2. amps-preamps
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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
hifigeek1
770 posts
 
I can tell you, they're still susceptible. If your amp was wired in triode, you might be able to get away with it.
bifwynne
2,206 posts
 
Gary,

Is the ARC VS 115 wired in triode?? Regardless, thanks for the advice anyway. The 6H30 audio tubes were pushing between 4 and 5K hours too. So I retubed the whole VS 115 batch.

As an aside, I just ordered a retube set FROM ARC for my ARC Ref 5. There's probably over 3K hours on the 6550 C and 4 to 5K hours on the 6H30s.

Not sure what I did makes sense, i.e., buying VS 115 tubes from Upscale Audio and Ref 5 tubes from ARC. The thought process is that "ARC grade" matching might be more critical in the line stage than the amp. That's probably not a valid assumption, but it's a done deal. In any case, as stated, the KT-120s bias just fine and the amp sounds great, so I'll just have to "suffer" [sic] with the Upscale Audio tubes in the amp -- NOT.
hifigeek1
770 posts
 
Next time let me know BEFORE you buy your tubes. I can help.
johnsonwu
469 posts
 
No way the vs115 is triode. 4 tubes push pull per ch will not get you 110wpc even if you push B+ all the way to 550v.
bifwynne
2,206 posts
 
Thanks Gary -- will do.

Gary and Johnsonwu -- I'll probably regret this question, but what is the significance of a triode amp? Btw, with KT-120 tubes, the VS-115 can push out 130 wpc, but my ears would bleed if I pushed my amp and speakers that hard.

Thanks again,

Bruce
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