Is it possible to run EL-34 tubes in a ST-120 amp, and if you could, would it sound different than running KT-88's?
3 posters
ST-120 output tube- 2 part question
Rich- Posts : 32
Join date : 2013-01-17
No, it isn't possible to run EL-34 or 6L6 family tubes in VTA-120 as voltage supplied by transformers is quiet high for those families tubes and you will get those tubes run off very fast. This is something Bob Latino told me before.
Regards.
Regards.
Bob Latino- Admin
- Posts : 3260
Join date : 2008-11-26
Location : Massachusetts
Rich is correct - You can plug them in and they probably will "work" BUT ..
1. EL34's will probably have a shorter life than normal if used in the VTA ST-120.
2. The bias system is set up for KT88's, 6550's or KT120 output tubes. EL34's may not bias properly in the VTA ST-120.
I do not recommend using EL34, KT66, KT77, 6L6 or the Russian 6P3C output tubes in the VTA ST-120.
Bob
1. EL34's will probably have a shorter life than normal if used in the VTA ST-120.
2. The bias system is set up for KT88's, 6550's or KT120 output tubes. EL34's may not bias properly in the VTA ST-120.
I do not recommend using EL34, KT66, KT77, 6L6 or the Russian 6P3C output tubes in the VTA ST-120.
Bob
kevinmi- Posts : 88
Join date : 2009-11-17
Thanks for the response. I'm pretty sure I've asked that question before, so I expected that answer. I've never heard EL-34 tubes, so I was just curious as to what they would sound like.
Rich- Posts : 32
Join date : 2013-01-17
You can use KT-90 which is a "modernized EL-34" built almost exactly the same as EL-34 but bigger and stronger and a perfect replacement for a KT-88.
i'm sure that you will love the sound of a KT-90, but for me (I used to have kt-90 before) KT-120 is superior indeed.
i'm sure that you will love the sound of a KT-90, but for me (I used to have kt-90 before) KT-120 is superior indeed.
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