dewman
Junior Member
Posts: 86
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Post by dewman on Aug 21, 2006 7:42:35 GMT -7
Ok so I blew my Groove tube KT66s after a very long life in my Route 66. Now that the KT66HPs are gone from Groove Tubes, I wanted to pop in some Valve Art/Shiguang KT66s given all the good press about how close they sound to the GECs they were modeled after. I know they are supposed to have a limited life compared to GTKT66HPs, and maybe even GTKT66Cs, but are there any convern with voltage ratings that one should be aware of? Any bias preferences (biased hot, biased normally, what general range?? 32-38 mA??) Myles???
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Post by kledbet on Aug 21, 2006 10:47:15 GMT -7
I mentioned in an earlier thread that so far I have not had much success with the Chinese tubes is the Route. If you get them and want that thick breakup overdrive sound then bias them hot, 38-40. When these tubes are biased lower, say 30-33 they are bright a and trebley. Also be careful to get the tubes in the hardness number that you want. Last time I used these tubes I got a #7 and biased it low.... I hated it. If you are a country picker, than a somewhat higher number will give you more headroom and better treble. I am a blues, rock etc kind of player and for me tubes in the #4-5 range work the best. I bias them at about 37-38 milllamps, and all is well. I guess I should let you know that Doug's Tubes dougstubes.com has a few of the KT66HP tubes left. They are not marked GT and have the original Saratov screening, but trust me they are GT tubes..... Doug bought them from GT. Call him while you can.
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dewman
Junior Member
Posts: 86
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Post by dewman on Aug 22, 2006 12:32:54 GMT -7
got a copy of that thread link? I get mixed reviews from some of my friends. some say no tone differences, some say yes. Some say bias hot, some say stick with the Z credo of 28-32 mA current draw...anyone else wanna chime in?
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Post by kledbet on Aug 22, 2006 14:51:22 GMT -7
Here is a quote for the review at the Tube Store about the chinese tubes,"The Shuguang is functional art. A great job has been done in nailing the look of the original KT66. This is a huge tube when compared to others used in guitar amps. You are advised to have a careful look at space availability before installing these guys. The specs on this tube are very similar to the 25-watt originals. They draw more heater current than a standard 6L6: 1400 ma. instead of the usual 900. You should be sure that your amp's power transformer has the capacity to handle the extra current draw. Bias these tubes hot for best results. While most tubes we tested were biased at around 60% of their rated plate dissipation, the Shuguangs sound very bright and crystalline in this range. Some may find it too bright. At 75% of rated dissipation, these tubes really provide that feeling of rolling thunder. If you want Country clean, bias them for 60-70%. If you need earlier breakup and a beefier sound then turn up the heat, but keep an eye on your power tranny."
I would go ahead and try the Chinese, bias them normal and somewhat hot and see how you like it. The Chinese tube #7 strength bias at around 36 for me just did not work. Way to brittle, and hard to get the Route to breakup. Now with my #4 Saratov tubes biased at 37 I can get some breakup at 10:30 if I dime the bass and treble. It all comes down to using our ears and trying different tubes and checking out how they sound. Advice is good, but doing it yourself and getting your own results is the best.
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Post by Laroosco!! on Sept 6, 2006 13:14:26 GMT -7
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Post by guitarnorton on Sept 28, 2006 19:23:15 GMT -7
I love the Shuguang;s get em from Lord Valve and you won't have any problems with them. He tests the hell out of the tubes he sells, never had a problem with them.
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dewman
Junior Member
Posts: 86
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Post by dewman on Sept 30, 2006 18:55:51 GMT -7
I went with the Shuguangs and biased them a bit hot to warm them up. I love them and don't hear much difference between those and the GT-HPs. I love Lord Valve, great guy and great product. I just happened to get them from Mike at KCANOS tubes, who I also like a lot and also has great quality stuff. Can't go wrong with either. Problem solved for now...but I am buying up KT66s when I can just in case....
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Post by osostrings on Dec 4, 2006 7:22:10 GMT -7
I've heard that the Doc is now shipping new Route 66 with the Shuguangs - #5-#6 biased around 34-36mA. I'm about to order some - I'll be sure to give a tone report when I do.
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Post by iggs on Dec 4, 2006 20:18:03 GMT -7
Just compared the GT KT66HP #6 and the GT KT66C #4. I prefer the KT66C, they are a bit brighter and more "open" sounding. The KT66HP were a bit too dark for my taste. This may be good thing for some strat or tele players though. I went through a range of bias for both and overall I like the KT66C more.
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