Recent Tube Convert

[Bachtoven]

I just traded in my Pass Labs INT-150 for a PrimaLuna Premium Dialogue HP (Really, couldn't they have come up with a snappier name?) and I LOVE it! It's so much richer and simply more realistic sounding compared to the Pass. It can use EL34 (which is the stock tube), KT 88/120, or KT150 tubes. What differences in sound would I likely notice among those tubes? Thank you.

 

[rbbert]

When I listened to this amp driving Sonus Faber Amati Futuras, the KT150's in triode mode simply did everything better than the alternatives. 2 other listeners felt the same way. Different speakers might lead to different opinions, though.

 

[rbbert]

Don't forget that all these tubes can have slightly different characteristics depending on whether you choose triode vs. ultralinear (pentode) operation. One advantage of the KT 150's is they offer a bit more power if you end up preferring triode mode.

 

[YashN]

Listening to my DIY Single-Ended Triode Tube amp with KT-88s as well.

Enjoying it a lot.

 

[YashN]

Don't forget that all these tubes can have slightly different characteristics depending on whether you choose triode vs. ultralinear (pentode) operation. One advantage of the KT 150's is they offer a bit more power if you end up preferring triode mode.

In my SET Amp, I have installed KT-88s and apparently if I configure it in ultra-linear mode, I can get more output power.

 

[Jond]

I have a push-pull EL34 amp and greatly enjoy the Genalex Gold Lion KT77 in my amp. I've no experience with KT150's for comparison however.

 

[Mendel]

I just traded in my Pass Labs INT-150 for a PrimaLuna Premium Dialogue HP (Really, couldn't they have come up with a snappier name?) and I LOVE it! It's so much richer and simply more realistic sounding compared to the Pass. It can use EL34 (which is the stock tube), KT 88/120, or KT150 tubes. What differences in sound would I likely notice among those tubes? Thank you.

I believe that amp also allows 6L6gc or KT66 (check the manual to be sure). This is a more linear, accurate sound than EL34 or KT88, but still with that great tube bloom in the midrange. It might be the sound you are looking for. I do a lot of output tube rolling in my Rogue (which also takes most output tubes), but seem to be spending more time listening to these types (particularly the NOS Russian 6P3S-E) these days.

 

[Bachtoven]

Thanks, I'll look into them I've read good reviews of Kt120 tubes--every tried them?

 

[DaveC]

I think the Primaluna is a PP (push-pull) amp, with those I like KT88/UL, though I have not tried the KT150s. For a SET amp I think EL34 in triode is the way to go, and I agree the GL KT77 are excellent, although any new production tube is not built as well as NOS as far as reliability, IME...

It is hard to beat a good tube amp when paired with the right speakers!