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
wolf_garcia
6,631 posts
 
I misspelled "would" although otherwise my last comment is accurate...I still like the 7581As in my "Had HO" amp...just somehow more revealing of musical detail maybe...something...
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 :)
willmacc's avatar
willmacc
80 posts
 
Has anyone done a shoot out between the TS EL34B and 7581A? 


jbhiller's avatar
jbhiller OP
1,361 posts
 
@glowworm, I hope they work out for you. Sorry to make you start “rolling” again. It’s cheaper than a therapist! 
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.  




More to discover