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.  
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Showing 6 responses by chrissain

In my Rogue audio m180 darks I (overall) like the kt120 best, I own GL kt77s and they sound awesome in the mids, but in my Amps are not as big and open as the kt120, Maybe I need the extra power. 
After reading the review you posted I might have to try them. A marriage of the kt120 and a 5881 sounds awesome.
I put my GL kt77s back in my Rogue m180 darks and while they sounded good the kt120s are still a better match, bigger, more open with better bass control. Still open to try the 6L6 tung sol though. 

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.