2. amps-preamps
  3. 146907-18279

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 10 responses by jbhiller

jbhiller's avatar
jbhiller OP
1,361 posts
 
But I should note I like tubes like I like women. All are beautiful in their own right. Some just do it for me more than others. :) 

I will compare my notes and make an update with more details. 

I sgoujd akso note note the Gold Lion kt77 is the only one I really need to try so I can’t comment. I hear from others it’s super.  I don’t think you can go wrong with anything gold lion.  I love my GL 300bs and others. 
jbhiller's avatar
jbhiller OP
1,361 posts
 
In contrast, the EL34 can be a touch droopy and slow. It also lacks a bit of the whole spectrum while focusing on midrange. The 7581a gives a broader view like a KT88 but with charm and romance in the midrange. 
jbhiller's avatar
jbhiller OP
1,361 posts
 
Wolf, if you do not like them I could buy them off you.  But seeing as they are $30 a pop not a huge loss, which is why folks should try them out.  I love KT150s but at over $100 a pop they are a bigger risk for folks.  

And Wolf you are making me want to try the Gold Lion KT77. I need an octet though so it's going to be a bit of dough.
jbhiller's avatar
jbhiller OP
1,361 posts
 
$600 new seems high for 8 GL KT77s. I thought they were about $40 a copy.  
jbhiller's avatar
jbhiller OP
1,361 posts
 
Wolf, downright beautiful post.  You should be a reviewer. Way better than the drivel we see in the hifi porn magazines. :)
jbhiller's avatar
jbhiller OP
1,361 posts
 
@noromance ,

Yes, I do really like these tubes.  Many times I'm not so sure or as passionate because there are many fine tubes that don't stand out in any meaningful way for me.  These stand out.  

I've isolated my findings to the power tubes.  Even when I roll preamp tubes of different ilk, it is these power tubes that stand out across preamp tubes that I've used with other power tubes. 

I also like them because they are such a good value in the crazy tube market.  With NOS power tubes so scarce and expensive, these are solid value.  

One thing of big note. One power tube I haven't tried is the GL KT77, which is a shame.  I hope to do that soon.

jbhiller's avatar
jbhiller OP
1,361 posts
 
The blue glow--even though it has nothing to do with anything sonic (or likely doesn't)--is pretty sweet indeed.  Super cool.  I thought I'd lay low on the blue glow because the sonics of the tube are enough of a sell for us.  The blue glow is sooooooooo kewel. 
jbhiller's avatar
jbhiller OP
1,361 posts
 
I have used KT150s but not KT120s so I can’t comment on how 120s compare. 
jbhiller's avatar
jbhiller OP
1,361 posts
 
@glowworm, I hope they work out for you. Sorry to make you start “rolling” again. It’s cheaper than a therapist! 
jbhiller's avatar
jbhiller OP
1,361 posts
 
I’ve been bopping around through my systems this summer.  I just got back to horns fed by these tubes. Soooo good. Time has shown me these are just so special new production tubes. 
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