The new RUSSIAN production power tube to beat in my system (LTA ZOTL40 AMP) is the Tung Sol 7581a (6L6 type). Less than $100 a quad, bettered the KT77 GL, El34 Mullard and Tung Sol 34b. The KT66 is a very linear, clear, smooth sounding tube. I felt the Mullards were a bit grainy on top, I do like the GL KT77, but the 7581a are more refined overall. The issue is the 7581a need at least 150hrs of burn in for them to open up. I still need more hours on the TS EL34b to proper evaluate them. The TS EL34b are definitely smoother on top compared to the Mullards so far. I bought the 7581a from Viva Tubes. Highly recommended.
Anyone have experience with the Tung Sol 7581a vs. EL34, KT66, KT88, 6L6
I broke down and added another power tube (Tung Sol 7581a) to my collection. That can get expensive as my Primaluna Dialogue HP Premium integrated has 8 power tubes.
Why has this tube escaped me thus far? Why is it not more popular? Many folks don't sell this reissue tube.
I think this is a great deal. I was torn between the lush, thick midrange of the EL34 and the more evenly spread out sound of the KT88. But the KT88, for all its more correct behavior didn't romance me like an EL34.
The 7581a from Tung Sol can be had cheap and I really like them. [I'll spare you all the audiophile terms]. They check the boxes that I was looking for.
Does anyone have experience, information or knowledge about this splendid tube?
PS The next experiment is KT150s but I can't see doing it if I'm gonna lose any of that great EL34 midrange.
Why has this tube escaped me thus far? Why is it not more popular? Many folks don't sell this reissue tube.
I think this is a great deal. I was torn between the lush, thick midrange of the EL34 and the more evenly spread out sound of the KT88. But the KT88, for all its more correct behavior didn't romance me like an EL34.
The 7581a from Tung Sol can be had cheap and I really like them. [I'll spare you all the audiophile terms]. They check the boxes that I was looking for.
Does anyone have experience, information or knowledge about this splendid tube?
PS The next experiment is KT150s but I can't see doing it if I'm gonna lose any of that great EL34 midrange.