El34 = KT88 = KT120


Sure the KT120 is 2x;'s the size of a EL34.
But in my limited expereince ((thus far,,have 1 more experiement just ahead when my new speakers arrive and I build the cabinet, then further testing of the 3 types can begin) 
You get something nice of one tube vs the other 2, and another of he 3 shines better here, the last is slightly superior in this/that aspect.
6 of 1 /half dozen of the other.
I mean it all boils down  gain here, and give up something there.

Power  tube = power tube. 
I would not make such a  big deal over the comparisons. 
Thats said.
I think for me , i prefer the EL34 of all power tubes (as I've been told its the best of the 3) , Why?
Because its the ideal tube in a  PP amp for a  single wide band speaker. 
But i could be wrong, 
Will test out the 3 tubes in a few weeks. 
I actually could not hear much differences on the Seas speakers. All 3 sounded so very close. 
You might say the Kt120's out shoot the tiny EL34 in the  low bass fq's. 
I have Mundorf caps in the amp, these high end caps  adds a  nice punchy bass to any tube in the socket. 
The EL34 has just about same bass as the huge KT120's. 
I just don't see much difference  to debate the issue. 
mozartfan

Showing 1 response by decooney

@mozartfan Look all I am saying is the Dybaco ST70.EL34 , Allen Organ Monos KT120s, sounded darn close to the Defy KT88. Thats all I am saying,

This could very well be the case with your source, your cables, your speakers, in your listening space.

Try each of those power tubes in the SAME amp(s) designed to accept all of them, paired with revealing speakers, and you may have a better chance of hearing the difference.