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 5 responses by tuberist

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tuberist
951 posts
 
how would you compare to the Gold Lion KT77, another EL34 variant. I'm running those right now.
Larry
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tuberist
951 posts
 
heh Wolf, +1

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tuberist
951 posts
 
Based on these postings, I have a quad of 7581A coming on Monday. I've been using the Gold Lion KT77 as my power tubes, they are truly outstanding and no complaints at all.....I'll post a comparison of the two tubes eventually....to me, more tone is always good if not syrup.
tuberist's avatar
tuberist
951 posts
 
arch2....I've been running the 7581a now for several days after replacing the Gold Lion KT77. In my PrimaLuna I like the 75s better.....much more tone, the sound staging and the detail is comparable to the Gold Lion....both tubes are wonderful, I prefer the Tung-Sol because the tone is stronger and the bass deeper and more fleshed out.
tuberist's avatar
tuberist
951 posts
 
followup to my earlier post. I've had the 7581a in my PL Dialogue Premium integrated well over 100 hours. I didn't listen to the tubes out of the box and let them run 10 hours or so after installation. I didn't really detect any "break in" sound changes. The tubes are dead silent and I like the blue glow too. So compared to the original EL34's that came with the amp, no contest to me. Much more detail, especially bottom end definition and extension with a more dynamic and "faster" sound. Compared to the Gold Lion KT77, the detail and dynamics were about the same but the bottom end somewhat more developed and pronounced but still balanced. All three tubes I've used are very good, just a matter of your taste. I like a strong dose of tone without being over the top, that's the 7581a to me.
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