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KT88 vs 6550 vs ? for warm midrange - using Cronos Mag lll

I've been listening to an ST70 with EL34 Tubes & really enjoy the Sound .

Using the Cronos with KT120's  it's a different sound / feel - sounds wonderful but seems either more balance / neutral overall . Maybe more lower end but not as sweet in mid range as the 34's 

34's in the cronos is possible but not really advisable [ too much current into tubes - 1/2 the life span  even with proper biasing ] 

I've been running the amp in Triode mode and seem to prefer sound .  Listening levels are moderate / low  avg 75 db 

I'm good with the kt120's but maybe another tube would bring more mids to the game 

 

* Note - I have changed All the preamp tube to NOS - It has been a significant improvement !-  Telefunken is at center  12au7 , flanked by RCA clear tops , 2 GE ax7 's 

Any suggestions for power tubes is most welcome - Rogue audio is shipping  kt88's in lieu of the 120's [ for yrs due to war etc.] 

what's gained or lost when changing from the 120's ?

 

forgot - Primary Speakers - Dynaudio special 40's , primary source is Vinyl 

 

Thanks  

 

mfm22

Showing 1 response by decooney

decooney
2,341 posts
 

Lots of talk on other/older threads about the center tube in this amp.  While I run KT120s and 12au7s in different brand amps, the sound will change notably with different 12au7s in mine.  Seems like the lowest cost and easiest option to retrace steps on that front-center tube.. If I install the same Telefunken or GEs in mine for this spot, its a more detailed and lean sound with less warmth/body fwiw.   

 

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