1965 Mullard EF86 6267 Philips Sittard Holland Mesh Screen X5E Triplett Tested

Listing details

1965 Mullard EF86 / 6267 — Philips Sittard, Holland

This is the kind of vintage EF86 buyers hope to find: classic black Mullard printing, genuine Philips Holland construction, the distinctive perforated mesh screen, a top halo getter, strong measured performance, and quiet tester results.

The photographs show the exact tube offered.

Verified identification

The tube is marked:

Mullard

EF86

BVA

Made in Holland

Its Philips production code is visible between the pins:

X5E

The code identifies production at the Philips Sittard factory in Holland, dating to May 1965.

Although it carries Mullard branding, the factory code and Dutch construction identify the actual manufacturer and production location. This is not a British Blackburn version; it is the recognizable Philips/Mullard Holland perforated-screen construction.

Triplett 3444 test results

Carefully tested on a Triplett 3444 mutual-conductance tube tester:

Transconductance: 1,980 µmhos

Plate current: 2.1 mA

Noted Triplett reference range: 1,300–2,000 µmhos

Shorts check: Passed

Leakage check: Passed

Noise check: Quiet

Microphonics check: Quiet

The measured transconductance is near the top of the noted Triplett reference range.

Results reflect measured performance at the time of testing.

Distinctive Dutch construction

This tube features the finely perforated cylindrical electrostatic screen associated with Philips/Mullard Holland EF86 production. Buyers often call this the “mesh” construction.

Visible features include:

Perforated mesh electrostatic screen

Top halo getter

Dark, reflective getter flashing

Clear glass envelope

Straight nine-pin base

Complete internal structure

Original black Mullard shield-logo printing

BVA and Made in Holland markings

The original printing shows natural vintage wear while remaining readily identifiable.

Where it belongs

The EF86 was designed specifically for low-level, high-gain audio amplification. It is an excellent candidate for equipment designed for the EF86 or 6267, including:

Classic VOX AC15-style EF86 channels

Matchless C-30/DC-30 family amplifiers

Matchless Phoenix, Cobra, and related EF86-equipped models

QUAD II and QUAD II Classic monoblock amplifiers

Vintage hi-fi and audio preamplifiers

Recording, tape, and studio equipment

Compatible microphone-preamplifier circuits

VOX documentation confirms the EF86 in the original-style AC15 preamp, Matchless uses it in the C-30 family, and QUAD specifies two EF86 tubes in each II Classic amplifier. The original EF86 design was intended for early stages of high-gain audio amplifiers, microphone preamplifiers, and tape equipment.

Expected sound character

Philips/Mullard Holland EF86 tubes are often sought for a smooth, full and liquid presentation, with rich midrange body, clear detail, and a refined top end. This tube’s strong measured performance and quiet checks make it an appealing choice for a sensitive audio gain position.

Final tonal character will naturally reflect the amplifier, circuit, speakers, and complete system. Vintage Mullard EF86s are widely associated with warmth and liquid tone, while strong Dutch mesh examples are also described as open and spacious through the midrange.

Exact tube, carefully presented

Supplied in a new white replacement box for clean storage and protected shipment.

The buyer receives the exact tube shown—not a stock image or a substitute.

It will be securely packed to protect the glass, pins, printing, and internal structure during shipment.

VTubeAudio — individually photographed, carefully tested, accurately identified, and securely packed.

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