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Post by skydog958 on Jan 21, 2006 14:14:17 GMT -7
I recently acquired one of the very few KT-45 2X12 combos (speakers are Celestion G12Hs), but the owner before me had replaced all the tubes with new Electro-Harmonix tubes (with the exception of the GT EF-86) including a 5U4 tube rec. I want to put in the best sounding tubes possible, most likely NOS. I also will most likely change the tube rec to a GZ-34/5AR4. I was wondering what brands work well for this amp (with a tube rec of course). I play classic rock (Led Zep, Cream, Free) and blues (Peter Green, Albert King) so keep those tones in mind.
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Post by myles on Feb 3, 2006 20:32:49 GMT -7
I recently acquired one of the very few KT-45 2X12 combos (speakers are Celestion G12Hs), but the owner before me had replaced all the tubes with new Electro-Harmonix tubes (with the exception of the GT EF-86) including a 5U4 tube rec. I want to put in the best sounding tubes possible, most likely NOS. I also will most likely change the tube rec to a GZ-34/5AR4. I was wondering what brands work well for this amp (with a tube rec of course). I play classic rock (Led Zep, Cream, Free) and blues (Peter Green, Albert King) so keep those tones in mind. If the EF86 is one of the GT logo ones and it still even works, get rid of it (or keep it as a spare) .... get a good NOS EF86 from Mike at www.kcanostubes.comThat is the first big change tone and reliability wise. While you are dealing with Mike get any NOS GZ34 / 5AR4. The 5U4 has a slow rise time and does not do justice to this amp. Rebias to 34-36mA with a set of #6 E34LS from GT or EL34R2 (Svetlanas). The LS is a 30 watt tube ... the other EL34's are 25 watters. With the LS most KT-45's exceed 65 watts with ease. If your phase inverter is an EH get rid of it FAST. These are short plate tubes and the current is typically down at LEAST 30% over 12AX7 spec. I only use SAG-AX7-MPIs in any amp that I work with that uses 12AX7s. These are long plate Mullard reproductions. That is just my personal take on things.
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Post by taswegian on Feb 3, 2006 20:42:58 GMT -7
And when you've got all that done, post a clip 'cause D@mn, that amp is gonna sound MIGHTY FINE.
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Post by terryg on Feb 4, 2006 0:26:21 GMT -7
I've done the things that Myles suggested in my 6545, and it's absolutely excellent advice. I could use this amp exclusively and be really really happy about it. Granted the 6545 is a little different, the tube layout for the "45" side is essentially the same. Both channels share the PI, power tubes, and rectifier. Congratulations on picking up a really killer amp!
hey tas, I want my cheesy poofs!
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Post by taswegian on Feb 4, 2006 5:56:36 GMT -7
"Follow your dreams, you can reach your goals, I'm living proof. Beefcake, BEEFFFCAAAAKKKKE!!! "
Sorry... return to regular programming.
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Post by terryg on Feb 8, 2006 11:09:10 GMT -7
not that there's anything wrong with irregular programming..... I put a GT 12AX7R2 MPI into my 6545 for a PI. I like my PI hot. This is more like a rhubarb/strawberry PI, where the GT12AX7M MPI is more like a chocolate mousse PI, but served hot. Both are excellent, both are great for your back end. ;D
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Post by skydog958 on Apr 16, 2006 14:22:34 GMT -7
Thanks Myles!
I picked up a Nos GEC EF86 and the mislabeled JAN Phillips 5AR4 from KCA, and the amp is rockin'
I still need to order a MPI (I mistakenly purchased an unmatched 12AX7) and to replace the output section with the GT E34LS's
And I might post a clip of it sometime!
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Post by cashandkerouac on Feb 13, 2007 23:31:43 GMT -7
when purchasing a replacement 12AX7 for the KT-45 do I need one that is "balanced"? thanks.
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Post by hdahs143 on Feb 14, 2007 10:48:08 GMT -7
when purchasing a replacement 12AX7 for the KT-45 do I need one that is "balanced"? thanks. For optimum performance and efficiency, Yes.
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Post by cashandkerouac on Feb 16, 2007 13:05:46 GMT -7
per the recommendations by Myles and others I ordered some new tubes from mike at kca. the KT-45 sounds wonderful as it is, but I am looking forward to hearing the difference with the new tubes - NOS Tesla 12AX7 balanced, NOS JAN Philips/Sylvania 5AR4 mislabeled 5V4GA, a matched pair of NOS Tesla EL34s, and a NOS Dario Miniwatt EF-86 as a back-up. i look forward to posting some sound clips soon. i have been having so much fun with the KT-45 promoting my Pete Townsend image and driving the neighbors batty. cheers.
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