2. amps-preamps
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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
wolf_garcia
6,695 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...
bifwynne
2,206 posts
 
Wolf .... I am VERY, VERY upset. Nola Speakers used KT -150 tubes in a Ref 75 .... So far, because KT - 150 life testing is ongoing, Nola may (??) have used the tubes without an ARC pixie dust sprinkle. I may turn this over to ARC for disciplnary follow up -- abuse of equipment. Could result in equipment confiscation. :) LOL

www DOT theaudiobeat.com/newport2014/newport2014_favorites.htm

P.S. -- I wonder if Nola got dispensation.
wolf_garcia
6,695 posts
 
Last thing I need is somebody coming to my door at 2AM to confiscate my tubes. Or maybe that's the second to last thing...in any case it's a thing.
bifwynne
2,206 posts
 
Wolfy ... you'd be quite fortunate if it was JUST the tubes. Unauthorized tube use could cost you the amp.

Who in their right mind would willfully and knowingly abuse their ARC amp by using tubes that weren't sourced from ARC. Shocking!!!

Sorry if I'm pushing into your personal business, but please confess ... how often do you check the bias of the tubes? Do you religiously set the bias at 65 mV??

Just tryin' to be a friend. :)

P.S. Upscale Audio sells the KT-150 for $92 a pop. :)
xti16
1,525 posts
 
The "life testing" of 150s has taken so long that it's starting to freak me out..
Wolf -- Look at the bright side. The longer it takes the life testing the longer tube life it has (Duh). I'd consider it a good thing. But I already have the blessing of Octave for my amp. Another thought - Since they now have a new amp that uses the KT150 they must like them. I'm just waiting for my local tube guy (Jim McShane) to sell them.
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