audio Research REF 110 and KT 120 tubes

For what it's worth, I dropped ARC supplied KT 120s in my Ref 110 and can say with assurance that they provide noticeably more power, dimensionality and transparency. The caveat is that I did this bit of listening with a temporary pre (in place since I sold my Ref 5) as I await Ref 40 to be delivered next week. The pre is by a small manufacturer who I would rather not name until I have concluded my listening with the Ref 40. I am confident that not more than a handful of Agoners own this pre.
In any event, there is a stridency in the lower treble upper mids that I did not hear before, possibly because my 6550s , with less transparency, did not reveal as a preamp or source (cd) problem.I suspect it is not the fault of the new tubes. I will report back after Ref 40 break-in which may take some time.
If it works out as I believe it will, I will be able to wholeheartedly recommend the kt 120s.

thanks for your review
so the KT120 can be mount ont the old REF 110
that's a good new

I had some informations of Kalvin from ARC:

i have a REF 110 from 2008 (230V - 50Hz)
i would like to know if i can put KT 120 tubes instead of my 6550 tubes

Thanks

"Yes you can. They are a direct replacement.

Leonard Gustafson
Customer Service"

Thanks Kelvin

inside the new REF 110 it's the same as the old (like mine 2008)
the only difference is the tubes KT 120 ?

How the ref 110 does Sounds with the KT 120 ?

regards
Patrice

"Hello Patrice,

The KT 120 has more dynamics and better bass than the 6550. The amplifier also has more a little more headroom before it gets compressed.

Best Regards,

Kalvin Dahl
Customer Support"

Thanks Kalvin

inside the new REF 110 it's the same as the old (like mine 2008) ?
the only difference on the new REF110 is the tubes KT 120 inside ?

"Hello Patrice,

Yes. The only difference is the new KT120 tubes."

BTW I just retubed a VS60 with KT-120's. Awesome. In case someone was wondering if you can put KT-120's in a VS60. You can.

How about putting one of these KT 120 tubes in the Ref 3 power supply location? I would think that would make for an improvemnt in an already great preamp. They will be available sometime this year, correct?