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El34 = KT88 = KT120

Sure the KT120 is 2x;'s the size of a EL34.
But in my limited expereince ((thus far,,have 1 more experiement just ahead when my new speakers arrive and I build the cabinet, then further testing of the 3 types can begin) 
You get something nice of one tube vs the other 2, and another of he 3 shines better here, the last is slightly superior in this/that aspect.
6 of 1 /half dozen of the other.
I mean it all boils down  gain here, and give up something there.

Power  tube = power tube. 
I would not make such a  big deal over the comparisons. 
Thats said.
I think for me , i prefer the EL34 of all power tubes (as I've been told its the best of the 3) , Why?
Because its the ideal tube in a  PP amp for a  single wide band speaker. 
But i could be wrong, 
Will test out the 3 tubes in a few weeks. 
I actually could not hear much differences on the Seas speakers. All 3 sounded so very close. 
You might say the Kt120's out shoot the tiny EL34 in the  low bass fq's. 
I have Mundorf caps in the amp, these high end caps  adds a  nice punchy bass to any tube in the socket. 
The EL34 has just about same bass as the huge KT120's. 
I just don't see much difference  to debate the issue. 
mozartfan
mozartfan OP
2,143 posts
 
Look all I am saying is the Dybaco ST70.EL34 , Allen Organ Monos /KT120s, sounded darn close to the Defy KT88. Thats all I am saying,
Nothing to get all uptight about.
Its just a opinion.
Look, tell you what, When the high sens speaker arrives and i set up some sort of cabinet, I;ll get the other 2 amps back and we;’ll do some shootout., figure out if my above opinion , ain;’t worth even 2 cents.
Fair shake?

((off to the side whisper,,,I am really convinced the sonic will be mininsule contrast = power tube = power tube)


Apologies  to anyone whose apple cart I may have  bumped over,,,,...We really should not hold stiff doctrines in this hobby. 

Doctrines keep one from learning, , blocks new truths/experiences. it really does, The Dogmas.
edcyn
1,876 posts
 
I want to hear...errr...read the results of your shootout. When the EL34s in my PrimaLuna lost their mojo, the guy at Upscale quizzed me as to what my system was and what I wanted for it to satisfy me more. He suggested I try 6550's.  And yes, I'm a very happy guy.
oldhvymec
5,101 posts
 
OK mozartfan 12 foot pole.

Still on that "one driver fits all" kick I see.

I can't think of two valves that a more different.. 

KT88 sounds close to an EL34?

Man alive get your hearing checked.. and buy a speaker that REVEALS the difference in valves..

How about a GOOD small planar based system for starters..

Round speakers SUCK.. period.. Mid bass down, there is no other place for them in my home stereo..

Slow, sloppy, round speakers.. Pretty Simple really..
decooney
1,947 posts
 
@mozartfan Look all I am saying is the Dybaco ST70.EL34 , Allen Organ Monos KT120s, sounded darn close to the Defy KT88. Thats all I am saying,

This could very well be the case with your source, your cables, your speakers, in your listening space.

Try each of those power tubes in the SAME amp(s) designed to accept all of them, paired with revealing speakers, and you may have a better chance of hearing the difference.
rushfan71
291 posts
 
@edcyn I wouldn't be surprised if you were just hearing a difference from those inferior PL El34's.

I replaced mine with a matched Octet of 1960's Mullard El34 xf2's.
More refined less glassy sound.

And of course you should know that the (2 ) 12AU7's in the center front position in your Amp would be the first tubes to roll for the most immediately noticeable s
SQ change.
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