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KT 150 Amp Options

It is tax return season, which usually means I immediately spend it all on a piece of equipment. I've been looking to upgrade to an amp that has been designed for the KT 150. They have been around for about 2 years now but I don't see a lot of amps designed for them. ARC came out with the REF 75 SE, which seems like a nice amp. However, I run an ARC SP3-C for my pre, which is an SE out. My understanding is the 75 is balanced which does not make them ideally compatible. I've been waiting for CJ to put out a KT 150, but am not sure if that is even on their radar. Any thoughts on a good KT 150 amp or any rumors on when the market will have some more options?
jgottget
lissnr
365 posts
 
They are great tubes for sure... Best compromise in my opinion between the clarity, punch and extension of your favorite KT88 or 6550 and the magical mids of an EL 34... All with extra everything and gusto! Roughly what's your price point?
jedinite24's avatar
jedinite24
1,503 posts
 
Hi Jgottget

My Jolida JD-502P amp works just fine with the Tung Sol KT-150s. It wasn't designed with the Tung Sol KT150s in mind but it can definitely handle them. Originally it comes with Tung Sol reissue 6550 tubes.

With the Tung Sol KT-150s in my Jolida 502P a long with Old stock Mullard 12AT7s and Gold Lion 12AX7s I experience what Lissnr stated above. I've got the punch and extension and then some of a KT88 and the sweet mids of an EL34.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,249 posts
 
Tubegroover,
I'd suspect your Quicksilver suggestion is on the mark.
oregonpapa's avatar
oregonpapa
4,867 posts
 
If you want to go with an ARC amp, you can get adapters for your single ended cables. Check this out:

http://www.doublehelixcables.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=150

Nice preamp, by the way. A friend uses the ARC SP3-A and it sounds great.
knghifi
1,668 posts
 
04-16-15: Tubegroover
Quicksilver has the option of using the KT150 in both the V4 and Silver 88. Both suberb sounding with this tube.
Quicksilver V4 is an excellent suggestion and according to Mike Sanders, SE model has superior SQ to XLR.

Also checkout Carver Crimson 350 and Primaluna Dialogue Premium HP.

I was seriously considering QS V4 but THANKS to a lousy BM dealer, I purchased ARC Ref250 with ZERO regrets.
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