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Alternate Power Tubes for a Cary V12R

Howdy - I've got a Cary V12R that takes dozen EL34 tubes. The tubes are getting a little tired and I'm thinking about replacing them. I like the way the amp sounds, but I'm always looking for a little extra - a bit more extension in the treble and tighter bass. the Cary manual states that the amp can run on 6L6, 6V6, KT-66, KT-88, KT-90, KT-99, 6550C, and of course EL34. I'd like to retain some of the EL34 mids if possible. I'm trying to keep it to a dull roar, maybe $50-$60 per pair. Does anyone have any experience rolling tubes in this amp, what are you using, and what do you recommend? Thanks!
grimace
polk432
1,142 posts
 
I had a V12R and Gold Lion KT88's will make it sound a bit better. How hot does the amp run now? Is it in a big room? I switched to a CAD120's because you could cook a hamburger on the V12R that I had. EL34's may be a little cooler. With EL34's you should bias at 238mV. Best of luck.
mikirob
955 posts
 
I own the Cary V 12 and the solution for you is to buy the NOS Reflector 6L6 6n3ce from Jim McShane. That is what I did. Read Jeff Day's review of these tubes on his Blog; he used to review for 6 Moons, currently Positive Feedback. These tubes are Sublime, I agree with Jeff Day wholeheartedly. The bonus here is that these tubes cost only about $65.00 a matched quad, $195.00 for 12 tubes. They are great. Talk to Jim McShane and read Jeff Day's comments.
grimace OP
624 posts
 
I did speak with Jim McShane, and he was very friendly. He recommended the Gold Lion KT 77s and the EH 6CA7, but, looking on his website it appears that those are the only two options he has in stock.

It seems like there are some folks on A-Gon and around the web who think highly of the JJ KT-77s. Anyone have any experience with them? I've got the JJ EL34L's in the amp now, and they've been pretty good. They were a damn site better than the stock Ruby Tubes.
grimace OP
624 posts
 
Nobody on the JJ KT77 tubes?
gdshasko
6 posts
 
do you know you can run 4tubes or 8tubes or 12 tubes.i run 8 tubes on my v12r.it about 66watts. a good way to try different tubes.
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