Description
The Electro Harmonix Balanced ECC82 preamp valve is also known as a 12AU7. It is an extremely high-quality preamp valve mainly used in the phase inverter position on guitar amplifiers. It can of course be used in any preamp position that requires a 12AU7 valve.
EH is the preferred brand for many manufacturers including Marshall and Victory but is used by many other manufacturers as well.
Electro Harmonix Balanced EH ECC82 12AU7 valve
The balanced EH 12AU7 is popular because it delivers high quality and consistency. The manufacturing process produces little variation between the valves which is important when your valves need to change valves.
This valve will also give you an upgrade in tone if your valves are of poor quality when supplied or worn. It is a sad fact that many amplifier manufacturers use cheaper valves to keep the cost down. Upgrading to EH valves will improve your tone and performance.
The Electro Harmonix Balanced 12AU7 ECC82 is based on the original American short plate design.
- Premium Quality 12AU7
- Superb performance – a cut above the competition
- Extremely low microphonics and excellent linearity
- Specified by many of the leading amplifier manufacturers
- Low microphonics, high linearity
- Built to match the performance of the military-industrial original GE 6189

It has significant advantages and features over cheaper alternatives. The thick glass ensures it is very low in microphonics and the extremely high production quality means it delivers a superb tone. The valve also has internal anode supports which when combined with the thick grade glass ensures long life and durability.
Why use a Balanced 12AU7 Valve?
The valve that goes into the phase inverter feeds an equal signal to the power valves. Not all 12AU7 valves come off the production line with perfectly balanced internals. So we digitally test all the valves and the ones that meet the criteria for the phase splitter are marked as Balanced. We put this on the box and we also mark the top of the valve glass with the letter ‘B’ as well in case you mix them up.
This valve can be used in any position on your amplifier that requires a 12AU7 valve, not just in the phase inverter.
Please note, the phase inverter is nearly always the valve furthest from the input jack.
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