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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. 
128x128jbhiller

Showing 3 responses by tablejockey

tablejockey
3,772 posts
 
jbhiller,

I noticed that tube awhile back and was always curious, since I too have the PL HP.
Nice to see they are ridiculously priced.

El34,KT77 & KT88 sound great. The compromise between those two for me have been the RCA 6L6G(the big bottles) they just fit under the cage.
Not terribly expensive as a killer NOS 34 or a new KT150

When I'm looking for a little audio excitement, I will keep the 7581 in mind.

.

tablejockey
3,772 posts
 
alexwilds-

not many here looking for grind and compression out of their home amps.

http://fenderforum.com

tablejockey
3,772 posts
 
"The GL KT88 was not as good in my setup." Interesting.
I remember the 88's as dynamic in PL systems, but everyone  has different situations.

I had the 77's in my HP for a bit. Great tube. I'v kept the old RCA 6L6G's   cookin in mine for a few years now. 

I may step up and try the might 150's this year, just for audio kicks.
8@$100 each, is kind of a downer though. I've been expense free with audio nonsense for awhile.

Opening the wallet, I hear the old Foreigner song-"Feels like the first time!"
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