Results 1 to 3 of 3
Thread: VAC Sigma 170i tube swap?
-
November 9, 2020, 02:11 PM #1Senior Member
- Join Date
- Oct 2013
- Location
- Sacramento
- Posts
- 1,129
VAC Sigma 170i Has anybody swapped tubes?
Anybody try KT-120s or KT-150s in the Sigma 170i?
-
March 30, 2021, 05:08 PM #2Senior Member
- Join Date
- Oct 2013
- Location
- Sacramento
- Posts
- 1,129
Re: VAC Sigma 170i tube swap?
Trying one more time. Anyone with experience? I stupidly gave away a quad of KT120s with an amp I sold. The sale already included KT150 replacements. Now I wish I had the KT120s to play with.
-
March 31, 2021, 10:18 AM #3Senior Member
- Join Date
- Nov 2014
- Posts
- 227
Re: VAC Sigma 170i tube swap?
Not a 170i, but I've tried all 3 tubes in my pair of 200iQ. And right now I'm realizing that my recent switch from an ARC Reference 6 to VAC Master preamp has a significant impact on system voicing and tube choice. Your 170i is an integrated, so that's all "VAC voicing" and you won't be trying to make another brand of gear behave with it. So with the Ref 6 preamp in place, I actually liked the KT-120 best - it tamed the top-end energy, and resulted in a great overall balance with good bass impact. The stock Gold Lion KT88's were a close second, and would be #1 for some (my local friend with great ears preferred KT88 over KT120). The KT150 were...interesting - way too dark, but amazing bass impact, WOW! But it was a miserable overall balance. Definitely sounded like "the amps weren't designed for this" to me.
Now with the Master, in an all-VAC phono/preamp/amp chain, I think the KT88 are finally emerging as a clear favorite over the KT-120. That said, my KT-120 seem to have taken some wear over the last year of used, as evidenced by their shrinking side-getter patches. KT88 are fresh, maybe that impacts the comparison?
It's certainly fun to try the different tube types, but VACs ship with the Gold Lion KT88 for a reason.
Reply With Quote
AudioShark - The Best High End Audio Discussion forum.
AudioShark forum is a leading forum site for High End Audio Discussion, Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater System Discussion, Best Home Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater Installation Discussion etc.
The AudioShark forum was created for sharing the passion of high-end Audio. We have Audiophiles from all over the world participating and sharing their knowledge. From novice to experts, you will find a friendly environment for discussing about High End Audio, Stereo System, Home Theater System, Home Stereo System, Home Theater Installation, Amplifiers, Speakers, Subwoofers, Integrated System, Acoustic treatments & Digital Room Corrections and many more.
At AudioShark, we also have incorporated an exciting Marketplace where members can peruse terrific buys on used gear, as well as meet dealers and discuss the purchase of new gear.
We are as crazy about this hobby as you are! So come on in and join us! Audioshark.org the Friendliest Audio Forum!
Industry Participation Disclosure : The owner and administrator of Audioshark is the owner of Suncoast Audio LLC in Sarasota Florida. Suncoast Audio has a full brick and mortar presence in Sarasota with several great show rooms with many world class brands. More information can be found at http://www.suncoastaudio.com
Audioshark is a community of like minded individuals. Audioshark welcomes participation from all manufacturers and owners of all brands and products. It is our belief that online forums provide a community of like minded audiophiles and music lovers to encourage the growth of this wonderful hobby.
Sincerely,
The Audioshark.org Team
AudioShark forum is a leading forum site for High End Audio Discussion, Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater System Discussion, Best Home Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater Installation Discussion etc.
The AudioShark forum was created for sharing the passion of high-end Audio. We have Audiophiles from all over the world participating and sharing their knowledge. From novice to experts, you will find a friendly environment for discussing about High End Audio, Stereo System, Home Theater System, Home Stereo System, Home Theater Installation, Amplifiers, Speakers, Subwoofers, Integrated System, Acoustic treatments & Digital Room Corrections and many more.
At AudioShark, we also have incorporated an exciting Marketplace where members can peruse terrific buys on used gear, as well as meet dealers and discuss the purchase of new gear.
We are as crazy about this hobby as you are! So come on in and join us! Audioshark.org the Friendliest Audio Forum!
Industry Participation Disclosure : The owner and administrator of Audioshark is the owner of Suncoast Audio LLC in Sarasota Florida. Suncoast Audio has a full brick and mortar presence in Sarasota with several great show rooms with many world class brands. More information can be found at http://www.suncoastaudio.com
Audioshark is a community of like minded individuals. Audioshark welcomes participation from all manufacturers and owners of all brands and products. It is our belief that online forums provide a community of like minded audiophiles and music lovers to encourage the growth of this wonderful hobby.
Sincerely,
The Audioshark.org Team
After 1 year of tremendous enjoyment with my new gear, I have been so lucky to audition a Gryphon Antileon EVO. Being dazzled by the sheer control through unlimited power and resulting vividness and...
Upgrade on the way...