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
As an ageing cynic, really ARC have no interest in showing the 150's will work in the current Reference power amps. They have the reputation of bringing out new models faster than a Milan fashion house. I would put money on them having a range of Reference power products, using the 150's, within a year or so.
" Step this way Sir for the new super reference Power amp, the 120's are so last year"
Anything is possible. New SE model, KT120 inventory too high, haven't decided if new resistors are needed ...

I have a friend interested in ARC Ref250. The only reason hasn't pulled trigger is uncertainty of KT150. He spoke to a big ARC dealer past Mon and dealer said ARC is very happy with sound of KT150 in Ref amps and should work fine without problems. But since ARC hasn't officially endorse using them, he can't officially endorse them either.

Friend is exploring other options so I think the uncertainty has some negative effects on sales.
At this point I do not recommend using the SED6550 (winged C).
Before production stopped, (the factory burned down supposedly), these tubes became very problematic. I only use the 6550we at this point.
And from another Costa Rican based corespondent, seeking advise, in respect of an amplifier to drive his Martin Logan CLX speaker,

"Problem solved.
You are absolutely right, following those who recommended to test the amp at home, I did just that and I found the ARC 150 to be just right in the sense that it gives me the full bodied presence I wanted, plus the prerequisite of better imaging and full range of frequencies. Like I said, I tested it and it's staying here. One more additional reason is the dealer brought it with the KT150 tubes already installed, so it made a huge difference. Thank you all for helping solve this little riddle and let me say I am happy. It worked great."
A very recent comment posted on another forum, Dealer/User location as yet unknown.

"My dealer got confirmation i can use the kt150 in my ref750s. They also suggested i wait a bit because they mention with the amount of tube in the 750s, ARC find it difficult apparently to match a large number of kt150 so far. This would not be an issue with smaller amplifier using less tubes. Not sure what to make of it but i will likely upgrade to the kt150 in the near future anyway..."

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Thanks for the update. I think the evidence now is significant enough to call the verdict. I shall upgrade my Ref 250 to KT 150 when the current KT 120 is up for replacement. There should be good improvement in the performance.