I have tried 6550's, KT88's, el34's, kt77's, and recently the KT120's in the Cary. They all have their merits, but with the right speakers I prefer the EH el 34 the most. I think in triode it has a wonderful balance.
However the lower wattage of the EL34 just could not drive my latest speakers properly. The KT120 tubes went a long way to fill out the bottom end and overall presentation. I know they do not increase the power output, but they definitely present a much fuller sound with my harder to drive speakers.
So it all depends on what you are looking for, and what speakers you are trying to drive.
However the lower wattage of the EL34 just could not drive my latest speakers properly. The KT120 tubes went a long way to fill out the bottom end and overall presentation. I know they do not increase the power output, but they definitely present a much fuller sound with my harder to drive speakers.
So it all depends on what you are looking for, and what speakers you are trying to drive.