Dakingat55,
Please keep us updated on how your amps are doing with the KT-150's. I'm too chicken to try them right now.
Thanks!
Please keep us updated on how your amps are doing with the KT-150's. I'm too chicken to try them right now.
Thanks!
New KT150 tubes?
Has anyone any experience with these pretty new tubes. There are already one or 2 amps I know of, that use them. The review of one of these amps in a UK magazine suggested they were a little warmer and more natural sounding than the nearly new KT120's
The article also suggested they were a straight swap for KT120 based amps, with no adjustment necessary. They are more than twice the cost of KT120's, but still not too costly compared with NOS tubes. I know changing from KT88's or 90's to 120's. did require some amp modification. I have an ARC reference 75 and might want to try the new tubes at some point, ARC don't seem to have a customer E-mail service, to ask the question
The article also suggested they were a straight swap for KT120 based amps, with no adjustment necessary. They are more than twice the cost of KT120's, but still not too costly compared with NOS tubes. I know changing from KT88's or 90's to 120's. did require some amp modification. I have an ARC reference 75 and might want to try the new tubes at some point, ARC don't seem to have a customer E-mail service, to ask the question
Showing 5 responses by joeinid
David, Thank you again. I appreciate your input very much and I am so happy you are enjoying the new sound. I have the ART monos and an ARTsa. I was also told no on the KT-150. I can't imagine them blowing up the amps but may affect ultimate longevity going forward. I have a small integrated that will accept KT-150's and plan on hearing them in that one first. Thanks again! |
Thank you David, Let's hope we all get some official good news this year regarding KT-150's. I plan on ordering my first quad as soon as the stores are open. I'm looking at another week or so before they are installed and singing. Happy new year everyone. Bruce, Keep the faith. I know of some reviewers and speaker makers who have been using KT-150's in their Ref 75's for quite some time with zero issues. Also, if you notice, the new ARC Galileo series of gear is not marketed as "reference" yet it is more expensive. Early reports are great but I'm not spending that much for them. |
I totally understand. I was told flat out "no" for my ART monos and ARTsa. I don't mind because I love them the way they sound and I'll take the chance if I choose to install KT-150's in my amps. At least we know of some ARC users actually using the KT-150 without problems. I suspect they (ARC) will never sanction the KT-150 and also suspect the Reference series and Galileo series are similar but we'll never know unless someone does a full breakdown. ARC may not be the only vendor but there is only one manufacturer of these tubes. If I were you, buy the KT-150 and enjoy them. Life is way too short. You've already had problems because of a bad KT-120, I doubt you'll have any more or different issues with KT-150's. In fact, I believe the KT-150 will last longer and sound better. |
That info is from here: http://audioshark.org/audio-research-corporation-arc-36/arc-amps-kt150s-6541.html I am sure tubes from ARC will be a premium but probably matched better. |