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Retubing an ARC VT100 mkll

Thinking of tube rolling my VT100 mkll. Currently using EH for both the 6922 input and 6550 output tubes. Less than 800 hours on the entire set, so its not that I need an entire retube, just looking to improve the sound if possible. What would give the biggest improvement, changing out the input or output tubes to KT88/90? Bear in mind I would need a closely matched OCTECT of either so bizarre/rare vintage tubes are out of the question. Thinking of Gold Lions or similar, any thoughts from the scholars?
spinaker01
spinaker01 OP
491 posts
 
From what I can see, there should be oodles of room to physical fit KT-120's. Not sure if the bias range or power supply can support this tube though. Anyone know for sure as I have also heard good things about this tube, but have not investigated it as I did not think it was compatible. Anyone know for sure?
jedinite24's avatar
jedinite24
1,503 posts
 
I don't know if this list has changed but here are the ARC amps that Hifigeek1 mentioned in a different Tung Sol KT-120 thread.

04-19-12: Hifigeek1

The following is a list of ARC amps that are authorized to use the KT-120:

VS55, VSi55, VS60, VSi60, VS110, VS115, REF110, VM220.

I hope people find this useful as there seems to be a lot of confusion about it.
hifigeek1
770 posts
 
Thank you Jedi. May the force be with you always!
gmorris
351 posts
 
I retubed my VT100 MKII with the KT120s without any issues. The improvement in sound and perfromance was across the board in all sonic categories. In fact the amp seems to run cooler with these tubes.
hifigeek1
770 posts
 
The filament supply was not designed for the extra current needed to run the KT-120. The above list is from Audio Research and represents what they have tested and are comfortable with running KT-120's in. Caveat Emptor.
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