It's time to retube my rm100. I've been running two 6l6's and two el34's for the a few years now. I don't have any complaints with that setup but I am also thinking I would like to try something different. So, should I try a quartet of Kt77's? a quartet of 6CA7's? I don't play anything too heavy as far as tone goes...if that helps. Thanks
KT77's in RM100
- Thread starter JD
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Really personal decision and no right answer. I'm currently running GT 6L6 & EL34, but I usually run Gold Lion KT88 & =C= EL34 (that's an expensive combo). I'm enjoying my current mix, but do prefer the KT88/EL34 mix. It's all up to you.
drewiv said:
KT88's eh? interesting. I believe that I have those in my bass tube head.
I realize it's person preference. I was just hoping to order 4 of something and be done with it and get back to playing.
I know I don't want 4 6L6's and I'm not sure if I want 4 el34's.suphuckers
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You think those Lion's are worth the cash (really?)? Drew?
I've looked at them a few times. Can you really hear the difference?
Do you own a tube tester?
I've never tried the Lions, but I've tried a bunch of other tubes like.. "Gold pin this or that". On the tester, and to my ears (which I don't mean to toot my own horn, but my ears are usually pretty good. and...) I haven't ever really seen/heard that much difference between the expensive tubes like the gold pins and etc.. As long as I test the tubes and pick good ones from the cheap stock, they're just as good (and even sometimes I've found some cheap tubes that were better). I mean I have heard some really old RCA/Tesla tubes etc that blew my mind, but other than that... I haven't seen where its been worth the money.
I've looked at them a few times. Can you really hear the difference?
Do you own a tube tester?
I've never tried the Lions, but I've tried a bunch of other tubes like.. "Gold pin this or that". On the tester, and to my ears (which I don't mean to toot my own horn, but my ears are usually pretty good. and...) I haven't ever really seen/heard that much difference between the expensive tubes like the gold pins and etc.. As long as I test the tubes and pick good ones from the cheap stock, they're just as good (and even sometimes I've found some cheap tubes that were better). I mean I have heard some really old RCA/Tesla tubes etc that blew my mind, but other than that... I haven't seen where its been worth the money.
JD said:drewiv said:
KT88's eh? interesting. I believe that I have those in my bass tube head.
I realize it's person preference. I was just hoping to order 4 of something and be done with it and get back to playing.
Yeah, KT88. They play really big and open; lots of headroom. I feel they really let the module itself shine. I like them mixed with the EL34s. That said, I'm really not a 6L6 guy. Please keep in mind my absolute favorite MTS setup is a VHT 2|90|2 and M4, but just couldn't do a rack rig.
suphuckers said:
Are they worth the money? Who knows? I'm not sure they sound better, but I have found they last longer. I've never done calculations to see if they pay off in time, but I got a quad when they were on super sale last time.
When you go KT88, what brand do you use?
I own the Orange Tester. I know, it's not the end all - be all of testers, but it's good enough for me. It tells me good/bad - matched/not matched.
webrthomson
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suphuckers said:
I agree with this gold pins are all marketing BS IMHO I neither hear any difference, nor can I see any on a tester!
In answer to the thread question I love KT77's, got them in my MOD50 and my Diezel Herbert, and they absolutely crush in both amps.
Tend to agree with Drew for the RM100 I like KT88 and EL34's - but it's just a matter of time till I re-tube one with KT77's
Mattfig
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JD said:
I use that very combo in an RM100 and LOVE it....It gives you a really nice, unique, British tone...
tschrama
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The only parameter of significance is transductance....... choose 6L6 for low transductance,, and low damping versus EL34 for high transductance and higfher damping. Most other tubes fall inbetween...
Edit:
forgot to mention changing the PI tube to a lower transductance type goes a long way.. try a 12AT7 before you spend ur money on output tubes.
Edit:
forgot to mention changing the PI tube to a lower transductance type goes a long way.. try a 12AT7 before you spend ur money on output tubes.
suphuckers
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drewiv said:
I don't use KT88's in any of my amp's.
I went round and round with power (and other) tubes and ended back with JJ 6L6's.
I also use a JAN5751 in the PI.
I use EH tubes in V1. I know that might not be the most popular choice. "To me" they are as close to that $100 old Tesla Tube I heard once, as I've been able to find. I use JJ-12AX7's in all the other sockets.
