Trying a set of KT-120 in my premier 11-A

[repman]

I just got an email from Ed answering one I sent him regarding the KT-120 tubes and if they are compatible with a Premier 11-A amp.
Ed replied back that it was always drilled into him to only recommend the tubes that came originally with the amp from the factory. He said he was told that he could make an exception with the KT- 120 and he could recommend it as a replacement for the original 6550 power tube however the tube cage would not fit because of the height of the KT-120.
I just ordered a quad of these to try, has anyone here used these in a
11-A ?
I will give my impressions of this amp with this tube after burn in.

[turntable]

Look forward to your impressions

[repman]

Well the KT-120's arrived yesterday , installed, warmed up and biased. I set the cd on repeat and let it play on low levels for about 4 hours as I finished my workday in my home office.

My initial impressions are it has definitely helped the bottom end in fact I had to lower the sub level because it was too much bass. It seems as if the power output has increased as I can hear louder volumes at my normal volume control settings. There is a slight high end glare that I have never heard before with any 6550 or KT-88 tube that I hope will go away as the tubes age in. My overall impressions are very favorable man are these tubes big ( physical size) I am anxious to hear them at 50-100 hours.

[repman]

I took a shot of the KT-120 tung/sol compared to a 6550 Tung/sol

She's a monster!

[jimtranr]

Originally Posted by repman

I took a shot of the KT-120 tung/sol compared to a 6550 Tung/sol

She's a monster!

Your photo explains the tube cage fit issue.

[repman]

Originally Posted by jimtranr

Your photo explains the tube cage fit issue.

Jim, they are huge compared to the 6550's they have been running all day starting to sound sweet.

[Rafale]

As long as could find SED I shall not pass on KT120, expensive and furthermore it is really not attractive, too oversized imo...the problem with SED in the USA is a legal problem concerning the brand and its retailer's network, they are always made to St Petersbourg to my knowledge
The German retailers are furnished and I just come to receive from it...

[Coppy]

Philippe,

Your English is way better than my French (thank you) but I'm confused about your last post. What is the USA problem and are you saying you would not change to the KT120s? Maybe I'm not sure what an SED is. My 6550s are fine with maybe 800 hours on them so no need to replace unless there is an opportunity for really better sound. There are plenty of 6550s available here from CJD and tube retailers when I need them.

Bob

[Rafale]

Originally Posted by Coppy

Philippe,

Your English is way better than my French (thank you) but I'm confused about your last post. What is the USA problem and are you saying you would not change to the KT120s? Maybe I'm not sure what an SED is. My 6550s are fine with maybe 800 hours on them so no need to replace unless there is an opportunity for really better sound. There are plenty of 6550s available here from CJD and tube retailers when I need them.

Bob

Bob, it is complicated, there are problems enter New Sensor (USA) and PM components (UK ) concerning the distribution of the St Petersburg's 6550 Winged C in the USA
SED Tubes - Vacuum Tubes Manufactured in St Petersburg, Russia
PM Components Ltd - World Leaders in Vacuum Tube Supply
Tube-Shop.com - Vacuum Tubes for Hi-Fi, Guitar and Radio amplifiers

[Coppy]

Philippe,

Thanks for the links. Looks like The SEDs are currently available in the US only from the UK distributor. I guess that's okay as long as the tube shop is a reliable firm that stands behind their product. Is it your impression that the SEDs are the best brand of 6550s? I note that the tube store also sells Shuggies (Chinese) that I've heard are good. I guess all this explains why CJ didn't want to replace my 6550s when I had it over there for a circuit upgrade last spring.

Also, you would not try the KT120s, is that correct? The amps would surely not be very attractive with those tubes sticking out of them.

Bob