which power tube? EL34 / KT77

[Sitka]

I am currently running Gold Lion KT77 power tubes in my amp. They are tubes that came with the amp when I bought it, so my experience is limited to the KT77's.

Some folks report EL34 is sweeter in the mid range, which appeals to me. But, lacking any experience here, I am seeking guidance.

What can I expect to hear with EL34's? If they are worth the switch, what brands are recommended? I'm not even sure what is available these days on vendors like tube depot? These tubes are for my 6.5 watt amp.

Almost forgot - my gear:
TT. SL1300 with ART 9XA. MC cart
Phono Stage MP-2P
Amp MP 301MK3
speakers Altec Valencia

 

[spantou01]

Your amp reference is a bit too cryptic; I think you mean Musical Paradise, right? If so, have you read the Wall of Sound review? They preferred KT88 power tubes in their Mk3.

https://wallofsound.ca/audioreviews...-mk3-integrated-tube-amp-2013-deluxe-version/

 

[Sitka]

Your amp reference is a bit too cryptic; I think you mean Musical Paradise, right? If so, have you read the Wall of Sound review? They preferred KT88 power tubes in their Mk3.

https://wallofsound.ca/audioreviews...-mk3-integrated-tube-amp-2013-deluxe-version/

Yes, I should have been more detailed. Musical Paradise. The amp is self biasing. thanks.

 

[fredgarvin]

To me, the KT77 in my MP 301 almost has the mid presence of an EL34, better top and especially bottom. It's what I use.

 

[Pio1980]

EH 6CA7, now mostly out-of-stock.

 

[Lavane]

I really do like the EH-6CA7's in my VTA ST-70.

 

[Wheel-right]

Another take on the power tube for the MPMKIII,
6L6-type vacuum tube shootout | Wall of Sound | Audio and Music Reviews
Something else to consider is the preamp tube makes a difference too.

 

[Mr Boochie]

I really do like the EH-6CA7's in my VTA ST-70.

They are well made, tough tubes.

 

[mcgjohn]

They are well made, tough tubes.

Would agree. I have two quads of EH fat bottles in my amps. Test them every year. Have gotten a lot of life out of them and they do sound good.

 

[Lavane]

I've seen people post that the EH-6CA7 is more like a lower powered 6550.
Dunno if that's true though. I haven't listened to 6550's enough to say.

 

[Pio1980]

I've seen people post that the EH-6CA7 is more like a lower powered 6550.
Dunno if that's true though. I haven't listened to 6550's enough to say.

Structurally, yes. Compare them.

 

[mcgjohn]

I've seen people post that the EH-6CA7 is more like a lower powered 6550.
Dunno if that's true though. I haven't listened to 6550's enough to say.

thanks have not heard that. But may explain why the life is so good.

 

[daveshel]

I've never compared them in the same amp, but I had a pair of Dynaco MKIIIs that used KT77s and they sounded much better than any of the EL34s I had in my several ST-35s.

 

[Lavane]

I preferred KT-77's over EL-34's in my VTA ST-70. But the EH-6CA7's sound better than both to me. I'm glad I bought them when they were still around $25 each.

 

[gadget73]

Its amp depending for me. My Pilot tends to be soft on the top end and the EH 6CA7 work well. The Rauland Borg are a bit on the bright side and they like the Shugang EL34.

 

[Lavane]

Very true. I did not KT-88's in my ST-70, but I do in the mono blocks I have.

 

[Mr Boochie]

Very true. I did not KT-88's in my ST-70, but I do in the mono blocks I have.

As far as vintage tubes, I've always liked the US made 6550 over the British made KT-88. Midrange and the detailed imaging are better with the 6550.

 

[Pio1980]

These discussions can frustrate, leading to oop unobtanium examples.
Now, add the quite-good EH lines to the list.

 

[Lavane]

As far as vintage tubes, I've always liked the US made 6550 over the British made KT-88. Midrange and the detailed imaging are better with the 6550.

If I didn't need two quads 6550's fo3 my mono blocks I would probably try them.
I already had a quad of KT-88's with low hours,.so I just bought another quad of the same.

 

[Mr Boochie]

If I didn't need two quads 6550's fo3 my mono blocks I would probably try them.
I already had a quad of KT-88's with low hours,.so I just bought another quad of the same.

Oh! If only Svetlana still built 6550C in their St Petersburg plant, to the same 1990s standard...