KT-120 Tubes

[cmalak]

Originally Posted by crimsondonkey

The first thing I tried was to refit the original tubes - no difference in terms of the buzzing.

It's intermittent - sometimes it comes straight from power up, other times it starts after half an hour.

I'm based in the UK so would it be sensible to email ARC's tech's support - I haven't found a contact email on their site?

Or would I be better off talking to Absolute Sounds who are the UK distributor?

I would start with Absolute Sounds and see what they say. If you do not get anywhere with them, ARC's phone number is 763-577-9700 and their fax number is 763-577-0323. I would just call them and ask for Technical support and describe to them the issue you are having. Good luck.

[crimsondonkey]

Thank you for the advice and contact details, I'll keep you posted.

[TMcD]

I did receive the tubes, I will get them installed in the next couple of days and report back.

[crimsondonkey]

I thought I'd also share my findings from replacing my existing 6550C's to Tung-sol KT120's. I have photo's which I can post but not sure whether that's condoned on this forum?

Anyway the $6m question - thanks to the higher power rating of the replacement valves my Ref 110 is now able to output at 130 watts per channel, so what do you get for the extra horsepower and is it noticeable?

I'm pleased to say that on top of the greater reliability and valve life claimed, that the effect on the sound output is very positive. The overall effect is to create an even more solid and believable soundstage, and to do that at even lower volumes. In particular drums and bass lines benefit from more definition and 'edge'. The improved mid-bass performance also appears to have opened up the midrange even further, allowing a greater sense of space. I'm not conscious of any specific effect on the higher frequencies, but they sounded very easy and natural to begin with so its hard to tell.

The one thing that's obviously noticeable is that I'm listening at slightly higher volume levels without really noticing that its gotten louder - it just seems to be able to do so without making the volume an issue. Overall I am extremely pleased. Having found an amplifier that can do dynamics and detail with a deep and wide soundstage, and make it all so so fluid and natural, I'm really impressed what the extra 20w/ch can do, and its potentially saved me a fortune if it has sated my appetite and slowed me down from upgrading to the Ref 150 when it becomes available... we'll see

[cmalak]

crimsondonkey...any resolution on the humm issue?

[cmalak]

Good luck. Hope it does not appear again.

[crimsondonkey]

Playing okay this morning, fingers crossed it does not spoil a very enjoyable listening session.

[crimsondonkey]

A few pics of the valve upgrade to my Ref 110 (now a Ref 130?)

http://i430.photobucket.com/albums/q...y/P1010091.jpg

http://i430.photobucket.com/albums/q...y/P1010096.jpg

http://i430.photobucket.com/albums/q...y/P1010098.jpg

http://i430.photobucket.com/albums/q...y/P1010100.jpg

http://i430.photobucket.com/albums/q...y/P1010092.jpg

http://i430.photobucket.com/albums/q...y/P1010103.jpg

http://i430.photobucket.com/albums/q...y/P1010106.jpg

http://i430.photobucket.com/albums/q...y/P1010109.jpg

[cmalak]

crimsondonkey...very nice pics. Thx for sharing. What's in the rest of the system apart from the Thiel 3.6s? Maybe a pic or two?

[crimsondonkey]

Well after a chat with a couple of people who know it appears my transformer in the Ref 110 is going to have to be replaced.

Anyone know how to source one direct from the US?