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Anyone have experience with the Tung Sol 7581a vs. EL34, KT66, KT88, 6L6

I broke down and added another power tube (Tung Sol 7581a) to my collection.  That can get expensive as my Primaluna Dialogue HP Premium integrated has 8 power tubes.   

Why has this tube escaped me thus far?  Why is it not more popular?   Many folks don't sell this reissue tube.  

I think this is a great deal.  I was torn between the lush, thick midrange of the EL34 and the more evenly spread out sound of the KT88.  But the KT88, for all its more correct behavior didn't romance me like an EL34.  

The 7581a from Tung Sol can be had cheap and I really like them.  [I'll spare you all the audiophile terms].  They check the boxes that I was looking for. 

Does anyone have experience, information or knowledge about this splendid tube?  

PS  The next experiment is KT150s but I can't see doing it if I'm gonna lose any of that great EL34 midrange. 
128x128jbhiller
jbhiller's avatar
jbhiller OP
1,444 posts
 
After a long break from the 7581a tubes, I swapped them back in.  I was using Gold Lion KT77 reissues--great tube. 

The 7581a adds a bit of the power that the KT150 has and it seemingly has more headroom.  But, I say that without checking the specs.  That's how they sound.  

I remember now why I love these tubes. 
noromance's avatar
noromance
9,969 posts
 
Anyone try the new Tung Sol EL34B?
frogman
7,478 posts
 
Noromance and all. Glad that I noticed this thread as it is time (again) to replace the power tubes (16!) in my Manley monoblocs and I am intrigued by your comments re the Tungsol 7581A. I have the discontinued Svetlana Winged C 6l6GC’s in them currently, but they are sounding very tired as of late. Any additional comments, especially re longevity, or recommendation of a good source would be appreciated. Amps came stock with Sovtek 5881’s and I have also gone through two sets of NOS GE 6l6GC’s. Favorites so far, the Svetlana’s, but a close call against the GE’s. 

Thanks!
noromance's avatar
noromance
9,969 posts
 
@frogman Hi there. I bought mine from amazon. 8 tubes in 4 monoblocs still running fine. 
frogman
7,478 posts
 
Thanks!
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