2. amps-preamps
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Has anyone compared K150 tubes and the stock EL34s in Primaluna integrated/amplifiers?

I have a Primaluna Dialogue HP Premium with stock EL34s.  When the EL34s wear out, which I suspect will be a long time, what would I replace them with?  The KT150 is intriguing to me. 

Has anyone compared these tubes, especially in Primaluna gear?  I'm wondering if I would lose the EL34s midrange in exchange for the increased power of KT150s.  It's hard to find, however, a bad review of anyone using KT150s. 

Thanks all!  
128x128jbhiller
tablejockey
3,916 posts
 
I just may try the KT150 in my HP after hearing the results of this thread. 
https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/considering-switching-from-audio-research-to-primaluna-troube...

Not being able to use the cage however, is a negative. Maybe no big deal since I don't have any small children/pets running around.

pokey77
1,269 posts
 
@jbhiller 
See parsons comments on this thread. https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/considering-switching-from-audio-research-to-primaluna-troube...
sqlsavior
46 posts
 
In my opinion, everyone commenting about sound quality on a dual-mode amp like the PrimaLuna Dialogue Premium should indicate whether their observations apply to ultralinear mode, or triode mode, or both, if that is the case.
smrex13
645 posts
 
@sqlsavior Good point!  My comparisons were done in ultralinear mode.  
aritomo's avatar
aritomo
8 posts
 
I've only run in ultralinear with KT150.  Have Revel Ultima Salon 2, and have a VTL TL 7.5ii pre using 12AU7 tubes I like for their neutrality (I think they are PSVANE - essentially sorted out chinese tubes).

Sounds is very fine, and I have not felt the need to tweak.  They warm up and we are off to the races with sweet (but not drippy rich) tonality from bass to treble, definition with out etch, dynamics (maybe a bit wobbly on bass if its hit hard, but with a musicality that covers the loss of ultimate control).  Love the sound.
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