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Really...My favorite power tube is reissue that's not widely popular

If you run 6l6/EL34 variants, I HIGHLY recommend trying this tube out.  The Tung Sol 7581A reissue.  I've had these for a good bit of time and compared them against KT150s, EL34s (several brands), KT88s, and maybe another that I'm forgetting.  They are a mere $30 a pop and they are the best tube I have heard. I know that's a brave bold statement to make as there is so much competition out there and the tube is very much under the radar from what I can tell.  

After having these around for a long time (and in and out of the amp), I had them in and was nearly spellbound one night by how great they sounded upon reentry into my amp.  I did a search and could only find one review, which I agree wholeheartedly with.  You can find it here: https://wallofsound.ca/audioreviews/amplification/6l6-vacuum-tube-review-tubes-courtesy-of-www-thetu...

I am nearly incredulous there isn't hype out there about this tube.  Simply my favorite tube.  I thought I'd pass this along as it may be much cheaper to give them a whirl then fuss with a much more expensive power cord, cable, or other tweak.  
128x128jbhiller
chrissain
425 posts
 
Wolf, keep us updated.
jbhiller's avatar
jbhiller OP
464 posts
 
@noromance ,

Yes, I do really like these tubes.  Many times I'm not so sure or as passionate because there are many fine tubes that don't stand out in any meaningful way for me.  These stand out.  

I've isolated my findings to the power tubes.  Even when I roll preamp tubes of different ilk, it is these power tubes that stand out across preamp tubes that I've used with other power tubes. 

I also like them because they are such a good value in the crazy tube market.  With NOS power tubes so scarce and expensive, these are solid value.  

One thing of big note. One power tube I haven't tried is the GL KT77, which is a shame.  I hope to do that soon.

wolf_garcia
4,650 posts
 
I meant 7581As in my last post, lest anyone be reading this stuff. The Gold Lion KT77s really are a great tube and until now have been my reference (meaning I left them in my amp as they sounded better than other options) for a year or so...beautiful looking tube, and I recently bought a new set as one tube stopped working...hmm...now that the 7581As are breaking-in (as far as that goes with tubes), they’re already a seriously great sounding tube...wide ranging effortless tone monsters with a cool looking blue glow at the plates...I like that...they’re gonna be around for a while as I bask in the damn things, and at 50 bucks a pair new and tested, there’s simply nothing not to like.

chrissain
425 posts
 
Has has anyone compared the 7581 to the kt120 ? 

noromance's avatar
noromance
1,780 posts
 
Solid recommendation from @wolf_garcia and yes, the blue glow is sweet. 
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