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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
mulveling's avatar
mulveling
1,966 posts
 
@noromance
Eicos are awesome too! I had an HF-87 with the most incredible vintage tube amp tone (it was even a good tone with cheapo EH EL34, but better with Mullard XF2/3/4 and a bright-ish 12AX7 to balance, e.g. Japanese). Small sound stage though - but I know they have mono amps that can do much much better. Heard a pair of HF-22 once, and loved them!
noromance's avatar
noromance
9,923 posts
 
@mulveling I have 2 pairs of HF35s. One pair is a full rebuild with fixed bias and 3 chokes, PIO caps, Mullard GZ34, Psvane Globe 6SN7 ($375 a pair but amazingly detailed), TS 7581A and it sounds better than many amps costing a LOT more.
soundermn's avatar
soundermn
344 posts
 
@jbhiller Thanks for sharing info about the 7581a.  I ordered a set and just rolled them into my PL HP.  So far, they sound really nice, and I think I like the tone better than the KT150s.  

But, question for you... where do you put the tube switch on the HP?  I moved it to the EL34 setting.  Is that right?
cat_doorman
237 posts
 
I’m not even sure what I originally searched for to eventually stumble onto this old thread, but I‘ve now ordered a new set of tubes tonight.

I blame all of you.
mulveling's avatar
mulveling
1,966 posts
 
@soundermn 
A vintage 7581A should be closest to a 6L6GC, and then to KT66. It's not really "that" close to an EL34, but according to Prima Luna's manual the EL34 setting is your best choice available and should work fine though it will somewhat reduce the power output available from the amp. I wouldn't expect the power reduction to be TOO much; maybe say 30%?
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