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Which tubes to buy

I have an Audio Research Ref. 160s power amplifier. It's almost time to replace the tubes. This will be the first time I replace the tubes in this amp. In the past I have purchased tubes for my Ref. 6SE preamp directly from Audio Research or Upscale Audio. Audio Research furnishes Tung-Sol  KT 150 tubes with the amp. and also as replacements. Recently I have found PSVANE brand tubes available. Does anybody have experience using these tubes? I'm trying to get the best sound quality. Tung-Sol made in Russia have been around a long time. PSVANE made in China is new to me. Any suggestions or recommendations?

motorheadflash
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newbee
4,794 posts
 

ARC sez you can use KT120, KT88, and 6550's. They just don't necessarily indorse them. Sounds like they voiced the amp for the KT150's.

ghdprentice
7,609 posts
 

I have an ARC Reference 160s as well. My preference is to get the tubes from Audio Research... because they extensively test them and I want to support this great company. I have a spare quad of power tubes I bought from Upscale just in case I needed for testing. In general, I don’t tube roll with Audio Research equipment as they were carefully voiced. That said, a friend of mine tried a GE NOS 6550 in his ARC Ref preamp an liked it... so I ordered one just for fun.

knotscott's avatar
knotscott
1,090 posts
 

The Tung Sol KT120s have a good reputation.

motorheadflash OP
12 posts
 

I took mulveling's advice and called Audio Research. They said they use the Tung-Sol tubes in all their power amps including the KT-170 in their new Ref. 330 mono's. They think they sound better and are definitely more reliable.                       I love the way the amp sounds I think I will stay with the ARC tubes for now.

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