2. amps-preamps
  3. 1381392517

New KT150 tubes?

Has anyone any experience with these pretty new tubes. There are already one or 2 amps I know of, that use them. The review of one of these amps in a UK magazine suggested they were a little warmer and more natural sounding than the nearly new KT120's

The article also suggested they were a straight swap for KT120 based amps, with no adjustment necessary. They are more than twice the cost of KT120's, but still not too costly compared with NOS tubes. I know changing from KT88's or 90's to 120's. did require some amp modification. I have an ARC reference 75 and might want to try the new tubes at some point, ARC don't seem to have a customer E-mail service, to ask the question
david12
knghifi
1,668 posts
 
People please do not ask ARC what the status of the KT-150 is. Thanks.
Why?

02-07-14: Wolf_garcia
I might buy a quad of 150s when my 120s die just to see if my amp would blow up. Am I so wrong? Seems the amp (Jolida 502p) can take it...plus I'm getting curious about the 150s and starting to overcome the pickle-esque vibe.
Wolf, proof me wrong that you don't have small ones. LOL!!!
wolf_garcia
6,695 posts
 
I think the "don't ask ARC" thing was about protecting the sensitive ARC people from further stress, as Hifigeekl is nothing if not compassionate. I, however, am not. I read in a Brit hifi mag last night that 150s are a "drop in" replacement for 120s, and have a smoother sound...that's what the dude said. The tiny difference in heater requirements make it seem he might be right. I still have never seen anything regarding an amp tranny frying from 120s replacing kt88s anywhere ever at all even once. I'll keep looking.
bifwynne
2,206 posts
 
Anyone have anything to report on pricing. I heard and/or read that pricing could be double that of KT-120s.
wolf_garcia
6,695 posts
 
I may have mentioned someplace that I've seen 150s on Ebay for around 300 bucks for a quad...that seems almost reasonable.
tsushima1
1,165 posts
 
Perhaps fellow interested parties might care to zoom in on the output tubes as sported within ARC's own demo Ref250 !!!~

http://www.monoandstereo.com/2014/03/audio-research-dream-demo-room.html
More to discover