Synergistic Red Fuse ...

When I tried one of Dennis’ KT88 Fire Bottle amps a couple of years ago, I was told that the transformers in the KT88 would not handle the KT150 tubes. Even back then, Dennis was making amps with different (larger) transformers where he was running KT150 tubes in a SEP design.
His recommendation was to buy a KT150 Fire Bottle amp, with the larger transformers, if you wanted to run the KT150 tubes. Hence, upon Dennis’ recommendation, I never tried the KT150 tube in my KT88 Fire Bottle amp.

Of course, as you may know, I had NO success at all with the KT88 Fire Bottle amp with my 90 dB, 8 ohm Soliloquy speakers. I tried the KT88’s and 6V6 output tubes (Dennis’ favorite), but sadly neither worked well at all.
I have heard that some folks love Had’s Fire Bottle amps though, so there is much to be said about system synergy and varying tastes.

On the other hand, I have had success with SR Black fuses, so take that for what it’s worth. ;^)

Nice to hear Wolf is having audiophile shrangrala (that's from 3 dog night for you Wolf) with the new amp and some very nice speakers. Enjoy

Very possible the Sonist is an easier load and more compatible with SET/SEP amplifiers than the Soliloquy. Sonist was designed specifically to mate with these types of amplifiers from the very beginning.

Charles

I simply happen to have some KT150s hanging around attempting to escape from their boxes (I know what’s going on man…I notice the little open box lids), otherwise I’m happy with the amp as is. Also, I noticed a Merrill Audio ad someplace and since I already like solid core (who doesn’t? Like Linc from Mod Squad said, "Solid!") I ordered a pair of interconnects…didn’t notice the "hand made" bit and asked when they were shipping…oops...interesting response where Mister Merrill noted the WEEKS it takes to make these things, so hey…I’ll wait. I meter cable…won’t make ’em in advance…no no no…does that cut into my 60 day return policy? (kidding…really…)

Very possible the Sonist is an easier load and more compatible with SET/SEP amplifiers than the Soliloquy.

Very true Charles, though if I recall correctly, Dennis Had had a hand in the development of the Soliloquy line of speakers. I seem to recall they were also manufactured in North Carolina, and Dennis helped design them so that they had a very stable, 8 ohm load.

In fact, here is a quote from a review of the Soliloquy 6.3:

Fixtures at every audio show I've attended, Soliloquy loudspeakers have a growing reputation among my ilk of audiophile -- tube lovers, that is. I understand that Cary Audio's Dennis Had designed the original two Soliloquy speakers, which have been long discontinued, and then sold the rights to the name Soliloquy to the current owner, Bernie Byers, who has bulked out the line.

Certainly, 93 dB is more efficient than 90 dB, but I wouldn't think that would be a night and day difference.

However, the proof is in the listening.

Cheers,
John