2. amps-preamps
  3. 146907-18279

Really...My favorite power tube is reissue that's not widely popular

If you run 6l6/EL34 variants, I HIGHLY recommend trying this tube out.  The Tung Sol 7581A reissue.  I've had these for a good bit of time and compared them against KT150s, EL34s (several brands), KT88s, and maybe another that I'm forgetting.  They are a mere $30 a pop and they are the best tube I have heard. I know that's a brave bold statement to make as there is so much competition out there and the tube is very much under the radar from what I can tell.  

After having these around for a long time (and in and out of the amp), I had them in and was nearly spellbound one night by how great they sounded upon reentry into my amp.  I did a search and could only find one review, which I agree wholeheartedly with.  You can find it here: https://wallofsound.ca/audioreviews/amplification/6l6-vacuum-tube-review-tubes-courtesy-of-www-thetu...

I am nearly incredulous there isn't hype out there about this tube.  Simply my favorite tube.  I thought I'd pass this along as it may be much cheaper to give them a whirl then fuss with a much more expensive power cord, cable, or other tweak.  
128x128jbhiller

Showing 7 responses by glow_worm

glow_worm
84 posts
 
Jbhiller....thanks for tip. I ordered a quad today, will report back. And I thought I was all done tube rolling :)
glow_worm
84 posts
 
Btw, opinions above using a primaluna dialogue integrated 
glow_worm
84 posts
 
jb...LOL so true!

willmacc....I have a set of TS EL34Bs so I’ll let you know how they compare. They do have the typical 34 shortcomings, in that they can be a tad bright on top and the bass is not well defined. But the mids are exceptional. Really lush and involving, trumpets are unreal. For like $22 each an amazing mid-range and a very nice tube.  

I’ve rolled a number of the popular reissues,  and I’m thinking I simply like the TS sound more than the GLs (though I do have GL KT77s arriving today). I am trying GL KT88s now, going to sell them. They have a nasty glare on top I just can’t rid of (on many different recordings), and after 100 hours I don’t think they will change nearly enough with more hours. 

I do like the TS KT120s (shy in the mids but vintage Mullards in the pre helped a lot).  They have a reputation for glare, but I don’t hear it. Might just be someone mentioning it in forums and it’s become folk lore. More of a SS sound, but a really good tube, esp. if KT150s aren’t an option for your amp.  

Hope me this is helpful, will get back about the 7581A compare.  




glow_worm
84 posts
 
Take them out of the box? This explains why I’ve been getting cardboard build up in my tube sockets...thanks for the tip Wolf!
glow_worm
84 posts
 
Working around the Eico sidebar....good question re midrange. Let’s face it we are all looking for the “Goldilocks” tube, the mid warmth and tone of the EL34 and the highs and lows of the KTs. Have the 7581a’s now, trying to find time to plug them in. 
glow_worm
84 posts
 
Completely agree. JB turned me onto these 6 months ago and I’ve never taken them out. Superb performance bass and mids, with a top end that i can only describe as effortless. And at $100 a quad!
glow_worm
84 posts
 
Also discussed earlier in this post is the GL KT77. Well worth a try as well, an excellent alternative to the 34. Great mids like the 34, but with extended top end and bass and very refined. I never have been able to decide between the 77 and the 7581a since JB brought them to my attention...I finally solved it by switching back and forth every few months. Both are excellent, you can’t go wrong with either. 
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