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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
david12
tsushima1
1,165 posts
 
We have another ARC VSi75 owner, commenting elsewhere, in respect of his unsanctioned adoption of the KT150. He reports that no obvious anomalous behavior has manifest itself,as yet,from either amplifier or himself.

Commenting further, it would appear that he considers the substitution to have been quite efficacious.

"I'm so glad to tell you that this is the greatest improvement I 've ever heard for the money!

Maybe a 15 hours - break in is just a little bit to say that Vsi75 is born for KT150, but soundstage is wider and deeper than ever!

Bass is more bass and midrange is so natural and 3D through my Sophia 3!"

It would be useful if these guys were in a position to monitor bias readings and transformer/circuit temperature.

Perhaps I may make a few inquiries, and post any further information on this point.



bifwynne
2,206 posts
 
Thanks for the update Tsushima. Hopefully Gary (Hifigeek) will catch this thread and post another ARC update on status.
hifigeek1
770 posts
 
I shall try and ask this week.
tsushima1
1,165 posts
 
Good evening Gary.

I was wondering whether you had been in receipt of any further 'Official' news?

If so ,I sincerely hope that you have not been 'Clipped' for such temerity, And are not currently propping up a flyover, somewhere in Minnesota!
bifwynne
2,206 posts
 
Was just trolling on the Upscale Audio website and noticed they are listing the KT-150 for $92 per tube. I also checked NewSensor's posted stats for the KT-120 and KT-150. The KT-120 filament draw ranges from 1.75 to 1.95 amps. In contrast, the KT-150 is reported to pull 2 amps. To my non-techie head, the extra draw is not significant. Nevertheless, I will not drop the KT-150s into my Ref 150 amp until ARC officially clears the tube. Hopefully Gary will have something to report shortly.
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