Kt150’s and My 200iq

**Dguitarnut** · January 4, 2019, 02:37 PM

Curiosity got the best of me and this dealer dude whom I bought the amp had some Kt150’s laying around and loaned them to me. I really didn’t have great expectations for them but I was so wrong. The sound is huge and has a slamming bass! My little S3MK2’s were transformed into a much larger speaker. I couldn’t find much fault with them and they could easily serve as my full time tube.
I’m also burning in a quad of KR Kt88’s for him as part of the deal. They sound surprisingly decent and they are just at the 24 hour mark.
I can already tell this amp has opened up another money pit black hole. Ohhhh but so much fun....better than drugs, gambling and wild women......

Ok ok...maybe not the wild women.

**joeinid** · January 4, 2019, 02:40 PM

Excellent Larry.

I really want to try the 200IQ amp. Argh!

**Dguitarnut** · January 4, 2019, 02:48 PM

You should Joe!
I messaged Mike and told him he wasn’t getting the Kt150’s back.
With that bass they totally transformed the amp into a classic rock monster. Of course you know what came next! Yep imagine them as monoblocks said evil Mikey.

**Sean** · January 4, 2019, 03:01 PM

That is neat to hear, Larry. Tube rolling really seems to be the gift that keeps on giving.

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**Paul** · January 4, 2019, 03:09 PM

So happy to hear that Larry. Great amps. I’m sure your dealer know how to make his client happy. I don’t think it’s Suncoast is it ?

**steinkrieg** · January 5, 2019, 12:01 AM

I just ordered a 200iQ from mike. Excited to break it in and start rolling some tubes around. I kind of suspect that the gold lion 88’s might be the winner in the end even though they are stock. I also ordered up some Sylviania 6sn7’s to try. I have not always loved KT 150’s but i have some great ones in the “tube drawer” and will give them a shot when the time is right. I have S3 mkii’s as well and look forward to trading notes!

**Elberoth** · January 5, 2019, 03:11 AM

+1 on the wild woman.

**Rob181** · January 5, 2019, 03:34 AM

Originally Posted by Elberoth

+1 on the wild woman.

Wish I know some...

**bzr** · January 5, 2019, 04:51 AM

Originally Posted by Rob181

Wish I know some...

...there's a few in Leeton mate... might be you?? Standards are too high obviously...

**Rob181** · January 5, 2019, 05:15 AM

Originally Posted by bzr

...there's a few in Leeton mate... might be you?? Standards are too high obviously...

What about your current stomping grounds...

**Dguitarnut** · January 5, 2019, 09:07 AM

Originally Posted by steinkrieg

I just ordered a 200iQ from mike. Excited to break it in and start rolling some tubes around. I kind of suspect that the gold lion 88’s might be the winner in the end even though they are stock. I also ordered up some Sylviania 6sn7’s to try. I have not always loved KT 150’s but i have some great ones in the “tube drawer” and will give them a shot when the time is right. I have S3 mkii’s as well and look forward to trading notes!

Congratulations on the Vac! You will love it!
The stock Gold Lion Kt88’s are sweet don’t get me wrong but being able to transform your amp into another by just swapping out these little glass tubes without biasing worries is such a big plus. Also the fact that that the amp can safely handle Kt88’s, Kt120’s all the way up to Kt150’s without a catastrophic meltdown alone is worth the price of admission.

On the other subject I brought up, even though rolling NOS wild women IS MORE fun, you are buying blind and you might get a relabeled one! Lot of counterfeits out there I’m told trying to get your hard earned money so buyer beware.
Maybe you should stick with the current Russian or Chinese offerings I have seen on many websites!
(Disclaimer: the latter subject is purely fictional advice)

**Ritmo** · January 5, 2019, 04:35 PM

Fantastic news! Glad you are very happy with the system Larry. An awesome way to start the year!

PS - Careful with those “exotic” websites. They can be very troublesome in many ways!

**Dguitarnut** · January 10, 2019, 06:32 PM

Kr Kt88’s update!
They are at the 125 hour mark. They already have surpassed the stock Gold Lions!
To my ears they have a much more level frequency response. Lows mids and highs are much more straightline No drop outs. I love them. Now I’m trying to talk Mike into entrusting me his little precious...NO not that......talking about his NOS non plus ultra Golden Lions......hand made by Little old spinsters a block away from Abbey Road I’m told.....for the ultimate showdown!
In comparison to the KT150s by Tungsol for my taste it’s a tossup. The KT150s are a little larger presentation, a little more slam at the expense of the smoother frequency curve of the KR Kt88’s.
At half the price of the KR tubes they play above their price point.

**steinkrieg** · January 10, 2019, 08:19 PM

Very interesting Larry! I'm excited to hear more, as my 200IQ is currently on order and I'm excited to receive it. So far I have ordered Sylvania 6SN7's, as many folks seem to like them just a bit more than stock. Have you tried replacing these tubes as well at the Kt88's?

**Paul** · January 10, 2019, 10:27 PM

Originally Posted by Dguitarnut

Kr Kt88’s update!
They are at the 125 hour mark. They already have surpassed the stock Gold Lions!
To my ears they have a much more level frequency response. Lows mids and highs are much more straightline No drop outs. I love them. Now I’m trying to talk Mike into entrusting me his little precious...NO not that......talking about his NOS non plus ultra Golden Lions......hand made by Little old spinsters a block away from Abbey Road I’m told.....for the ultimate showdown!
In comparison to the KT150s by Tungsol for my taste it’s a tossup. The KT150s are a little larger presentation, a little more slam at the expense of the smoother frequency curve of the KR Kt88’s.
At half the price of the KR tubes they play above their price point.

Larry, Any picture of current set up?

**Dguitarnut** · January 11, 2019, 05:26 PM

Yes I had some RCA’s 6sn7 gtb left over from my headphone tube amp days and I have those running in it now. A slight transparency gain is what I noticed.
I am totally smitten by this amp and it’s synergy with the Magicos, Dave and LUMIN.
I am using Ansuz power cables and older generation MIT M1.3 proline XLRs and speaker cables.

**joeinid** · January 11, 2019, 05:34 PM

Beautiful system and layout. Love it!

**steinkrieg** · January 11, 2019, 05:36 PM

Thanks Larry - After I get mine I will run it for a month or so and then start playing around with tubes / cables etc. I will report back when the time comes!

**bzr** · January 12, 2019, 05:31 AM

To me the shape of a tube is telling....

**Rob181** · January 12, 2019, 05:49 AM

Originally Posted by bzr

To me the shape of a tube is telling....

OK - I'll bite - how...

**Paul** · January 12, 2019, 06:00 PM

Larry, I see you have two DAC's. How do you compare those two?

**Dguitarnut** · January 12, 2019, 06:43 PM

No just 1 Dac. Chord Dave on top left, Lumen U1 streamer below it. Below the Vac Preamp is the Denali 6000

**Paul** · January 12, 2019, 10:22 PM

Originally Posted by Dguitarnut

No just 1 Dac. Chord Dave on top left, Lumen U1 streamer below it. Below the Vac Preamp is the Denali 6000

Ah Ok. I thought the Lumin was another DAC. Thanks for let me know

**Maxb** · January 13, 2019, 07:37 PM

Larry, When you use KT 150’s on the 200iq do they fit under the tube cage?

**Dguitarnut** · January 13, 2019, 08:05 PM

The top of cage almost lays on the tops of the tubes. If it’s not touching it’s almost touching. I’m afraid even it it is not touching the ventilation and heat dissipation may be compromised so I just leave off. My wife and I are empty nesters so no worries here.
I have grown very fond of these KT150s and their sonic signature.

**Maxb** · January 13, 2019, 10:33 PM

Thanks Larry. Just curious. Still breaking in the stock tubes and enjoying every minute.

**Dguitarnut** · January 14, 2019, 08:43 AM

It sux to be retired! Have to wake up at daybreak then that grueling 30 minute drive to Suncoast Audio !

**Mike** · January 14, 2019, 09:16 AM

Originally Posted by Dguitarnut

It sux to be retired! Have to wake up at daybreak then that grueling 30 minute drive to Suncoast Audio !

And don’t be late!

**wisnon** · January 14, 2019, 09:45 AM

Hey Mike,

Lampi/Kron just released the special edition RK version of the Kron 242 tube and its a significant step up from the basic 242 that many think is the Champ in Lampi Dacs. My friend will lend me a pair tomorrow. He also gets the RK KT150 next week for his AR amps! By the end of the year, there should be a RK PX25 as well.

Will let you know, but feedback is that its a winner, just like the RK 5u4g recti!

Bonzo75 just heard the Pacific in "QuadDiffusors" system and DIGITAL beat vinyl in that set up. The Pass Phonostage may be the analog weak link there.

**wisnon** · January 14, 2019, 09:47 AM

Larry,

You are a lucky guy! Were you at the SunCoast Lampi event October 2017? Cant recall if I met you there...

**Maxb** · January 14, 2019, 10:12 AM

Very envious Larry! I just blew out almost 14 in. of snow. However the tubes are a nice warm room to come back to.

**Dguitarnut** · January 16, 2019, 08:50 AM

Another Vac Sunrise......yep....ya guessed it.....Nora Jones ....Sunrise..playing softly in the background!
Sorry Maxb

**nile49** · January 17, 2019, 11:19 PM

Looks like a blissful setup!

Can you guys comment on how break in proceeds sonically with the KT150? Im embarking on my first tube rolling adventure with them and results are currently mixed.

Thanks! Warren

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**steinkrieg** · January 18, 2019, 12:24 AM

Warren - you should probably expect around 30 hours to break in most tubes. It’s tough to judge ‘how’ they break in, so maybe just wait for a bit until you get to around 30 hours. Some usual comments about 150s talk about... a stronger attack than many other tubes, a more powerful low end, and often there is a punchier high end with great definition. My experience is that the kit 150 mid ranges are not as good as a some other tubes... not bad, just not as good. Of course, I’m sure there are other opinions. Almost all tubes have trade offs. The trick is finding tubes that fit your ear, Your system, and your room. I found that I really liked kt 150s but ultimately preferred other tubes for my listening. Good luck!

**steinkrieg** · January 18, 2019, 01:35 AM

Larry - have you noticed a preferred speaker tap from the 200iQ to the S3’s? I assume either the 2-4 or 1-2

thanks

**cmarin** · January 18, 2019, 03:49 AM

Originally Posted by steinkrieg

Warren - you should probably expect around 30 hours to break in most tubes. It’s tough to judge ‘how’ they break in, so maybe just wait for a bit until you get to around 30 hours. Some usual comments about 150s talk about... a stronger attack than many other tubes, a more powerful low end, and often there is a punchier high end with great definition. My experience is that the kit 150 mid ranges are not as good as a some other tubes... not bad, just not as good. Of course, I’m sure there are other opinions. Almost all tubes have trade offs. The trick is finding tubes that fit your ear, Your system, and your room. I found that I really liked kt 150s but ultimately preferred other tubes for my listening. Good luck!

Hi Steinkreig,

What other tubes did you prefer to the KT150s and what specifically did you find the other tubes did better than the KT150s?

With what amps did you test the different tubes?

Thanks

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**Dguitarnut** · January 18, 2019, 08:44 AM

I have the speaker taps at 2-4 per Mikes recommendation. I have not experimented any further.
The KT150’s were already burnt in so I can’t comment on them, I did just finish burning in the quad of KR Kt88’s and I noticed the biggest improvement at around 50 hours.
I have beeen swapping the stock 6sn7 Tungsols around with some RCA’s and difference is not as obvious to me. Maybe need Sylvanias???
I really like the Kt150’s better that my stock Gold Lions. It’s like BAM!....Cajun cooking... Lol

**nile49** · January 18, 2019, 12:20 PM

Thanks for the info. I am looking forward to how things develop! Will report back.

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**bzr** · January 19, 2019, 03:43 AM

The KT 150 are a totally different tube with different drivers in front of them from my experience. One pairing that I liked very much was nos Mullard in front of the KT 150 Tung-Sol, I actually thought it just slightly contributed midrange to that neutral attack of the Tung-Sols' but never was a detriment of that fast attack & slam of the 150. Another thing I noticed was with the 150, if you paired it with a lesser enabled driver, you would be struggling with everyone's opinion that the 150 is the schitz, but, I honestly think, you put the right driver out front.... well... In my experiences of slam & delivery of impact, fast & resolving.... the KT 150 deserves a mention

**Golum** · January 26, 2019, 06:14 PM

Finally another option of KT150...Limited Edition of KR KT150RK...also KR KT150 is available but with different physical dimensions vs TungSol...

**Dguitarnut** · January 26, 2019, 06:34 PM

I ordered in a couple of nos Amperex 6dj8/ec88 tubes D getter bugle boys to roll in my Vac Renaissance Preamp. They did a great job smoothing out the Kt150s in the amp without loosing the great bass or the dynamics. Much smoother than the stock Electro-Harmonix 6922 which “almost “ over the top. Oddly enough they don’t help The KT88s in fact I think they make them play a little thin. I have about 40 hours on them so if they are truly nos they still need some more breaking in.
This so much fun!

**steinkrieg** · January 26, 2019, 09:27 PM

I have not seen these tubes before (the KR 150's in a previous post)... Do any of you know more information? I also just went to the KR Audio website, but this tube was not listed.

**Jack** · January 26, 2019, 09:54 PM

Larry

If you want to "smooth" out the VAC preamp you are going to have to try Mullard (expensive) or Matsushita (Japanese Mullard) less expensive. Best honest source for both is Andy at VTS.

**Golum** · January 27, 2019, 02:38 AM

The RK version is exclusively made for Lampizator and those again can only be bought at www.best300b.com. But I'm not sure if they are already listed there but you can contact them and see what is going on.

Cheers

**cmarin** · January 27, 2019, 03:02 AM

Originally Posted by Golum

The RK version is exclusively made for Lampizator and those again can only be bought at www.best300b.com. But I'm not sure if they are already listed there but you can contact them and see what is going on.

Cheers

Hi Golum,

Couldn’t get your link to work but tried the US distributor which in turn led me to The Cable Co.

They didn’t have the KR Audio 150 tubes on display, but did have other KR tubes. They are pricey. The KR Audio 845s retail for $1,895 pair!

If the KR150s run anywhere near the price of the 845s, retubing my VAC Statement 450 monos would run around $15k. Ouch!

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**Golum** · January 27, 2019, 09:25 AM

http://best300b.com/ is the correct link - apologize for that.
For regular KR KT150 you might contact directly Eunice at Kron Audio and the RK version is only or will be only available via best300b...
Price for RK should be around half what you mentioned for 845 and KR should be cheaper. But still for your VAC it gets ouch comment..

**cmarin** · January 27, 2019, 09:40 AM

Originally Posted by Golum

http://best300b.com/ is the correct link - apologize for that.
For regular KR KT150 you might contact directly Eunice at Kron Audio and the RK version is only or will be only available via best300b...
Price for RK should be around half what you mentioned for 845 and KR should be cheaper. But still for your VAC it gets ouch comment..

Hi Golum,

Thank you, the new link works perfectly.

And thanks also for clarifying that there is a regular KR tube and an RK (Riccardo Kron) version.

Glad to hear both the regular KR and RK versions will be cheaper than the 845s.

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**Dth31** · January 27, 2019, 01:59 PM

Originally Posted by Golum

http://best300b.com/ is the correct link - apologize for that.
For regular KR KT150 you might contact directly Eunice at Kron Audio and the RK version is only or will be only available via best300b...
Price for RK should be around half what you mentioned for 845 and KR should be cheaper. But still for your VAC it gets ouch comment..

Thanks for posting the link. I spent quite a lot of time yesterday trying to find a vendor who sells the KR KT88 and KT150, and was not successful!

**Dth31** · January 27, 2019, 02:16 PM

If anyone would compare:
-New production Gold Lion KT88 to KR KT88
-KR KT88 to Tungsol KT150
-KR KT88 to NOS Gold Lion KT88
I would be grateful!

I know Mike loves the NOS GL KT88’s, but I have yet to find a tube seller who has more than 2-4, and usually those are OS, not NOS, and not well matched.

**Dguitarnut** · January 27, 2019, 07:09 PM

I had a quad of KR Kt88’s on loan and I preferred them to the new production Gold Lions. To me they were a lot more linear and well balanced. More definition in the bass region specially and somewhat smoother.

Thread: Kt150’s and My 200iq

Kt150’s and My 200iq

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