Telefunken Elektroakustik ELA-M 251F Tube Microphone

I’m reluctantly selling my beloved Telefunken 251F reissue tube mic. The 251 is a classic vocal mic that has appeared on countless records. This is a beautiful example of the F model in excellent condition (recently checked out by Telefunken). The F model (no longer made) was a lower-cost version of Telefunken’s flagship version of the 251, the 251E. The differences involve the capsule and the power supply (details below). Polar patterns selectable between cardiod and omni.
Includes: microphone, power supply, mic cable (with swivel mount), AC cord and wooden box for microphone storage. The Enhanced Audio m600 shockmount shown in some photos is NOT included in sale.

The primary differences between the ‘E’ and ‘F’ versions are:

• The 251F has an imported, “modern” power supply, rather than the historically-accurate “lunchbox”-style 251E power supply.
• The 251F uses the company’s TK-12 capsule, rather than their CK-12 capsule.
• The 251F’s “no frills” packaging does not include the the vintage-style locking flight case of the 251E.

The 251F’s amplifier circuit is identical to the company’s 251E reissue; the tube is a JAN 6072A, and the transformer is custom-wound by Haufe. The original Telefunken 250/251 modular construction technique is retained.

Telefunken Elektroakustik’s info on the difference’s between the E and F models of the ELA-M 251:

Q. What are the differences between the CK12 and TK12 capsules?
A. The CK12 was originally remanufactured by Telefunken | USA to original historic specifications in early 2002. The cost to research and redevelop this capsule as a new product was high, due to the detailed manufacturing process surrounding the historic blueprints and guidelines. Therefore, the CK12 capsule that is currently issued in the Platinum Level microphones is exact in the fact that it follows the original manufacturing process and includes parts and material that are machined to the exact original specs and sizes created by AKG.
The TK12 capsule, issued in the Professional Series of microphones from Telefunken | USA, is a sonic and electronic copy of the CK12. However, a few of the expensive processes and materials used in the CK12 have been removed in order to decrease the manufacturing costs without compromising the sound. The TK12 and CK12 share the same brass back plate and tensioned gold sputtered 10-micron mylar, but the molded plastics and assembly screws have been changed to more common universal sizes, materials and finishes found in today's manufacturing world.
The CK12 and TK12 capsules are hand assembled and hand tuned by the same process engineer in the Telefunken | USA lab in South Windsor, CT. Both are designed to sound exactly the same, with a smooth frequency response and a nice, airy presence boost just above 10kHz.
Q. What are the differences between the modern and vintage style power supplies?
A. The power supply that ships with the Professional Series microphones (F) is a standardized "pancake" supply that is commonly found in the pro audio industry with other manufacturers tube mics. It features a multi-pin XLR connector that provides the power voltage for the tube and audio from the mic.
The power supply that ships with the Platinum Series (E) and Vintage Series (V) microphones has been designed to replicate the physical and electronic elements of the original power supplies issued with the ELA M 250 / 251. It features a "lunch box" style housing and a large custom wound power transformer from AMI / TAB Funkenwerk. This higher quality power supply guarantees a more stable voltage to the mic, resulting in consistent output gain and longer tube life, which is why it is issued with the Platinum and Vintage Series microphone systems.
US only.