2. amps-preamps
  3. 1444396243

KT-120 tubes vs Gold Lion KT88's

Hi everyone I have recently purchased my first set of kt-120 tubes
for my cary cad-120s amp and I must say what a difference especially in techno music! The bass just goes so low, though I need a second set of tubes for once these end there life. Instead of scrambling cash for a new set last minute. I was thinking of getting gold lion kt-88 since such praise from them. And would like to try them out for the fun of it. How do the gold lions compare to the tung-sol
kt-120s?
128x128jakecanada
wolf_garcia
6,727 posts
 
Forget the KT120s and jump on a set of KT150s (not literally as pesky glass shards can get in your soup)…simply more of the same gusto as the 120s, but (in my amp anyway) effortless clarity in a great sounding tube that also looks like a pickle, which supposedly helps tame microphonics…ever heard a microphonic pickle? No? I rest my case. Another often rested case regards the paranoia about excessive heater current draw which seems unfounded as no case of amp destruction from this has been reported anywhere…and I've been looking out for this…ever vigilant.
reynolds853
387 posts
 
Wolf,

To quote from one of my favorite movies, "Now who can argue with that!?"
wolf_garcia
6,727 posts
 
I admit I was initially put off by 150s…the pickle shape reminded me of a building in London. I got over it.
bdp24's avatar
bdp24
9,923 posts
 
Not all amps that are okay with 120's are also with 150's, the Music Reference RM-200 being one. I think some parts values would need to be changed in that amp. Best check with the maker of an amp before putting in 150's.
m-db's avatar
m-db
997 posts
 
Wolf, at the introduction of the 150s there was much talk regarding the 150s as a direct replacement for, say a set of KT88s, because the transformers and/or power supplies may need to be upgraded.

I haven't been keeping up with this topic and I'm not intending to put you on the spot but are you saying you haven't heard of any problems associated with replacing KT88s with KT150s?

I have a pair of Carver VTA 180s and I believe his sales information states that his latest line of VTA 200s and 350s are able to use the KT150 tubes. Might this simply be a bit of upgrade hype?
More to discover