Which tubes to buy


I have an Audio Research Ref. 160s power amplifier. It's almost time to replace the tubes. This will be the first time I replace the tubes in this amp. In the past I have purchased tubes for my Ref. 6SE preamp directly from Audio Research or Upscale Audio. Audio Research furnishes Tung-SolĀ  KT 150 tubes with the amp. and also as replacements. Recently I have found PSVANE brand tubes available. Does anybody have experience using these tubes? I'm trying to get the best sound quality. Tung-Sol made in Russia have been around a long time. PSVANE made in China is new to me. Any suggestions or recommendations?

motorheadflash

Showing 2 responses by newbee

I've never used Psvane tubes, but they are getting mixed reviews about quality. Best do some research on this issue as well as whether or not (good or not) they are suitable for you ARC amp. I'm not familiar with your amp but ARC tends to drive their amps tubes hard which would stress 'weak' tubes and cause amp failures. I use Tung sol tubes in other amps (not ARC however) and have never had a premature failure. FWIW

ARC sez you can use KT120, KT88, and 6550's. They just don't necessarily indorse them. Sounds like they voiced the amp for the KT150's.