I do get that impression (snowflakes). This started out as a hobby for him in retirement but he now seems to have his hands full!

I've tried a few 6SN7's as well (SLP05), but won't be able to use them in my amp. I've settled on four Sylvania "Chrome Domes" and two RCA "Grey Glass", both NOS tubes. The Sylvanias have nice clear extension and the RCAs add some warmth. I also got a NOS Mullard 5AR4 rectifier. I love that preamp! It will be interesting to compare with his simpler LP-2 when I get it. Here's how he described it to me:

I am not familiar with the 6FM7. It's very interesting though, as a combo of 6SL7 and 6SN7.

I like Gold Lion as well. I've had a CJ preamp that used 6922's (Premier 17LS). I tried a few makes and like the Gold Lion 6922's the best among current production. I will be trying one as the input in the KT150. I would probably look at those if I was to try KT88's. Northern Electric 88's are $100 each.

KT150 vs KT88
 

I just built a SEUL amp originally built for KT88. I'm assembling parts for a KT150 mono block build based around the same circuit as the KT88 just more voltage/current. For giggles I dropped in my KT150 tubes I have on hand for the next build into the KT88 amp I've been running in my listening room. Well all I can really say is they were dropped in to test drive and I've not taken them out yet. They sound better than the KT88 GL new issues I had in there, wider bigger sound stage, deeper more controlled bass, just a bigger sound and that's with the voltages set for a KT88. The KT150 can take a bunch more voltage than the KT88. The KT150 wants more current on the heaters so if you sub them in be sure your PT is up to snuff in that regard. It sounds as if Dennis is OK with swapping them into his KT88 amp, you'll get the same power as the KT88 but in my experience with a similar amp to his that those KT150s sound a little better to my ears. I run horn loaded 105dB efficient speakers with 15" woofers so I can hear subtle changes. Usually when rolling power tubes I don't really notice much, very very subtle but in this case I really like the KT150 noticeable in a good way for sure. They cost me $75/tube which I've paid close to that for GL KT88s maybe only $10 cheaper. I'd post a pic of my amp but I'm new here so I don't think I have privileges yet.

IMHO the KT150 for a few more bucks is worth it. I'll be getting some more of them.

Justlisten2 I'm around the corner from you in Mt Airy - you want to take a listen to my amp we could arrange that... best to hear your speakers so I could stop by some time and can bring a set of KT88s and KT150s sub them in so you can hear the differences. I've got my amp set up with a volume pot so you can plug whatever direct sans a TT but I've got a portable battery powered phono preamp I could tote along easily as well ifn's you like vinyl.

Cheers,
Bob Brown

Hi Bob,

Thanks for posting. Where are you finding the KT150 for $75? I see them at tubedepot for $94.95. I suppose they may start coming down in price somewhat when they are not so new.

What you say about the KT150 mirrors what Dennis has said when he first tried them in his modified KT88 based amp.

I got them from a feller on Ebay he actually lives in my mom's home town not far from me and I kinda know him (small town everyone knows everyone kinda thing). Ebay seller name is "gobble75" I'd post a link but not sure if that breaks any rules here! $149.99 for a matched pair, cheapest I've found anywhere and I looked around. I was going to go tubedepot route but remembered gobble75 had em a few weeks ago, he ran out and recently got some more and currently selling them now.
Cheers,
Bob

bobrown14... Welcome! :wave:

Thanks MasterLu - that's some crazy gear there! I'll show my wife and that (hopefully) will nip any complaining about excessive gear in the bud. :thumbsup:

Cheers,
Bob

Appreciate that! ;)

Peter - have you discussed a phono-preamp with Dennis? Any chance he will be building a 6SL7 based model?

No to both. I use an external phono preamp and just trusted his design expertise, in particular with matching pre to the amp.

An external phono preamp is what I was asking about. The Cary PH 302, which I assume is a Dennis Had design, based on its age, uses 6SL7 tubes.