KT150 in ARC Ref 75/150/250 amps ? .....

[joeinid]

Have there been any updates on using KT150 in these amps?

[Toobs]

Have there been any updates on using KT150 in these amps?

Joe
I believe there is a Guy on the other forum that tried using the KT150 in his Ref 250's. I'll see if I can find it and post it here.

[Toobs]

Joe
The person is Joe Ling. He tried using the kt150. When he installed them, he heard a loud !!!POP!!! and immediately ended his experiment with the kt150's. He said it could have been a bad tube, but he decided not to press his luck. Luckily there was no damage to his Ref 250's.

[cmalak]

Joe...I would not try them until ARC ok's their use. The circuit design, transformer windings, etc...are all optimized for the KT-120s. My guess is ARC is already testing the KT-150 out and it may or may not be a drop-in replacement for the KT-120 in their current amps.

[Toobs]

Joe...I would not try them until ARC ok's their use. The circuit design, transformer windings, etc...are all optimized for the KT-120s. My guess is ARC is already testing the KT-150 out and it may or may not be a drop-in replacement for the KT-120 in their current amps.

Correct you are Cyril.

[joeinid]

Thanks guys. I saw that and figured not to even think about it. From what I gather, KT150 are wonderful sounding tubes. I hope they can/will work in my ART monos but will not do anything until proper testing and a go ahead from CJ.

[Bobvin]

But those 150 easter-eggs sure look cool. It'll be interesting to see if they end up replacing the 120's in different manufacturers' products.

[joeinid]

They seem to be getting more and more popular.

[Toobs]

Joe
Nice avatar. I hope to have the 275 real soon.

[joeinid]

Thanks Bob. I'm going back to basics and loving the sound. I can't wait.

[Albert]

I don't know about ARC amps but I have been using KT-120's in my old Ray Lumley M-100 mono blocks. They came with KT-88 tubes but I kept having them blow so I decided to try KT-120 and all has been well so far. I don't think the new KT-88's are as rugged as they used to be. I kept track of the temperature of the transformers in each amp with a heat probe and didn't notice any significant change from when I was using the KT-88's. I guess the filament heater windings are up to the task.

I don't think I'll press my luck with KT-150's, the tranny's are too hard to replace. If I had ARC amps, I would probably would wait until I knew it was safe to use them.

[mep]

I think the KT-120 and KT-150 tubes just may be game changers in terms of improving the sound of all amps that can use them as well as tightening up the bottom two octaves of bass and giving us the type of bass that we didn't think tubes were capable of. I first heard this for myself with the ARC VS115 that I previously owned that had the KT-120 tubes installed. I did a review of the Raven Audio Silhouette Reference monoblock amps for PFO that used four KT-150s per side and I was very impressed with this tube. Raven had sent me two quads of NOS Tung Sol 6550s to try as well (and I mean the real ones, not the modern day Russian version) and I much preferred the KT-150 tubes overall. I just bought an ARC REF 75 which was designed for the KT-120 tube vice being compatible with the KT-120 and I really like it.

[Priaptor]

I think the KT-120 and KT-150 tubes just may be game changers in terms of improving the sound of all amps that can use them as well as tightening up the bottom two octaves of bass and giving us the type of bass that we didn't think tubes were capable of. I first heard this for myself with the ARC VS115 that I previously owned that had the KT-120 tubes installed. I did a review of the Raven Audio Silhouette Reference monoblock amps for PFO that used four KT-150s per side and I was very impressed with this tube. Raven had sent me two quads of NOS Tung Sol 6550s to try as well (and I mean the real ones, not the modern day Russian version) and I much preferred the KT-150 tubes overall. I just bought an ARC REF 75 which was designed for the KT-120 tube vice being compatible with the KT-120 and I really like it.

Well my KT150s are arriving today and I will be putting them into my REF75. I know there a those who are using this tube, including the designer of my speaker Carl from Nola and swear by it in the REF75.

I think ARC showing their Gallileo line with the KT150s are a good sign of where they are headed.

[knghifi]

Well my KT150s are arriving today and I will be putting them into my REF75. I know there a those who are using this tube, including the designer of my speaker Carl from Nola and swear by it in the REF75.

I think ARC showing their Gallileo line with the KT150s are a good sign of where they are headed.

Any KT150 update? Did your amp blew up?

[cmalak]

So it seems like ARC is testing out the KT-150 in current production amps and as Priaptor mentioned they are designed into the new G Series amps. From what I understand they are quietly sanctioning current production amp owners (Ref 75/250/750) to try out the KT150s, although ARC is not yet selling the KT150s directly (which comes with there extensive tube testing and quality assurance process). I sent in an enquiry about using the KT150 in my Ref 110s (1 generation old at this point...predecessor to the Ref 150) and am waiting to hear if they have tried them out in that amp and if it's ok as a drop-in replacement with same bias settings (I believe 65mA).

For those interested, here is a link to Audio Research's first newsletter (there will be 3 a year) in which they talk about the KT150, the new G Series, and profile/interview their chief listener, Warren Gehl: http://www.audioresearch.com/Content...volume%201.pdf

[nonesup]

[QUOTE=Priaptor;77723]Well my KT150s are arriving today and I will be putting them into my REF75. I know there a those who are using this tube, including the designer of my speaker Carl from Nola and swear by it in the REF75.

Hello Priaptor. You said the day June 4, put their new 150 KT in his Ref 75. Could tell us how is the sound.

[mep]

[QUOTE=nonesup;79817]

Well my KT150s are arriving today and I will be putting them into my REF75. I know there a those who are using this tube, including the designer of my speaker Carl from Nola and swear by it in the REF75.

Hello Priaptor. You said the day June 4, put their new 150 KT in his Ref 75. Could tell us how is the sound.

He spent some time talking about what he heard with the KT-150s over at WBF. I think you could safely say he is ga-ga over them.

[Priaptor]

[QUOTE=mep;79821]

He spent some time talking about what he heard with the KT-150s over at WBF. I think you could safely say he is ga-ga over them.

They are the best upgrade you will ever get for 350 bucks (assuming you are talking a REF75)!!

Just amazing. Listening to Mozart's String Quintets right now and all I can say is amazing. One of my favorites and I can say every album I play I am hearing stuff I have never heard before. The cello on this is frightening.

These tubes are highly recommended!

[nonesup]

[QUOTE=Priaptor;80115]

They are the best upgrade you will ever get for 350 bucks (assuming you are talking a REF75)!!

Just amazing. Listening to Mozart's String Quintets right now and all I can say is amazing. One of my favorites and I can say every album I play I am hearing stuff I have never heard before. The cello on this is frightening.

These tubes are highly recommended!

Hi Priaptor.

Use you, 65 mv bias as KT 120?


Regards

[knghifi]

Albert Porter rolled KT150 in his ARC Ref250 last night and very happy with the results. He didn't even need to change the bias.

[Bobvin]

HOLY SHIT!

I just swapped some 150s into my REF75. Thought I had a bad tube, but it turns out one of the driver tubes was crackling. I swapped in some 6H30s from another amp, and gave the system about 10 minutes to warm up. I played one side of a record to warm up my cartridge, then put on side 1 of Hugh Masakela's HOPE album (45 rpm).

WOW, just F'n WOW. Those KT150s rock'd my world. Some might argue an amp like the REF75 isn't enough for the Alexias, but at 105+ db peaks the needles seldom popped past halfway up the dial, and the bass was just amazing. The contractors working outside greatly enjoyed the tunes!

Did I mention how much fun I'm having now my system is up and running? I think I'm up to 35 hours, and about 1 hour on the KT150s.

[mep]

Having previously heard the KT-150s in the Raven amps, I was amazed at how good they sounded. I can't wait to try them in my Ref 75.

[joeinid]

Awesome news Bob! I am so happy for you. I'd love to hear KT-150's in the ARC Ref. amps.

HOLY SHIT!

I just swapped some 150s into my REF75. Thought I had a bad tube, but it turns out one of the driver tubes was crackling. I swapped in some 6H30s from another amp, and gave the system about 10 minutes to warm up. I played one side of a record to warm up my cartridge, then put on side 1 of Hugh Masakela's HOPE album (45 rpm).

WOW, just F'n WOW. Those KT150s rock'd my world. Some might argue an amp like the REF75 isn't enough for the Alexias, but at 105+ db peaks the needles seldom popped past halfway up the dial, and the bass was just amazing. The contractors working outside greatly enjoyed the tunes!

Did I mention how much fun I'm having now my system is up and running? I think I'm up to 35 hours, and about 1 hour on the KT150s.

[Mike]

HOLY SHIT!

I just swapped some 150s into my REF75. Thought I had a bad tube, but it turns out one of the driver tubes was crackling. I swapped in some 6H30s from another amp, and gave the system about 10 minutes to warm up. I played one side of a record to warm up my cartridge, then put on side 1 of Hugh Masakela's HOPE album (45 rpm).

WOW, just F'n WOW. Those KT150s rock'd my world. Some might argue an amp like the REF75 isn't enough for the Alexias, but at 105+ db peaks the needles seldom popped past halfway up the dial, and the bass was just amazing. The contractors working outside greatly enjoyed the tunes!

Did I mention how much fun I'm having now my system is up and running? I think I'm up to 35 hours, and about 1 hour on the KT150s.

Congrats Bob! Love those 150's. Pics please!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[highEndguy]

Some Audio porn doesn't hurt, right ?

[joeinid]

Sweet !!!

[mep]

The G sort of looks like a much more sexy version of the VS115 amp with KT-150s. How does it sound? How much is ARC charging for their KT-150s?

[Golum]

Hi guys;

I'm sorry if I'm asking the same questions again but still:

• Can I safely swap KT120 with KT150 and if this is finally the case what is the needed Bias (65mA)
• With the KT150 installed (if possible) is it possible to close the cover of the amp due to the size of the tube?

Many thanks for your help!

Cheers;
G

[bonzo]

Fyi guys, I have the Ayon Orthos XS KT 150 for sale in the buy sale section at less than 50%. This is one up from the one listed on his website - 300w triode, 400 pentode. Read reviews and compares in that for sale post.

[Dizzie]

Keep the same bias as per the marks on the meter. Yes the cover will fit but it is very close. I have had no problem using my Ref 75 with KT-150s and the cover.

[Dizzie]

Does anyone know the thread size on the standoffs used in the Ref75? Height of the board in the Ref75SE? I also need to know the hex size and type--e.g. 4.5mm or 6mm or xx inches diameter and female/female or female/male.

[Golum]

KT150 arrived and smoothly plugged in - oh mama what a nice upgrade....

[Mike]

KT150 arrived and smoothly plugged in - oh mama what a nice upgrade....

Love those tubes! My friend calls them the American Muscle Car of tubes.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[andski]

Hi guys,
just wonder who would you recommend to purchase replacement set of tubes (KT150 & 6H30) for my Ref 150
apart from Audio Research corp and Upscale Audio, apparently Kevin sells to US customers only.
Best Regards,
Andrew

[joeinid]

Welcome to the forum Andrew. Thank you for joining.

Are you in Australia? Maybe some of our Aussie friends can make a recommendation. I think Grant Fidelity sells KT150, not sure who else will ship 6H30 over to you.

[Dizzie]

Tube Depot ships international. I purchased KT-150s (domestic) from them. https://www.tubedepot.com/

https://www.tubedepot.com/products/t...er-vacuum-tube

"All Orders (Domestic and International) will ship to you via FedEx or USPS service. At checkout, you will be offered a multitude of shipping options. The cost of these shipping services will depend on the weight and destination of your order. You can select the best option based on your time requirements and cost preference."


The Tube Store also ships international: http://www.thetubestore.com/
http://www.thetubestore.com/Tubes/KT...Tung-Sol-KT150

"International Shipping - Outside of North America
International: Once we receive your order, we will email you with your shipping options and costs. At that time you can choose what shipping method you prefer or you can cancel the order if you do not wish to proceed. We do not process your credit card for your order until it is ready to ship. We will attempt to email you twice; if no response is received we will attempt to ship using the best method for order size and value. If you wish to cancel your order you must email to request cancellation.
Approximate International Air Parcel Post shipping cost for an order of four power tubes and four preamp tubes: $22 USD. We will e-mail confirmation of cost and options before shipping the order. "

Google and Yahoo search are your friends. There are probably other suppliers including closer ones if you do a little leg work.