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New KT150 tubes?

Has anyone any experience with these pretty new tubes. There are already one or 2 amps I know of, that use them. The review of one of these amps in a UK magazine suggested they were a little warmer and more natural sounding than the nearly new KT120's

The article also suggested they were a straight swap for KT120 based amps, with no adjustment necessary. They are more than twice the cost of KT120's, but still not too costly compared with NOS tubes. I know changing from KT88's or 90's to 120's. did require some amp modification. I have an ARC reference 75 and might want to try the new tubes at some point, ARC don't seem to have a customer E-mail service, to ask the question
david12
bifwynne
2,206 posts
 
Milimetr ... that's a great explanation. I'm sure the factors you describe are (or were) also under consideration by ARC.

Quite honestly, I'm not sure what "life testing" entails. Perhaps it involves running the tube in actual operation in the amp to check if it has a deleterious effect on other components. It might involve long term subjective sonic testing. Not really sure.

That's why although I am personally interested in following the outcome of ARC's testing process, I'm not so curious to plop those tubes into my ARC until ARC gives the green light.
david12 OP
1,454 posts
 
It's all a bit like waiting for the college of Cardinals to elect a new Pope. Perhaps there should be a chimney in Minesota, so we can all wait outside for the puff of white or black smoke.
pryso
1,927 posts
 
David12, better that than a puff of white or black smoke from your amp. ;^)
rja's avatar
rja
2,370 posts
 
What if Putin decides to get back at the "West" by cutting off the supply of KT150s? What will audiophiles do then? 8^)
tsushima1
1,165 posts
 
Well Folks, at long last, we may observe at least one product line where ARC is intent upon an implementation of the KT150.

http://www.monoandstereo.com/2014/05/audio-research-galileo-line-new.html

Reference 150 and 250 SE upgrade models perchance?

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