{"product_id":"ray-vacuum-tube-12ax7-core","title":"Ray Tubes 12AX7 CORE Vacuum Tube","description":"\u003ch1\u003e\u003cb\u003eBeyond the Ordinary\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h1\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eRay Tubes’ CORE Collection of vacuum tubes offers the quintessential upgrade for audiophiles ready to move beyond the limitations of standard factory vacuum tubes. Each vacuum tube is hand-selected, with a strict process that allows only the top percentile of a production batch—those that meet and surpass their rigorous standards for gain, conductance, noise, and microphonics—into your audio system.\u003c\/p\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003e\u003cb\u003eChoosing Certainty: Why New Stock is Better\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWhen you buy our CORE Collection of vacuum tubes, you’re guaranteeing that your listening is enhanced by the best of today’s technology. In contrast, when you buy New Old Stock (NOS) vacuum tubes, you’re venturing into unknown territory. While NOS vacuum tubes carry undeniable vintage charm, they often come with hidden risks. Over time, even unused vacuum tubes (hence the “new” in “new old stock”) can degrade, leading to reliability issues and unpredictable performance. You might face diminished sound quality or even failure, as age affects the components, making them more susceptible to wear and damage. In contrast, Ray’s newly manufactured vacuum tubes carry the latest technological advances and stringent quality controls.\u003c\/p\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003e\u003cb\u003eCurated by Audio Engineers\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe secret behind Ray Tubes’ exceptional sound quality lies in the hands of their dedicated audio engineers. Unlike the impersonal selection process for NOS vacuum tubes, which can be hit or miss in terms of quality, their engineers are deeply involved in every step of choosing their vacuum tubes. They don't just look at specs or conduct standard tests; they listen, evaluate, and hand-select each vacuum tube. This human touch ensures that every vacuum tube Ray produces not only aims to match the vintage experience but significantly surpasses it in reliability and performance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003e\u003cb\u003eGold Pins: Excellence in Every Detail\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eGold pins not only add a touch of elegance but also serve a significant purpose. Gold's superior conductivity enhances signal transmission for crystal-clear sound, while its resistance to oxidation ensures long-term performance and durability. These qualities, combined with the secure contact gold provides within the socket, mean your vacuum tubes aren't just top-notch—they're built to last.\u003c\/p\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003e\u003cb\u003eSilk-Screen Printed Logos\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eEven the logos deserve a special mention. Silk-screen-printed onto the tubes, they demonstrate Ray Tubes’ commitment to superior craftsmanship down to the smallest detail. This time-honored printing technique yields results that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also durable, ensuring the design work remains vibrant and intact over time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003e\u003cb\u003eSuperior Sound, Secured\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAn exceptional 12-month warranty—a rarity in the world of vacuum tubes, especially NOS vacuum tubes—reflects Ray Tubes’ confidence in their vacuum tubes’ performance and durability. This warranty is your safeguard against any manufacturing defects, making sure that your investment is protected. \u003c\/p\u003e\n \u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003eProduct highlights\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n \u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eHand-selected and tested\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eGold pins for corrosion resistance and excellent conduction\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eA substantial upgrade from standard NOS tubes\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eLow noise and microphonics \u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eMatched pair (2 tubes) or single tube (1 tube)\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eOnly 4% of the tubes commissioned for production meet our standards for gain and conductance matching\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eApos 12-month warranty against manufacturing defects\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003c\/ul\u003e\n \u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003eSpecs\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n \u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eTube type: 12AX7\/ECC83\/CV4004\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eSocket: 9-pin\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003c\/ul\u003e\n \u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003eCompatible Amps\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003ca rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/raytubes.audio\/pages\/tube-compatibility-list\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eExplore Ray Tubes' Tube Amp Compatibility List\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n \u003ch3\u003eWhat’s included\u003c\/h3\u003e\n \u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003ePair of matched Ray Tubes OR Single Ray Tube\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eManual booklet\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003c\/ul\u003e\n \u003ch3\u003e\n \u003cstrong\u003eExplore More\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\n \u003c\/h3\u003e\n \u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/apos.audio\/blogs\/audiophile-knowledge-base\/apos-ray-compatible-amps\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eWhat Tube Amps Are Compatible with Ray Tubes?\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/apos.audio\/blogs\/audiophile-knowledge-base\/howto-maintain-vacuum-tubes\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eHow Do You Maintain Your Vacuum Tubes?\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/apos.audio\/blogs\/audiophile-knowledge-base\/tube-rolling-guide\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eHow Do I Roll the Tubes of My Tube Amp?\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/apos.audio\/blogs\/audiophile-knowledge-base\/why-upgrade-your-tubes\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eWhy Upgrade Your Tubes?\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\u003ca rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/apos.audio\/blogs\/audiophile-knowledge-base\/what-are-matched-tubes\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eWhat Are Matched Tubes?\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/apos.audio\/blogs\/news\/apos-ray-faq\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eFAQ\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\n \u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Ray Tubes","offers":[{"title":"Matched Pair (2 tubes)","offer_id":46878549901487,"sku":"APS-0883-2","price":66.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Single (1 tube)","offer_id":46878549934255,"sku":"APS-0883-1","price":28.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0734\/6415\/2239\/files\/apos-audio-ray-tubes-vacuum-tube-ray-tubes-12ax7-core-vacuum-tube-40587405983980.jpg?v=1778010602","url":"https:\/\/freshized.com\/products\/ray-vacuum-tube-12ax7-core","provider":"Freshized","version":"1.0","type":"link"}