, you are not looking at cheap stuff at all. You are looking at a tube that was always very expensive, but just some (estimated) 50.000...100.000 pieces were dumped from military warehouses appr. in 2009. Once these are all absorbed, the market remembers the old price, which was allways 45$ some 10 years ago. We had this for C3g and C3m, and TESLA E88CC. C3g was dumped by some big surplus dealers for just a few Euro per 1000, and soon after Ebay prices dropped to 10 Euro. Until that situation was over, and we are back at 50 Euro now again. So no need to repeat more stories like this, they are all identical. Be wise, and buy good NOS when the price is good.

EUROPE
USA
Overview of ECC82 / 12AU7 family
ECC82
12AU7
Generic P/N. Next generation product after 6SL7
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5814
Special Quality ECC82. Different in two points: 1 )Long life. 2) improved grid isolation. These are the pearls.
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12AU7W
or 12AU7WA
Anything with "W" or WA is compliant with normal manufacturer specifications, and ADDITIONAL to military MIL-E-1/3D specifications. So it is no "different" tube, but it is better qualified, and has to pass some extra tests that military require. Test can be: Lifetime, shock resistance, hum. Meaningful test for anyone.
 
JAN TESTED
like:
JAN-12AUW
Much better than only "W" or "WA". Due to lack of understanding, JAN qualification is not so much valued as it should be. For me it is the IDEAL specification for anything that cannot be 100% reliable by default, like tubes. What is done? To be qualified, you must set apart the whole lot, after production. From this lot, you must take a number of samples. (Sample quantity is in the JAN book). Suppose you have 10.000 tubes, then you must take 600 samples. All samples must undergo 1000 hours testing, under MAXIMUM power and MAXIMUM Temperature. So after 1000 hours you have: 9400 unused tubes, 600 used tubes, from which 80 are not good anymore. With the official mathematical method you calculate the reliability of the NOT USED, 9400 tubes, under typical conditions. The formula uses specific factors for each products, that are found by evaluation. These factors are in the JAN handbook. The sample lot (600pcs) must be destroyed afterwards. This method is in use still for solid state devices. The lot gets a number, and the manufacturer keeps all documentation, for possible audits. Conclusion: Don't let stupid amateurs tell you anything else. Take your chance when you can buy these.
very close to ECC802S
5963
Special Quality ECC82. Different in two points: 1)Longer Stand by function 2) balanced tube by default. * With those two points you have basically the same properties as the Telefunken ECC802S. These are the pearls.
Close to ECC802S
6189,
6189W
Special Quality ECC82. Different in five points: 1) Long Life 10k hours. 2) 500G shock. 3) filament isolation will stay "like new" always. 4)failure rate Max 0,15% per 1000hrs 5) tighter tolerances. Since 1...4 cannot be checked when the tube is new, it is matter of trust in the manufacturer. So, ECC802S from top brands are very expensive. Because of point 3) this tube will have lower hum. Because the average user percepts this tube as something military, and not heard of it before, these tubes are still not so expensive today. USA 6189W can be still be found from 1980's production. European ECC802S is very rare. These are the pearls.
ECC802S
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The undisputable top reference. Made by Telefunken and Tesla only.
E82CC
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Low noise, gold pin.
E82CC-SQ
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SQ=Special Quality, selected for low noise. Often with Gold pins. SQ is used by Philips and GE to indicate the tube has something special, and this measurable and specified. (See: 5814, 5963 and 6189)
6211
WARNING * WARNING!! 6211 is NOT an ECC802S as some crooks try to tell you. You better read the datasheet as what they tell you on Ebay. In the datasheet, you will see, 6211 is a switching tubes intended for low plate voltage, typically 100 Volts, and an absolute peak of 200 Volts. Even so 6211 can be used at positive grid voltage, which is needed for the use a switch. Whereas most ECC802S are used on 250 Volts, and are made for negativee grid voltage only.

How these tubes are tested

FAQ Frequently Asked Questions

Attention: This is an export Price List, valid for companies in the European Community with a VAT Identification number, and for companies or private persons outside the European Community. Inside Europe, please ask for a quote, including VAT tax. (Since 2021 we must charge the VAT of the receiving country)

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Qty.
EURO
5814 Philips
~ECC802S
Order nr:
114-022-60

There have been some versions made of ECC82, with special electrical properties.
This version is made for:

1) Long life. 2) Improved grid isolation.

The improved grid isolation requires selection after production. So you just get the better tubes here, with 5814. I recommend this tube when you have noise problems. These are pearls!

NOS

Stock

See normal pricelist
5963 Philips
~ECC802S
Order nr:
114-023-94

This SQ tube resembles ECC8022, but it has special electrical properties.

Read more here

These are the pearls!

NOS

Stock

See
normal
pricelist

6189WA Sylvania
~ECC802S
Order nr:
114-020-87

There have been some versions made of ECC82, with special electrical properties.
This version is made for:


1) Long Life 10k hours. 2) 500G shock. 3) filament isolation will stay "like new" always. 4)failure rate Max 0,15% per 1000hrs. 5) tighter tolerances.

Since 1...4 cannot be checked when the tube is new, it is matter of trust in the manufacturer. So, ECC802S from top brands are very expensive. Because of point 3) this tube will have lower hum.

Color printed tube in original box. Was specially made for USA government only as the most reliable ECC82.

These are pearls!

NOS

Stock

See
normal
pricelist

6189 AMPEREX
~ECC802S
Order Nr:
114-248-46
6189 is the American version which comes close to ECC802S = Long Life (10.000 hours) version of ECC82. Yellow-green original Boxes like new, mint quality tubes. Original orange Amperex print. In mint condition Amperex boxes. Made in USA, Date stamp on the box: Feb. 1977. Pic1 - Pic2 - Pic3 - Pic4.
NOS
5
See
normal
pricelist

ECC802S
TELEFUNKEN <>
Order nr:
114-156-59

THE REAL ONES

This one of the most excellent ECC802S <>Telefunken I ever had. Please note the amazing curves uniformity and truely perfect static and dynamic test data of this lot. For this, just have a look at the original test files here.

Check Test Information here

These tubes come with a complete Amplitrex computer test report. Optical quality is like made yesterday. Fabulous optical and electrical condition. If you were looking for the BEST there is, you just found it.

Two last pairs available. New arrivals of those are not expected any more.

Picture1 - Picture2 - Picture3

WARNING FOR FAKE ECC802S. These are re-branded TFK 6211 with <> bottem. Once re-branded, you can not see the difference, optics is indentical, apart from two tiny details. Easy to see, is the grids of 6211 are on red copper bars, whereas with ECC802S, these are grey wires. The second visible difference is the finer spacing of the grid wire. For this, you need to look inside the inspection hole, from the side, with a watchmakers lense. If you do not know this, you will not see it. I have seen many EBAY tubes like this, it is a terrible, because 6211 is cheap there are many around and you can call it a useless tube for audio. The only thing which drives up prices of 6211, is that sellers blatantly offer it is ECC802S equivalent. Yet ECC802S Telefunken is rarer than gold, and this is not going to get any better. BIG Report about Fake ECC802S here.

NOS

2 pair

Inquire

These are the same as above, but this pair has no <>. They are definitely original. Alone the unbelievable perfect test data shows this, but also the characteristic TFK grey wire connections at the inside. (Because with JJ and Tesla these are red copper instead). Boxes are old and original. Same datecode and Perfect Logo stamp.

Picture1 - Picture2

Test data tube#1 - Test data tube#2

A good alternative is the TESLA ECC802S. Mechanically, the TESLA look the same, just the TESLA has red copper pins at the inside, by which you can always recognise them quickly. (vs TFK which has gray pins at the inside) . See also the next box below here.

NOS 1 pair 550 Euro for the PAIR

enlarge

ECC802S
TESLA
Order nr:
114-200-39
These are secret tip #1. EXTREMELY RARE TUBES. Really as good as Telefunken ECC802S. Yellow-Blue original box like new, mint quality tube. Factory date code. 32. On each tube is a series number, which is also written inside the box, on a control stamp. (Look here). This is not the normal ECC82 construction, these are the famous long plates (18mm). Tube pins are bright, shiny, Rhodium plated. Specifications: 10.000 hours life time, low hum, double isolated filaments, balanced tubes. Precision matching included, packed as pairs. (Note: test values are written on tube boxes with thin pencil, easy to rub off if you want). Precision tested with L3-3 tester at 250V/ -8.5V Ug. (Look here).
NOS
Stock
See
normal
pricelist


ECC82
Mullard, UK. CEI branded.
Order nr: 114-229-37

CEI was a re brander 50 years ago. Their ECC82 were USA made or European made. The ones offered here are by Mullard UK.

Mullard ECC82 is becoming very rare now, and there are many shabby tubes on Ebay, from which can already be seen, they may not be as unused as the seller suggests. Even such are offered above 110 Euro for a pair. (Writing this in 2020).

Click this link for a detailed picture of the anode, for your reference.

NOS
10pcs
See
normal
pricelist
ECC82
Cifte, France.
Ordef code 6
Cifte, France. Original gray box. Special quality tube. Long plate Version. Tests a perfect 11,5 + 11,8mA. Very nice balanced tube.
NOS
1
39,-
ECC82 FWE
Order nr:
114-064-88

"Funkwerk Erfurt" Germany. Very nice quality with yellow printing. We received those in an original factory box, that is inside triple boxed. On the sides it says "Export Quality", and wow.. what a quality this is! These are from July 31, 1957, so more than 50 years old. They test right out of the box at 100% values, each and every one of them.

NOS
Stock
See
normal
pricelist
ECC82 LORENZ
Order Code:
7
Yellow-Blue original box like new, mint quality tube. Long plates and O-Getter. Factory date code. 309.
NOS
1
39,-
ECC82 Philips
Order Code:
1
With a blue star sticker on it, like an old tax sticker. Philips Holland NOS, White Box. AMPLITREX TEST REPORT ADDED
NOS
1
25,-
ECC82 Philips
Order Nr:
114-033-56
Philips, original yellow + blue box
NOS
Stock
See
normal
pricelist
ECC802S / ECC82 5963 . Philips ECG
Order nr:
114-023-94

Philips ECG 5963, NOS. Color printed tube. Original box with date code. 5963 ~ ECC802S. This is a tube with longer "Stand By" allowed, and a balanced tube, so equivalent to ECC802S. Original datasheet available. 5963 and 6189W are fantastic tubes, and at today's pricing the best buy for the money.

Read more here

NOS
Stock
See
normal
pricelist


ECC82/ 12AU7
RAYTHEON
Order nr:
114-065-59

Raytheon USA. From a closed down depot. I have more very good tubes from this vendor. Boxes were all damaged, tubes itself came out like new. We had to re box them, but each tube looks as nice as on the picture, with very nice printing. Pic1 - Pic2
NOS
Stock
See
normal
pricelist

ECC82 RFT
Order nr:
114-050-67

RFT, Germany. Very nice quality with yellow printing. Some Original box, some white box.

NOS
Stock
See
normal
pricelist
ECC82
Telefunken <>
quite air of very good ECC82 TFK <> at the bottem. Same appearance, same printing, but printing is quite fade. For the rest very beautiful tubes. Pins are nice and clean, with very strong test data. AMPLITREX TEST REPORT ADDED Used   100 Euro for the pair
ECC82
Telefunken <>
Order nr:
114-086-05

These are NOS Telefunken ECC82. .Boxes are totally gone, and printing is damaged, or fractions only. However, pins are nice and clean, and they test superb, best as can be. So apart from damaged printing, they are perfect. They do have the TFK <> at the bottem, meaning W-German production, Ulm or Berlin. Test values are magnficent, as can be expected from TFK NOS. Each tube at full 100%, and exactly at specification for all parameters. In fact test values are so beautifull, you hardly find that with ECC82. All tubes are close to 10,5mA for both systems, and can be send as matched pairs at no extra cost. These are all BALANCED tubes, each one of them. (meaning less than 15% difference between the systems in one glass bottle). AMPLITREX TEST REPORT ADDED

NOS
50
See
normal
pricelist

ECC82
TESLA
Order nr:
114-049-39

Original sealed plastic bags, tubes come out like new! Beautiful and very interesting lot. From a military depot in Slovenia. It was stored very clean. The military buying can be recognized from the packaging, and also from the Sword stamp on the back of the tube. There is a date code. 687 ZB above the sword (see pic3) . If someone can tell me from when this is, it would be nice to add this information here.

We cannot repeat it enough, but NOS TESLA is a prime tube.

What they used to cost, part of a century ago, is written on the sticker too. 7 Czech Krone, which was worth only 0.10€ at that time. From the very low cost price, it can be seen they must be very old, perhaps the 1960's.

NOS
Stock
See
normal
pricelist

ECC82
TEONEX
Order Code:
14

TEONEXNOS tube
NOS
1
27,-
ECC82
TOSHIBA
Order Code:
15
Used. Tests at a perfect 100%. Very nice if you want to try something rare. Made in Japan.
USED
1
15,-

Attention: This is an export Price List, valid for companies in the European Community with a VAT Identification number, and for companies or private persons outside the European Community. Inside Europe, please ask for a quote, including VAT tax. (Since 2021 we must charge the VAT of the receiving country)


© COPYRIGHT NOTICE All Rights Reserved
.