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Here is what I've tried.......

I've got the PA100.100 as well. Great amp for a great price used. Super performer. What speakers are you using and what preamp?

My amp came with JJ KT88's and Golden Dragon 12AU7's. For power tubes, my favorite is currently the Ei KT90 Type II's. Hard to find right now, but possibly the some Type III's would work if you find a nice pair. THe KT90's have trememdous bass and really nice detail and air. I've gone back and forth between the KT88's and KT90's and the KT90's just rock harder and are more dynamic.

I've also tried some Shunguang KT88's marked GEC Replicas. These aren't too bad at all as well. They seem to have a very nice holographic sound and soundstage well, but the bass is a bit more bloated. It's hard to realize the bass is a tad slow until you compare them to the KT90's.

If I was have unlimited funds, I would try some Genelex KT88's, but they are out of my price range. I would also try the EH KT88's which seem to enjoy a great rep and would probably be among the better new production KT88's.

As far as 12AU7's, I've tried Brimar, Telefunken, RFT, Sylvania GB-5963s, Tung-Sols and Jan Mil 5963's. They all can sound pretty darn good. I found that mostly the amp is hard to make sound bad, some tubes make it sound better for my tastes. I think mixing two pairs of different makes and models is a great way to go. I started out trying quads of different makers and have settled into using two of the Sylvania GB-5963's and a very nice pair of RFT 12AU7's.

Using the Herbie Tube Halo rings will also help a lot. I've even tried some of the Ebony ball cup isolators from Herbie and like them a lot with this amp. Don't skimp on a quality power cord capable of high amperage, either. It'll help the deep bass this baby is capable of. Hope this helps.


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  • Here is what I've tried....... - tommytube 07:46:54 10/05/04 (0)


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