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KT66 initial physical comparisons between Saratov and Sino

This is mainly directed at Quicksilver and other auto bias tube amp users interested in trying the KT66.
I ordered a matched quad of both as these tubes have had a reputation for excellent sonics.
The Saratov (no brand name on tubes) apparently pre-dates the New Sensor takeover and the Sino is a an older design Shuguang, but I might be wrong.
Both were the same price which makes direct comparisons fair.
Both are huge tubes and are slightly larger than most KT88s. The comparison stops there however.
The Saratov KT66 glass is literally like fine crystal. Perfectly transparent, no scuffs or debris melted in and very thick. The Sino glass is very thin, scuffed and contains bubbles and debris.
The biggest differences are inside. The Saratov uses very heavy leads in a straight row which are in turn welded to thick pin wires. The Sino leads are very thin and not arrayed in a straight line, resulting in lots of bends. The Saratov pins were smoother and superior to the Sino's as well.
One final observation. The Sinos were quite dirty as new tubes go, especially around the pins on the base.
I'll report on how they both sound shortly.
doggy



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Topic - KT66 initial physical comparisons between Saratov and Sino - nightdoggy 16:00:11 04/12/07 (6)


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