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El34 = KT88 = KT120

Sure the KT120 is 2x;'s the size of a EL34.
But in my limited expereince ((thus far,,have 1 more experiement just ahead when my new speakers arrive and I build the cabinet, then further testing of the 3 types can begin) 
You get something nice of one tube vs the other 2, and another of he 3 shines better here, the last is slightly superior in this/that aspect.
6 of 1 /half dozen of the other.
I mean it all boils down  gain here, and give up something there.

Power  tube = power tube. 
I would not make such a  big deal over the comparisons. 
Thats said.
I think for me , i prefer the EL34 of all power tubes (as I've been told its the best of the 3) , Why?
Because its the ideal tube in a  PP amp for a  single wide band speaker. 
But i could be wrong, 
Will test out the 3 tubes in a few weeks. 
I actually could not hear much differences on the Seas speakers. All 3 sounded so very close. 
You might say the Kt120's out shoot the tiny EL34 in the  low bass fq's. 
I have Mundorf caps in the amp, these high end caps  adds a  nice punchy bass to any tube in the socket. 
The EL34 has just about same bass as the huge KT120's. 
I just don't see much difference  to debate the issue. 
mozartfan
ticat's avatar
ticat
322 posts
 
FWIW, I currently use an upgraded (volume pot, Mundorf caps, Takman resistors, custom chassis etc...)  Elekit TU 8340VK PP amp (with a semi auto bias feature, easy and accurate) . My recent experience is that in the past year, I have used New EH EL 34, New Gold Lion KT 77 and New KT 88 matched tube sets. Each pairing has a separate and distinct sound... all were good, but different. The choice is yours but there was a choice to be made. I stayed with the KT 77.

BTW, I agree with the potential of the Wide Band concept, it is difficult to execute properly though. I currently use an auto-former modified electrostatic system but have started a Wide Band project, that will incorporate Cube Audio WB drivers and transmission line cabinets. 

The Truth is Out There....
mozartfan OP
2,143 posts
 
ticat23 posts07-07-2021 3:46pmFWIW, I currently use an upgraded (volume pot, Mundorf caps, Takman resistors, custom chassis etc...)  Elekit TU 8340VK PP amp (with a semi auto bias feature, easy and accurate) . My recent experience is that in the past year, I have used New EH EL 34, New Gold Lion KT 77 and New KT 88 matched tube sets. Each pairing has a separate and distinct sound... all were good, but different. The choice is yours but there was a choice to be made. I stayed with the KT 77.

BTW, I agree with the potential of the Wide Band concept, it is difficult to execute properly though. I currently use an auto-former modified electrostatic system but have started a Wide Band project, that will incorporate Cube Audio WB drivers and transmission line cabinets.

The Truth is Out There....

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

OK 
we ;ve got another 
Mundorf + Takman  fan here. 

I love both labs components. . 
I  wnted to installa  Acoustic Dimensions 47 step vol pot on the Jadis DPL, but tech geek says, no go, won;'t fit,,,
Big loss there.

I tried the GL KT88's. sounded a  bit  muddy to me, 
Another guy on Audiokharma  says he also did not care for the GL, Alot of  folks love them. I am a  EHKT88 guy I am running Svetlana 6550s (same exact tube as a  KT88) So next set will be EH KT88's.

I wish i could go KT77 (=EL34?) but Defy is not flexible. 

I may end up buying my tech geek's modded Dynaco ST70/EL34. 



ticat's avatar
ticat
322 posts
 
I had a modified Dynaco ST70 running EL 34's for many years (in a tri-amp arrangement driving Quad 57's along with T27's and Hegeman subs). Very nice, until I re-married and the "what are those..room heaters?" had to go.
I still regret selling the 57's AND the ST 70. Buy it to try it...

Onward and Upward...
pauly
1,012 posts
 
El34 = KT88 = KT120

I hope you are kidding … if not, go see a specialist. 
pauly
1,012 posts
 
Tube comparisons are only valid when the same amp is used with all the tubes in succession.


Boy, as the resident “expert” you sure make a lot of non-expert comments.

EL34s, KT88s and KT120 have different plate and grid voltages, they have different cathode current ratings. Ergo, they CANNOT be compared on the same amp. An amp will be optimized for one and not the others.



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