"MY GLOWING RELICS: PART 3"

This is the third and final 'dive' into some of my best and favorite tubes in my collection.  We have seen the usual suspects, such as RCA Black Plates and Telefunken Smooth Plates, but thrown in to the mix have been some rarely known Japanese tubes, and some French tube relationships that you may not have know about.... oh those French!  Today's entry contains a similar eclectic mix.  I hope you enjoy!
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"Valvo's Virtuoso: The Legendary Long Plate ECC83 Tube Unplugged!"

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Valvo tubes are renowned for their exceptional quality and reliability in the world of vacuum tubes. Another company in the Philips orbit, Valvo tubes are highly sought after by audiophiles  for their superior performance in audio equipment. Known for their robust construction and consistent output, these tubes deliver excellent sound clarity and warmth, making them a preferred choice.   Their reputation for longevity and precision has cemented Valvo tubes as a staple in the realm of high-quality electronic components.

This particular Valvo Long Plate 12AX7 is from the late 1950's and is highly coveted due to its MC1 code.  

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"RVC Tubes: Keeping RCA's Glow Alive in Canada!"

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The RVC (Radio Valve Company) of Canada played a significant role in the North American vacuum tube industry, particularly during the mid-20th century. Following the breakup of RCA (Radio Corporation of America) due to antitrust regulations in the United States, RVC emerged as a crucial player by acquiring and holding all RCA patents. This strategic move allowed RVC to continue producing high-quality RCA-style tubes, ensuring the longevity and availability of these essential components despite RCA's division. By leveraging these patents, RVC maintained the legacy and technological advancements pioneered by RCA, contributing to the consistent supply of reliable vacuum tubes to the market.  

This is why you will see strange things on Canadian tube boxes, such as RCA trademarks on Canadian Westinghouse tubes, and Westinghouse trademarks on Canadian Marconi tubes!

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In addition to holding a plethora of patents, the RVC collaborated with several prominent companies, including Canadian Westinghouse, Canadian Marconi, and Canadian General Electric (CGE). This partnership enabled RVC to produce and distribute vacuum tubes under these well-established trademarks, thereby expanding its market reach and brand recognition. The shared trademarks not only facilitated the continuation of RCA-style tube production but also ensured that the technological innovations and high standards associated with these brands were preserved. As a result, RVC became a cornerstone of the Canadian vacuum tube industry, providing high-quality tubes for various applications, from consumer electronics to professional audio equipment, and solidifying its reputation as a leader in the field.

While it may not have been the only factory to produce tubes for the RVC, primary tube production came from CGE, that is, the General Electric factory in Canada.  

This is why the tube you see featured here appears to be an RCA Clear-Top tube, albeit not the common 12AU7, but a 12AX7!  It was not made by RCA and re-labeled as General Electric; no, under the structure of the RVC this is a legitimate General Electric made tube.  The RVC allowed for many interesting and peculiar variances.  I would encourage any tube enthusiast to get their hands on RVC tubes, while you still can.  They are of excellent quality and obviously of unique design.  

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"From Holland with Tubes: How Philips Helped Matsushita Rebuild Japan’s Electronic Mojo!"

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Note the D getter with the large foil crossing bar, that is an exact copy of Philips/Amperex of Holland from the late 1950's.

A later production (early 1960's) of the same tube. Other than the silkscreen, I have fooled many a tube 'expert' into insisting the tube is a Philips made in the Holland factory. They are either shocked or refuse to believe the tube was made in Japan and is a Matsushita.

​This is the bottom of a Philips Holland labeled tube.  Have a look at the codes.. mC5 over N7L. 

The 'N' is the factory code, and this is the Matsushita Electronics Corp., Takatsuki, Japan.  

The Matsushita tube factory in Takatsuki, Japan, was established to produce high-quality vacuum tubes primarily for audio and electronic applications. After World War II, Matsushita (later known as Panasonic) collaborated with Philips to rebuild and modernize its tube manufacturing facilities. The factory became well-known for its precision and the quality of its products, which included various types of vacuum tubes used in audio equipment, televisions, and other electronic devices.

The factory's operations were heavily influenced by Philips' technological expertise, and it utilized equipment and techniques transferred from Philips' operations. This collaboration ensured that Matsushita could produce tubes that met high international standards, contributing to Japan's post-war industrial recovery and establishing Matsushita as a significant player in the global electronics market. Over time, the factory became renowned for producing tubes that were highly regarded by audiophiles for their sound quality and reliability.

Furthermore, the factory's products included tubes made using Mullard tooling and machinery, acquired after Mullard's operations in the UK were reduced. This equipment allowed Matsushita to produce tubes that were virtually identical in quality and performance to those made by Mullard, further cementing its reputation in the industry.  

NOTE: Not all the tubes were Mullard clones.  As you will see in the photos below, they also made dead-ringers for the coveted long-plates made in Holland in the late 1950's.  The codes on the Holland marked tube above show it was made in 1957, and was a very, very early Japanese production sample off the new Matsushita production line, most assuredly at the direction of Philips' best engineers.  Unlike the ignorant who say Japanese tubes are junk, au contraire.  They are of high-quality stock, most especially Matsushita/Philips, and as we will see later, NEC as well. 

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"NEC vacuum tubes: where Western Electric's savvy met Japanese ingenuity to electrify the world."

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Remember when I noted some people think Japanese tubes are bunk?  Poppycock.  Does anyone think Western Electric is bunk?  Hmmm.   I didn't think so.  

NEC (Nippon Electric Company) Japan has a significant history in the production of vacuum tubes, a journey that began in the early 20th century. The company, established in 1899, entered the vacuum tube industry with the aim of supporting Japan's growing telecommunications needs.

NEC's venture into vacuum tubes was greatly influenced by Western Electric, the manufacturing arm of AT&T. In the 1920s, Western Electric provided NEC with critical technology and expertise, enabling the Japanese company to produce vacuum tubes domestically. This partnership was part of a broader strategy by Western Electric to expand its influence and ensure a reliable supply chain for its telecommunications infrastructure worldwide.

With Western Electric's support, NEC rapidly advanced its manufacturing capabilities. By the 1930s, NEC was producing a wide range of vacuum tubes, including those used in radios and early television sets. The company's tubes were known for their reliability and performance, helping to establish NEC as a leading electronics manufacturer in Japan.
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During World War II, NEC's production shifted to support the war effort, producing tubes for military communications and radar equipment. This period saw significant technological advancements and the expansion of NEC's manufacturing facilities.

After World War II, NEC resumed its focus on consumer electronics and telecommunications. The company continued to innovate, developing new types of vacuum tubes that were essential for the rapidly growing electronics market. In the 1950s and 1960s, NEC's vacuum tubes were widely used in televisions, radios, and early computers, solidifying its reputation as a pioneer in the industry.

And some of the very best sounding tubes in the WORLD are those 1950's and 1960's Nippon tubes, especially the long plate 12AX7's.  I would place them on the same playing field as Telefunken.  They really have a strong sonic resemblance to the clean, clear, very detailed Telefunken sound, also having a very similar touch of mid-range warmth. 

If Telefunken is the starring tube of the West, then NEC is in my opinion the starring tube of the East.  

The NEC long plate 12AX7 from the early 1960's is a gem cherished by audiophiles and vintage equipment enthusiasts alike. 
What sets the NEC long plate 12AX7 apart is its unmatched reliability and consistency. Manufactured with meticulous attention to detail, these tubes exhibit minimal microphonics and maintain their performance over extended periods of use. Whether installed in a vintage guitar amplifier or a state-of-the-art preamp, the NEC 12AX7 provides an unparalleled audio experience that few modern tubes can replicate. Its enduring popularity is a testament to NEC's engineering excellence and the timeless appeal of these classic vacuum tubes, making them a prized component in any audiophile's collection.

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