New KT150 tubes?

Smoffatt, the ARC Ref 75, you have to leave the cage off, but I agree it is good to see those tubes. I understand this is NOT true of the 150 and other models, the top can stay on.

When I auditioned the Ref 75 with Wilson Duettes, I compared it with the then new VSi75 integrated and a Ref 110, retubed with KT120's. No competition, the 110 was near the 75, but still a clearly audible difference. An experienced reviewer and owner of many ARC amps, commented that the company periodically puts out a barnstorming power amp in the 50 to 100 watt range, one that people remember for decades. He thought the Ref 75 was one of these. Mine certainly is'nt going anywhere. Besides I am retiring next week, I can't afford constant upgrading. I don't know how to improve on the Ref 75, much south of $30000.

Smoffat, I replaced my GNS modified Classic 120s driving Verity Parsifal Ovations with an ARC Ref. 150 about 6 months ago. The amp is tubed with KT 120s. I must say that the improvement was remarkable, with tighter bass, a less colored midrange, and more extended highs. I was unsure before making this change if the Ref. 150 would really make all that much difference but it did. In fact, the improvement in my system by replacing the amps was greater than replacing my GNS modified Ref. 1 preamp with a Ref. 3.

Randy

Ordered KT150s for My Reference 250s Today .

Veerapaneni ...my Ref 150 is almost ready for a retube. The KT-120s have almost 2000 hours of use on them.

I am frustrated that ARC will not bless the KT-150 for use in their current Ref series. At this point I have only ONE question: will the KT-150s damage my Ref 150? Period.

I'll take my chances on life testing and sound quality. I just want to know the answer to that simple question. Will I damage my Ref 150

Though a non-techie, the KT-150 additional current draw looks immaterial as compared to the KT-120. The GS-150 and Ref 150 specs look identical. I infer that the GS-150 is a goosed up Ref 150, with just a prettier fascia. It is not even clear to me that the GS-150 has better innards.

Take a look at the ARC web site and check the GS-150 and Ref 150 tech specs ... IDENTICAL in every reported aspect!!!

As many of you who follow my posts know, I am an ARC fan. But I am getting a tad irritated by ARC's refusal to answer my question: will the KT-150 damage my amp???

Bruce

The latest data from my uber-scientific research regarding "damage from 120s/150s due to filament draw" says they will not damage a god damned thing. You can read more about this study in my earlier post, and if they damage your ARC it will be the first ever reported incident of this sort of damage and I'll send you a little certificate to commemorate the event. Totally worth the risk...and to update the status of MY new KT150s: They are GREAT sounding tubes.