2. amps-preamps
  3. 140120-20190

KT 150 impressions

I would like to hear the impressions of those who have used KT 150s.  I see them showing up in amps by good manufacturers and I am curious.  Over the last few years I have been going back and forth between EL34s and KT120s in my PrimaLuna amps, and I think I prefer the EL34s for various reasons.  Whereas the KT120s seem to have a bit more punch than the EL34s I find they have a bit of "glare" after a while, and I like the way voices (choirs) sound on the EL34s, as well as the overall space they produce.  Plucked instruments do have a bit more impact with the KT120s, and the 120s are more powerful, but in general I find the EL34s a bit more believable.  I have read that the 150s produce great soundstage, which I like, but hey are expensive, which is why I thought I would start a conversation before laying out the cash (I need eight of them).  
john_r_palmer
stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,341 posts
 
I also feel the KT120 tubes have some kind of glare.  I heard a friends Prima Luna HP Integrated with the KT150 tubes, it sounded incredible.  Deep taut bass and fantastic mids and highs.
nitewulf
419 posts
 
I think they are very linear. Basically you can't tell they are tubes.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
samzx12
1,220 posts
 
KT150 any day over 120s.  It is a very linear tube but doesn't have the EL34 overall midrange but sounds quite nice. 
wolf_garcia
6,679 posts
 
I've used 150s in a a couple of amps and I like 'em, but like 120s more for reasons I can't explain thus saving readers from suffering through another explanation. My current favorite little Dennis Had SEP amp seems to work best with Gold Lion KT77s which I CAN offer an explanation of: It sounds better with them.
smrex13
645 posts
 
Far preferred the 150s to the 120s, but I used them in different integrated amps, so it's not an entirely fair comparison.  The KT150s were remarkable - clear, dynamic, grain free, transparent, etc.  
More to discover