Has anyone tried KT150s in their ARC Ref 110?


Hi all,

Was wondering if any ARC Ref 110 owners have tried the KT150 output tubes in their Ref 110. Seems like ARC is testing out the KT150 in the current production amps and while officially not yet sanctioned, they seemed to have tacitly ok'ed the trial of the KT150 in Ref 75 and Ref 150 amps from various user comments on different forums.

I would be interested in hearing if anyone has tried this output tube in their Ref 110. If yes, at what bias? Any sonic impressions compared to either the 6550s or KT120s would be very much appreciated. Thanks
cmalak
Cmalak, actually, I used to own the VS-115, which was the Ref 110's baby brother. Some said it sounded 85 to 90 percent as good as the Ref 110. Anyway, that's history.

The VS-115, when first released, used SED 6550 "Winged C" tubes. They were very nice tubes!! Later, ARC switched over to the KT-120s. In my opinion, the KT-120s had it all over the 6550Cs.

I'm pretty sure ARC said it was ok to use the KT-120s for the Ref 110. Frankly, I think it's a no-brainer. Btw, I think one can pick up KT-120s from reputable tube vendors for less than $50 bucks a tube.

I suggest you wait until ARC officially approves the KT-150 for your Ref 110. I am waiting for ARC to approve the use of the KT-150 for my Ref 150, and I think there is less risk with my amp than your Ref 110.
There simply cannot be enought threads about this...I may start another one.
I know someone with an IQ at best, 1, said he watches weather forecasts and believe the station with the best results.

So keep creating these thread until you get the answer you want to hear.
Bifwynne...thanks for your response.

Joecasey/Wolf_Garcia...please take it offline and just for the record, this thread was specific to the Ref 110 which is not a current Ref amp and hence why I thought it was ok to start a new thread, given that the other thread was about the KT150s in ARC's current Reference amps.
Take what offline? Are we getting TESTY? I did misspell "enough" which is bad. My bad...bad bad bad...
I know the KT120's are OK in the Ref 110. They are said to bring the 110 very near to the 150 in performance. I have heard such an amp at my dealers. Whether you need some modification, I am not sure, a dealer should be able to tell you.

I have had a thread running for months re KT150's in Arc reference amps. ARC are supposed to be doing lifetime testing on this now, no words of wisdom yet