2. amps-preamps
  3. 181044-132571

KT 150 failure

I bought a set of 150’s early this year for my Primaluna Dialogue Premium.  I’ve always run Gold Lion KT 66’s with no problems. Last week, during silence between songs, I heard this soft fluttering sound thru the woofer.  Cornwall’s.  The slightest tapping of the floor in front of the speaker produced the sound.  I went to the amp which is @6 feet away, and all looked fine- no red tube fail lights.  But the lightest touch to the far left tube really made the woofer flutter.  No red plate, static or popping.  After cool down and restart, tube is quiet until it warms up, then same situation.  Pulled them all and replaced with KT66’s.  All good now.  But I have a geeky question.  What happened with that tube?  In Dynaco Days, I had more dramatic failures.  It’s a fail, but what failed?  Thanks in advance for satisfying my curiosity.  

george53

Showing 4 responses by george53

george53 OP
44 posts
 

Assumed it was finished, but you’ve answered my question.  Thanks. 
Previous failed tubes were never this subdued.   

george53 OP
44 posts
 

I bought these in March from an outlet in Canada.  About the time that tubes were getting scarce.  I really just wanted some new 66’s or maybe to try some kt88’s.  All I could locate at that time were the 150’s.  Gave me a good excuse to move farther up the chain.  Long break in, but they sounded just great.  I’m hoping that this is a one off.  4 x expensive is a commitment I guess.  If it happens again too soon I’ll cut my losses and retube with 66’s maybe.  No whining from my end.  All this improves the quality of my life, every single day

george53 OP
44 posts
 

Yup. Almost went with HP, but being retired, the cost of 8 tubes steered me to the Dialogue Premium.  Happy Happy.  This amp is on, a good portion of every day.  Tubes are the “cost of doing business”

george53 OP
44 posts
 

Jerry, off topic, but always like to ask folks what differences they heard between those tubes.  Accepting different amps, rooms etc.  I still like to hear people’s opinions.  I always suspect that differences are there but not earthshaking.  In the same equipment.  If these 150’s don’t work out down the line,,,,I have other observations to mull over.  Thanks 

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