RCA 12AU7A 1950s Black Plates D-Getter - Tested

Superior Sound Supply selling some seriously special stock. This is a highly sought-after American-made RCA 12AU7A from the mid-1950s, featuring the desirable long black plates and a top D-getter. A fantastic choice for audiophiles and guitarists alike, this tube offers a significant upgrade in warmth and clarity compared to modern production tubes, complete with its original Radiotron box.

Technical Specifications

• Brand: RCA

• Model: 12AU7A (ECC82 Equivalent)

• Date/Era: Approx. 1953–1957 (Harrison, NJ Plant)

• Construction: Long Black Plates, Top D-Getter, Clear Top

• Test Results: Tested Good on Precision 612 (Passes for Shorts/Leakage/Grid Emission)

• Included: Original RCA Radiotron Box

Condition Details

This vintage tube is in good cosmetic condition considering its age. The white RCA labeling is present but shows signs of fading and wear, which is typical for tubes of this era. The glass is clear with no loose particles, and the pins are straight with expected vintage oxidation. The original box is included and shows shelf wear but remains structurally sound.

Functionally, this tube has been professionally tested on our calibrated Precision Model 612 Tube Tester. It passes all safety checks for shorts, opens, and leakage. The emissions test shows a strong reading well into the "Good" range on the meter (as pictured), ensuring plenty of life remaining.

Historical & Sonic Context

Manufactured at the legendary Harrison, NJ plant, these long black plate RCA 12AU7As are prized for their "phat" and gritty breakup when overdriven, while maintaining warm mids and smooth highs at lower volumes. They are an excellent solution for taming harsh preamps, reducing gain in the V1 slot of guitar amplifiers to increase clean headroom, or serving as a rich-sounding phase inverter.

Superior Sound Supply Guarantee

Superior Sound Supply Quality Assurance:

Transparency and accuracy are the cornerstones of our business. We ensure every component is vetted so you can buy with complete confidence. Along with Superior Supplies for all of your sounds, We stand on Superior Service, If your not satisfied with our supply we will make it right.

Shipping: Carefully packaged with consistent methods that are proven to protect your item and ensure safe delivery. We primarily use USPS, and FedEx for large or high-value items, and can arrange international shipping to anywhere in the world. Orders are processed and shipped within 1-3 business days of payment clearance. We do not ship on weekends or federal holidays. Orders placed after 2:00 PM CST Friday will ship the following Monday.

Returns:

• New Items: Returnable within 30 days of delivery.

• Used & Vintage Items: Returnable within 30 days of delivery.

General Terms

Items must be returned in original, as-shipped condition with all original packaging and no signs of use. Buyer assumes responsibility for all return shipping costs unless the item was not received as described.

Make sure to check the return policy on each individual listing as some items may be sold "As-Described" and not eligible for a return. We want you to be completely satisfied with your purchase.