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KT88 or EL34 based tube amp for Titus ES

I’m shopping for a new integrated tube amp for my Triangle ES speakers. Music source at the moment would be Logitech squeezebox internet music streamer. Room size is 12X12. Primary listening habits: Jazz, classical, vocals at low volume at most of the time. I have a few ideas:

1. PL Prologue Two
2. Mystere ia11 (or do I need step up to ia21 to get the best out of my speakers)
3. PL Prologue Three/Five combo

I never get a chance to compare KT88 ( power) with EL34 (tone) side by side, some people like EL34’s the mids and the soundstage. I understand that KT88 might go lower,…but does it really matters with small bookshelves like mine? Any suggestions? Thanks.
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newbee
4,093 posts
 
I wish I was more familar with your speakers, but I'm not. I am familar with these amps and I think the PL3/5 offers you the best chance for success. If for no other reason that you have a lot more flexibility in not only selecting the different types of power tubes but you can fine tune it by changing the small tubes and the rectifiers in the pre-amp and amp. I use the PL3/5 combo for the bulk of my listening and have ultimately chosen 6L6GC's in preference to the EL34's, 6550's, or KT88's I have on hand. I've had them now for over 3 years and have had zero problems.

Good luck.........
tpsonic
1,092 posts
 
I would suggest the PL2.It eliminates an IC.The 88s are my preference and rolling the 12ax/au will bring its' performance to another level.
I am not as enamored of the 3/ pre.Those who have had both (friends),have kept the PL2.
I have owned the PL2 for many years.Many who have heard it,thought it was a unit that sold for $3K or up.With 90db+ speakers and a tube friendly impedance,you won't ever look back (nor sideways).
grinnell
661 posts
 
I use the Triangle Cometes with my PL2 w/ EL34's. Great sounding unit decent at low volume, room is 12 x 20 open walls. More than enough power and with the PL2 you can try the KT88 or the EL34 as well as some other power tubes.
lloydc's avatar
lloydc
549 posts
 
Newbee, did you go with 6L6GC's primarily for reliability, or for some other reason?
newbee
4,093 posts
 
Linearity and clarity for the most part. These are the SED6L6GC which have a good rep and are very rugged. (Caveat, there are lots of 6L6 types so if you are investigating them, be mindful of the differences, especially in the Baron. FWIW my Baron is biased for the old Sovtek 5881's so I have not heard them in it, but I have heard the 5881's and the 6L6's in my Primaluna and there is no comparison. The 6L6's are much, much, better.) They are neutral and very natural in this amp.

Hope that helps you a bit.
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