2. amps-preamps
  3. 1366132414

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
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.
grimace OP
624 posts
 
Just to follow up - I went with the JJ KT-77s as I had pretty good luck with the last set of JJ EL34L's that i bought. So far, I like them very much. The bass is a little tighter, but the real difference is in the treble - the KT-77 just has much better extension up top. That extension translates to more three dimensionality as the ambient cues and air are more audible. As for the midrange - which is supposed to be the EL34's strength - I don't feel like any of the prized liquidity is gone, but the clarity is much better. To my ear the KT-77 is a better tube in general. Now, having said that, I'm not sure how much of that is the just the benefit of having a fresh set of tubes, but I don't remember the EL34s sounding this good when they were new.
grimace OP
624 posts
 
...but they can't overcome a screaming baby.
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
04-22-13: Grimace
...but they can't overcome a screaming baby.

Duct tape will resolve that issue. ;)
More to discover