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Really...My favorite power tube is reissue that's not widely popular

If you run 6l6/EL34 variants, I HIGHLY recommend trying this tube out.  The Tung Sol 7581A reissue.  I've had these for a good bit of time and compared them against KT150s, EL34s (several brands), KT88s, and maybe another that I'm forgetting.  They are a mere $30 a pop and they are the best tube I have heard. I know that's a brave bold statement to make as there is so much competition out there and the tube is very much under the radar from what I can tell.  

After having these around for a long time (and in and out of the amp), I had them in and was nearly spellbound one night by how great they sounded upon reentry into my amp.  I did a search and could only find one review, which I agree wholeheartedly with.  You can find it here: https://wallofsound.ca/audioreviews/amplification/6l6-vacuum-tube-review-tubes-courtesy-of-www-thetu...

I am nearly incredulous there isn't hype out there about this tube.  Simply my favorite tube.  I thought I'd pass this along as it may be much cheaper to give them a whirl then fuss with a much more expensive power cord, cable, or other tweak.  
128x128jbhiller
salectric
751 posts
 
@metman 
 I suspect the amps I am using right now look and sound similar to yours.  I used HF-22 chassis (monoblocks), stripped them of all parts, and then rebuilt them using Jim Nichols’ circuit.  I kept the Eico output transformers (same as in HF-20) but everything else is new.  They sound great!  

Right now I am using RCA blackplate 6L6GC from the 1960s but I also have some SED Winged C output tubes that sound really good too.
soundermn's avatar
soundermn
344 posts
 
@jbhillerHaving both KT150 and 7581A, how would you compare the two sets?  I have a Primaluna HP integrated, and you have peaked my interest. Would you give up the KT150s for the 7581As?
metman
233 posts
 
I think the output xformer was replaced with a Chicago brand of I’m not mistaken and seems quite robust.  I also used some winged Sed el34 with my last speakers and they did sound quite nice. It’s hard to do a comparison as I just got some new speakers and was a little concerned they wouldn’t be a good match but they sound fabulous 
noromance's avatar
noromance
9,769 posts
 
@metman @salectric
I have two sets of EICO HF35s one of which is a Stu Remmington rebuild with chokes, fixed bias and revised input circuitry. I believe they’re based on the venerable Mullard 5-20 push-pull circuit. I use a Psvane 6SN7 Globe with the TS 7851A tubes and it’s a stunning amplifier.
tuberist
951 posts
 
followup to my earlier post. I've had the 7581a in my PL Dialogue Premium integrated well over 100 hours. I didn't listen to the tubes out of the box and let them run 10 hours or so after installation. I didn't really detect any "break in" sound changes. The tubes are dead silent and I like the blue glow too. So compared to the original EL34's that came with the amp, no contest to me. Much more detail, especially bottom end definition and extension with a more dynamic and "faster" sound. Compared to the Gold Lion KT77, the detail and dynamics were about the same but the bottom end somewhat more developed and pronounced but still balanced. All three tubes I've used are very good, just a matter of your taste. I like a strong dose of tone without being over the top, that's the 7581a to me.
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