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  3. 146907-18279

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
jbhiller's avatar
jbhiller OP
464 posts
 
The blue glow--even though it has nothing to do with anything sonic (or likely doesn't)--is pretty sweet indeed.  Super cool.  I thought I'd lay low on the blue glow because the sonics of the tube are enough of a sell for us.  The blue glow is sooooooooo kewel. 
wolf_garcia
4,650 posts
 
I've used KT120s and like them...had a quad last for 2 years or so in another amp, and have a pair for this amp. Great tube, doesn't sound as good as the GL KT77s or the 7581s in this particular amp.
jbhiller's avatar
jbhiller OP
464 posts
 
I have used KT150s but not KT120s so I can’t comment on how 120s compare. 
chrissain
425 posts
 
Hmmmm, the kt 120s sound better in my amp, I wonder if my kt77s are getting long in the tooth. The kt77s are smoother but the kt120 are more dynamic with a bigger more 3D soundstage, the kt77s sound smaller and more intimate. I still might try the 7581s if they also have dynamics.
wolf_garcia
4,650 posts
 
The 120s sounded great in a Jolida 502p push-pull amp that I used them in primarily, and only swapped 'em out when they got weak....wound up using Gold Lion KT88s mostly. In the amp I now use (Dennis Had Inspire Firebottle HO 12wpc...4 tubes total in this thing) I can put pretty much any power tube in there (with a rectifier tube change when needed for "sag" avoidance or encouragement...or something) and the amp itself seems simply more revealing of tube differences. I might put the 120s back in sometime just for some tonal mischief, and because I feel bad for all of the lonely tubes that dwell in the darkness of my tube drawer.
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