Thread: Amplifier Designed for KT150 Tubes

I might be a fan of KT150 tubes.

I swapped KT150s for KT120s in one amp and it was a WOW experience. I swapped KT150s for KT88s in another amp and it was a backwards move.

Both amplifiers were advertised as accepting the KT150s but their design was optimized for their respective KT120s and KT88s.

I only know of two companies building amplifiers specifically designed for KT150 tubes.

ARC
Zesto

Do any other companies build amplifiers specifically optimized for KT150 tubes?

Originally Posted by atmasphere

Right now KT150s have been very difficult to get!

I'd be curious to hear what you think of a decent set of KT88s in your amp. JJ makes a blue glass version that seems quite nice.

Ralph,

My VAC integrated with Gold Lion KT88s is my favorite amp. Due to splitting my system onto two walls and adding 2 preamplifiers I now have the option of using a tube amp. I am exploring KT150 options for this winter.

I also have funds and space created from selling all my vinyl equipment. Nature abhors a vacuum but not necessarily vacuum tubes.

Originally Posted by Dizzie

I might be a fan of KT150 tubes.

I swapped KT150s for KT120s in one amp and it was a WOW experience. I swapped KT150s for KT88s in another amp and it was a backwards move.

Both amplifiers were advertised as accepting the KT150s but their design was optimized for their respective KT120s and KT88s.

I only know of two companies building amplifiers specifically designed for KT150 tubes.

ARC
Zesto

Do any other companies build amplifiers specifically optimized for KT150 tubes?

Octave Audio KT150 amps

Integrated amp: V 80 SE
Power amp: RE 320,

Other Octave amps will accept the KT150 but are not specifically designed for the KT150.

Try Ayon amps - most of them are designed for KT150

PrimaLuna
Lampizator KT150 SE , a new amp out soon
Line Magnetic Integrated LM-150IA
ARC Ref 150 SE,
Zesto Audio Bia 200 Select
Dennis Had Inspire KT150 Hot Rod

Originally Posted by atmasphere

Right now KT150s have been very difficult to get!

I'd be curious to hear what you think of a decent set of KT88s in your amp. JJ makes a blue glass version that seems quite nice.

Ralph,

My understanding is the clear and blue JJ KT88s are the same inside so the performance is the same. Do you have other information?

Originally Posted by atmasphere

No. I would expect the same parts inside. The glass looks nice though

I thought that might be way cool so I turned off the lights and made the room dark. I was disappointed the Gold Lion KT88s I have were barely visible. There was not much glow so I don't think blue tubes would stand out. I do like the look of the Sophia Electric coke-bottle KT88s. I do not like the price or warranty.

I still think JJs (possibly in blue) are in my future but not soon. I am in summer-amp mode and have backup tubes ready if needed this winter.

Originally Posted by atmasphere

I guess I've been in summer amp mode for several years, playing a set of class D amplifiers. I don't miss the tubes at all, and I'm used to playing triode power tubes.

I am waiting for a more horsepower version for my Sound Labs.