Plans for ARC Ref 150 with KT-150s? (like is in the works for the ARC Ref 250)

[Maxflo]

Originally Posted by TMcD

Where did you purchase the tubes? Thanks.

I bought the tubes in local, checked before e-shop from Poland (easiest for me).
I had to wait 3 weeks before they collect 8 matched tubes.

[TMcD]

I did hear back from Kalvin he said that engineering has not approved the use of KT150s, but will have the issue resolved in the near future, but could not give a timeline.
I also spoke to someone at Upscale Audio that suggested staying with the 120s.
I have 2300 hours on my current tubes and have to make a call soon.

[jpgr4blu]

TMcD:
Any idea why Upscale suggested staying with 120S?
I thought they were pretty much the main source for 150s for the ARC contingent.

[TMcD]

Originally Posted by jpgr4blu

TMcD:
Any idea why Upscale suggested staying with 120S?
I thought they were pretty much the main source for 150s for the ARC contingent.

Perhaps just protecting themselves as they are not yet officially sanctioned by ARC.
I have the feeling they will be officially ok'd much like the 120s were in the Ref110. Since they do draw more current I am sure they want to make sure the transformers etc can handle the extra load for a extended period.
Upscale does have the 150s in stock.

[BillK]

The bottom line is the tubes will work, but ARC has not yet determined what kind of effect they will have on the unit or its longevity.

The 150s do have a higher draw current, which was obviously not designed for in the Ref 150.

Whether that would reduce the life of any of the components remains to be seen.

[dizzie]

Originally Posted by TMcD

.
Upscale does have the 150s in stock.

At this time Upscale only has the cryo versions in stock. They are waiting for a shipment of un-cro'd KT150s.

[TMcD]

Originally Posted by BillK

The bottom line is the tubes will work, but ARC has not yet determined what kind of effect they will have on the unit or its longevity.

The 150s do have a higher draw current, which was obviously not designed for in the Ref 150.

Whether that would reduce the life of any of the components remains to be seen.

I think you are right.

Kalvin did say they will work, but at this time installing them will void warranty.

My concern is long term reliability of the amp, not to mention it does sounds great with the 120s.

[veerapaneni]

Originally Posted by dizzie

At this time Upscale only has the cryo versions in stock. They are waiting for a shipment of un-cro'd KT150s.

IS there SQ difference between cryo treated tubes and non treated ones ? I am thinking of getting KT150s for my Ref 250s .

[jpgr4blu]

Ordered matched cryoed KT 150s from Upscale for my Ref 150. Will be a shame to remove KT 120s after only 500 hours, but I can't take the torture of hearing how great they are. Also, now very assured that KT 150s are a virtual drop in replacement.

[TMcD]

Originally Posted by jpgr4blu

Ordered matched cryoed KT 150s from Upscale for my Ref 150. Will be a shame to remove KT 120s after only 500 hours, but I can't take the torture of hearing how great they are. Also, now very assured that KT 150s are a virtual drop in replacement.

Very cool I think I will do the same next week. My 120s have 2300 hours on them.
Did Upscale or ARC tell you they were a drop in replacement?