New Telefunken tubes

[TubeGeek]

http://www.telefunken-elektroakustik.com/products/tubes/


Black Diamond Series Vacuum Tubes
TELEFUNKEN vacuum tubes have been the benchmark of excellence in all audio applications, both production and reproduction, for many decades. Today, this rich history continues with the introduction of new production tubes from TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik, in partnership with JJ Tubes from the Carpathian Mountains of Cadca in Slovakia.
Each tube is meticulously measured for all critical parameters of performance including transconductance, gain, noise, and microphonics. All TELEFUNKEN branded tubes are hand picked to be the best examples of Eastern European construction in the proud tradition with which the name TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik has become synonymous.
In addition to the rigorous testing procedure, all new production TELEFUNKEN tubes are cryogenically treated to ensure durability, and subjected to an extended burn-in period to ensure superior stability. The tubes are re-measured subsequent to burn-in, and again before final packaging, in order to guarantee that only the best, lowest noise tubes are offered.

[HotBluePlates]

Seems like the raping of a brand name to me...

I basically see JJ tubes (with gold plated pins for the 12AX7) with a new label applied. I'd give them a shot to see how they sound compared to the few real Telefunkens I have, but I'm not gonna pay $38 for a 12AX7 to do it (I didn't pay that much for the real Telefunkens when I got them). If the street price is reasonable, though, I'll give em a listen.

[TubeGeek]

I agree.  I'm not sure if they are really their own design or just JJ's re-labelled.

I haven't seen them listed on any other tube sites yet.  I'll wait and see when they show up.  I'll try a few out at that point.

Telefunken is re-issuing lots of stuff because of their brand name clout. Not that it's bad but buyer beware I suppose.

[HotBluePlates]

I'm not sure if they are really their own design or just JJ's re-labelled.

The tip-off to me (other than the statement that they're partnering with JJ to do this) is the specific tubes that will carry the Telefunken label, and the correlation with existing JJ tubes.

For example, the new "12AX7-TK" Telefunken has the same unusual frame-grid-style construction as the JJ 12AX7. What I mean is the size/shape of the plates, and especially the two-tiered metal structure of the getter, is the same as original frame-grid tubes like early 6DJ8/ECC88's. Very few companies (that I'm aware of) use that construction style at all, and then mainly because they have current ECC88 production...

Another tip-off is that Telefunken's mics use the VF14, 6072, 12AT7, EF732 or 6AK5 tubes, but they're not manufacturing any of those. To be fair, the VF14 is the one where there should be financial incentive for current production. Maybe they'll ultimately get there. Either way, they're not building things organic to their own product line, or to Telefunken's historically-produced line of tubes.

[Ed_Chambley]

Still like mine as well, but I have to say JJ tubes have been much more reliable according to my buddy that sells them.  His throwaways are only 28% last time I talked with him.  That may seem high, but compared to the chinese brands it is very good.

I still prefer others, but I have a bassman with JJ loaded in it just to try and I have to say I am sort of impressed.  I will go back to RCA.  I really hope theses are good as we need them to keep developing even if it is only a new box with a few changes to the tube.

[HotBluePlates]

... we need them to keep developing even if it is only a new box with a few changes to the tube.

I know I'm being unfairly cynical, given I have not tried the "new" tubes. My fear is there are no changes, other than gold plated pins for the 12AX7, and a new box.

The quality control issues have been documented in other threads on other sites, with respect to why the factories are not culling out defective tubes. I would find it sad if the customer is paying more for that initial factory quality control, in the guise of a "selected" tube. Oh well...

[Ed_Chambley]

... we need them to keep developing even if it is only a new box with a few changes to the tube.

I know I'm being unfairly cynical, given I have not tried the "new" tubes. My fear is there are no changes, other than gold plated pins for the 12AX7, and a new box.

The quality control issues have been documented in other threads on other sites, with respect to why the factories are not culling out defective tubes. I would find it sad if the customer is paying more for that initial factory quality control, in the guise of a "selected" tube. Oh well...

I wouldn't say unfair.  New tubes are awful.  I am sure you know someone who sells them.  Just the throwaways are ridiculous much less the attempts to match.  There is so much waste I wouldn't want to try to profit from selling them with all the sellers undercutting each other.