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Hello:
I'm somewhat new to tubes, and recently bought a Cayin TA-30 w/ full mods by Paul G. Because of manual bias capacity, I can use either EL-34s, Kt-66s, Kt-88' or KT-90s. Which power tube will be the most musical? I know each variety will have plus/minus but I'd appreciate input from anyone who has the experience and know-how, so I don't have to re-invent the wheel on this one.
Follow Ups:
tone in your amp and which tube will sound best to you will depend on your choice of speakers and source as well as your individual tastes. As a general rule for a newcomer stick with the tube the amp was designed around. If your speakers are neutral and you like a warmer sound you would probably like the EL34's or the KT88's. If you like a cooler or powerful sound the KT90's, and althought you didn't mention them, 6550C's. Hope that helps a bit.
Ah-- the eternal question. An archives search will give great results as this ? seems to be on everyones mind. Here is my opinion, for what it's worth. 1st, focus on getting good quality input tubes for the Cayin. These will make more of a difference than ANY POSSIBLE output tube swap. Cheaper, too.(usually) OK-- here is the crux of the matter. The answer depends ENTIRELY on whether you want to buy current production tubes like JJ, E-H, or Svetalana... or if you are going NOS. NOS EL34s will give the most musical sound, with KT66 a close runner-up. But they will cost a fortune. If you buy current production, there are MANY issues. What "musical" means to you is meaningful ONLY to you. If you like BIG soundstage, monster Dynamics, and great bass with a really "punchy" sound, the Shuguang KT88-98 from the tubestore.com ($85/quad) is as good as you will find for that kind of sound. If you listen loud, have inefficient speakers, or like primarily rock&roll music, get the KT88-98. The Shuguang is the best brand on the market. I wouldn't buy new KT66s. They are neither fish nor fowl; they will have a sort of smaller scale KT88 sound, with a touch more midrange texture... not by much. The only KT90 on the market that is reliable right now is the ElectroHarmonix, and it is CRAPPY. Flat imaging; makes a tube amp sound like a cheap Adcom. AVOID! If the sound you are looking for is great midrange detail and texture, smooth sonics, great sonic balance from top to bottom, and you don't need the big power of a KT88, EL34 is for you. Great for Haydn/Mozart/Bach/Corelli and Coltrane/Miles/Mingus Jazz. Un beatable upper mids and lower treble. Personally, I'd get the Shuguang KT88-98, because it has 99% of EL34 sonics and far superior dynamics. If you go EL34, try the SED/Winged C Svetlanas or the Shuguang EL34B. The JJ e34L is kinda smeary and low detail. Two other tubes to consider are the SED/Winged C Svetlana 6L6GC and their 6550C. Both are great in the Cayin. The 6L6GC will have a forward midrange, but if your speakers lack midrange "bloom" they will be great. The 6550C is dynamite; best treble extension/ambience and tremendous clarity. To fully answer your ?, what is the rest of your system? What is you taste in music? What are you using for input tubes? Hope this helps!
Sorry to barge in, I have a Cayin A-88T, will the Shuguang KT88-98 also work well in my amplifier ?How do Tungsol 6550 reissue compare ?
Thanks,
Antonio Melo Ribeiro
I understand that EL34s with Winged C logo are genuine Svetlanas and are good. I bought the other 'Svetlanas', unintentionally, and was disappointed by the poor performance (low transconductance). I think these are "rebadged" and not true Svetlanas.
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