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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
ariess
5 posts
 
I could imagine there are a number of people who are running KT 150's in their REF75 (or other amps) but would not want to volunteer that information in a public forum for fear of voiding their warranty. Knowing that Carl Marchisotti has made the switch and is happy is enough to try it and upscale audio and others sell matched quads of KT150's. The real issue for some may be whether
they are willing to break the principle of their warranty with ARC and use something (even if its safer and better) that is not approved. I myself have cut the tags off my mattress though the warning says I would void my warranty to do so.
bifwynne
2,206 posts
 
Ariess ... a related issue to the one you just mentioned pertains to resale. My ARC Ref 150 amp is used. I'm not sure how I'd react if I learned that the prior owner used KT-150 tubes if ARC had not blessed their use as of the date I extended an offer. Of course, if ARC sprinkled pixie dust on the KT-150s by the time I was ready to make an offer -- then no harm, no foul.

As an fyi -- ARC recently told me KT-150 life testing continues. Hopefully, I will survive ARC's life testing process. Seems like it will take a life time. :)
hifigeek1
770 posts
 
Just to be fair, I only recommend and use tubes from ARC. They are 'properly' matched and tested for at least 24 hrs at RATED VOLTAGES prior to being shipped. ARC products are too expensive to play Russian roulette with.
joecasey
484 posts
 
As an fyi -- ARC recently told me KT-150 life testing continues. Hopefully, I will survive ARC's life testing process. Seems like it will take a life time. :)
Bifwynne (System | Reviews | Threads | Answers | This Thread)
Wow, you ask ARC? Didn't know you're a CERTIFIED FREAK-IN AUDIO RESEARCH TECHNICIAN?
wolf_garcia
6,644 posts
 
The "life testing" of 150s has taken so long that it's starting to freak me out...I can't take it...keeps me up at night...what will ARC say? What if they say NO? Then all my excitement about pickle shaped overpriced retro-tech microphonics resisting room heater dildos will have been for NOTHING. Damn...
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