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Post by schultz on Nov 21, 2013 7:28:08 GMT -7
Just a follow up on my latest addition a used KT-45 head:
I was getting a slight bit of microphonics and idle noise from the amp so I replaced the stock Russian tubes with some NOS tubes from KCANOS:
(2) NOS Siemens EL34's (matched pair within 1mA) (1) NOS Tesla EF806S (a high grade EF86) (1) TungSol 12AX7
OMG! So much better sounding, it's smooth, balanced, with a dead quiet idle. I haven't checked the bias yet and will later this week but I'm thinking it must be pretty close to the recommended 34mA.
What a difference.
I'm keeping the solid state rectifier in there for now because I really like all the clean headroom (a nice departure from my Swart AST which breaks up pretty early). I think I have a new favorite amp.
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Post by Baconator on Nov 21, 2013 7:55:39 GMT -7
Awesome! I've been really lucky in that both of my Z's came with great tubes so changes didn't improve the already-great tones coming from them, but it's always nice getting a big improvement in something that's already great.
Just out of curiosity, have you heard the amp with a solid state rectifier? Who knows - it might just be another improvement and I would imagine that you'll still have plenty of clean headroom.
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Post by schultz on Nov 21, 2013 15:10:41 GMT -7
I'm using the solid state rectifier...I like the cleans it gets and am reluctant to change it out.
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Post by Baconator on Nov 21, 2013 20:12:24 GMT -7
I'm using the solid state rectifier...I like the cleans it gets and am reluctant to change it out. Sorry - pre-senior moment - I meant TUBE rectifier. I was just curious since I've never tried both types in the same amp myself.
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Post by Mark (Basement Enthusiast) on Nov 22, 2013 7:39:10 GMT -7
I've been chatting with Mike @ KCA NOS as well.. yes, indeed those 2 preamp tubes you got seem to be an incredible bang for the buck. Don't you all run out and buy some, though, because I haven't ordered mine yet!
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Post by schultz on Nov 22, 2013 18:56:08 GMT -7
I just got my amp biased..it was running way cold, something to think about.
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Post by schultz on Nov 22, 2013 18:56:48 GMT -7
Sounds awesome now..and really quiet at idle.
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