KT-77 vs. KT-66
As I've had my QS Mono 60s, I've tried a variety of tubes. I have sold off my KT 150s, and use KT-88s from time to time, but what I really love are KT77's.
I'm thinking of getting some KT66s, thinking that lower powered tubes are better (to my ears) matches for my system. I just don't know what the KT-66's sound like.
Question: If you have compared KT77 and KT66 tubes, what would you say the sonic, audible characters of each are? Is there a difference you can hear? What does the KT66 sound like -- to you?
@jimmy2615 The GL KT-88’s in my system have "slam" and bass response; lower mids have punch. Mids and highs are a bit harsh; this can be tamed a bit with changes in my preamp 6SN7 tube. Curious how others might answer your question. |
@jimmy2615 I have a Primaluna Dialogue Premium integrated and have rolled tubes a bit, including KT88’s and 6550’s. I, always, come back to KT77’s. To me, I find KT88’s (Tung Sol & GL) and 6550’s (EH) have more bass, but loose significant detail. KT77’s have it all. I was not impressed with Siemens el34, either. I would like to try some Amperex el34’s double-D getters, but need another matched pair. Also, I would like to hear how vintage 6L6’s sound in a Primaluna. A friend swears by them in his guitar amp. Though, not the same equipment. |
I've been using my Dennis Had SEP tube amp again lately (I switch between it and a Pass XA-25) which can utilize a really wide variety of "KT" type tubes and I really like KT77s (Gold Lion) in the thing. A fave for sure. I discovered a forgotten pair of GL KT66s I bought just before the Russian tube world imploded and recently stuck 'em in the amp...it seems they need a little while to break-in...they're great sounding! Really hard to say if they're better than 77s or to describe the difference, but hey...try 'em! The Gold Lions are great looking tubes by the way. |
Concur with wolf_garcia the GL KT77 is a fantastic output tube in a Had Inspire, detail, warmth, linear up and down the frequency range with excellent harmonics (my way of saying sounds great!). toddnig comments are helpful identifying KT88/6550 differences. More bass, lower mids, loose some sparkle and detail on the top. Still a great sound depending on the music and mood. But the GL KT77 is the overall winner, has it all top to bottom good tight bass, rich warm mids, sparkly highs with detail 20Hz to 20kHz. Like I said earlier, everything the EL34s have but more of it and better. Now I’m curious what a GL KT66 would sound like…oh jeez, here we go again!
|
