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Post by dixiechicken on Jul 5, 2007 12:01:50 GMT -7
Sorry if the heading is a bit unclear. I ask this question since I'm having a Route66 on order from the Norwegian dealer. I know which tubes are used in a Route66, (I can read on Dr-Z website ) But I cant find out for certain which brand/brands are used. Presumably the choosen brands are for a reason or several perhaps? As an owner to be - I'm interested in knowing a bit more about this. Any takers? Cheers: Dixiechicken
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Post by iggs on Jul 5, 2007 12:23:33 GMT -7
Here's a breakdown:
Only use KT66 and tubes that are actually KT66 regardless of what the label says.
Chinese, Shuguang factory: great sound, close to the original GEC KT66 spec, not super sturdy but good by today's new production standards. Brighter then the Russian ones. Valve Arts, TAD, GT KT66C ... etc. all come from the same factory.
Russian, Saratov factory: great sound, as close to the original GEC KT66 spec as you will get without dishing out $400 a pair for NOS. Darker sounding, seem quite sturdy. Used to be exclusively made for Groove Tubes and labeled GT KT66HP. The Tubestore seems to have some in stock. Not sold by GT anymore. Not sure if they are even being made at this point.
Russian, New Sensor, Tung-Sol brand: DO NOT USE THESE, see the sticky on top of the forum for more info.
Russian, Sovtek: these are re-bottled 6L6 (from what I know), do not use these, not KT66
Slovak, JJ Electronics factory: very good and well made tube with heavy glass, more like a hot rodded 6L6 then a proper kinkless tetrode but sounds great none the less. Seems to be brighter and slightly more headroom then Shuguang and Saratov tubes. Great alternative to the Chinese and Russian offerings.
saved the best for last:
"Holy Grail" GEC KT66: well if you can afford $400 for a pair of these then don't even think about it ... these are what KT66 glory is all about. Full of rich harmonics, thick, creamy, fat with pronounced mids, made to last a lifetime.
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Post by dixiechicken on Jul 5, 2007 15:13:48 GMT -7
Thank you iggs.
Next question then - where do I find a pair of GEC KT66 these days?
Cheers: Dixiechicken
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Post by nitehawk55 on Jul 5, 2007 15:39:26 GMT -7
Usually found on ebay but beware of fakes , only buy from a known seller with good feedback . The Shugaung looks much like a GEC and can be relabled . In all honesty I would not put the money into NOS , the current produced KT66 tubes iggs mentions are quite suitable . I can probably find you a good set of NOS KT66 from one of the dealers I know in Holland if you feel NOS is the best way to go .
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Post by dixiechicken on Jul 6, 2007 4:56:56 GMT -7
nitehawk55! Thanks a lot for your offer - since my Route66 is still on order - I'll just wait for delivery before doing anything drastic. Can I take a raincheck? As you say - it's with NOS tubes as with expensive wines - at a certain price point it's becomes moot or difficult to say if you really get your moneys worth. Thanks & cheers: Dixiechicken
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Post by John on Jul 6, 2007 8:19:12 GMT -7
iggs
Excellent review....thanks from everyone.
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Post by nitehawk55 on Jul 6, 2007 8:46:27 GMT -7
Dixiechicken , I'm sure your 66 will sound just fine with the tubes it comes equipped with . The only guys that are spending the big money on NOS KT66's (and other NOS ) are these audiophile nuts with very deep pockets .
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Post by dixiechicken on Jul 6, 2007 11:01:08 GMT -7
Dont let anybody else know - I'm a bit of a cheapo audiophile nut myself I build my own hifi stereo in kit-form. An all swedish outfit "Sentec" - the mos-fet mono power amps are still unsurpassed in certain areas. The small signal-bandwith is the same as the power bandwith - I haven't seen that in ANY other amplifier yet. Dont know if I would stretch myself to a couple NOS tubes for my Route66 though. Many good things about the "Route" however an hifi piece of equipment it is not Cheers: Dixiechicken
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Post by myles on Jul 6, 2007 16:57:21 GMT -7
Thank you iggs. Next question then - where do I find a pair of GEC KT66 these days? Cheers: Dixiechicken Check with Mike at www.kcanostubes.comHe is ultra reputable.
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Post by myles on Jul 6, 2007 16:58:10 GMT -7
Here's a breakdown: Only use KT66 and tubes that are actually KT66 regardless of what the label says. Chinese, Shuguang factory: great sound, close to the original GEC KT66 spec, not super sturdy but good by today's new production standards. Brighter then the Russian ones. Valve Arts, TAD, GT KT66C ... etc. all come from the same factory. Russian, Saratov factory: great sound, as close to the original GEC KT66 spec as you will get without dishing out $400 a pair for NOS. Darker sounding, seem quite sturdy. Used to be exclusively made for Groove Tubes and labeled GT KT66HP. The Tubestore seems to have some in stock. Not sold by GT anymore. Not sure if they are even being made at this point. Russian, New Sensor, Tung-Sol brand: DO NOT USE THESE, see the sticky on top of the forum for more info. Russian, Sovtek: these are re-bottled 6L6 (from what I know), do not use these, not KT66 Slovak, JJ Electronics factory: very good and well made tube with heavy glass, more like a hot rodded 6L6 then a proper kinkless tetrode but sounds great none the less. Seems to be brighter and slightly more headroom then Shuguang and Saratov tubes. Great alternative to the Chinese and Russian offerings. saved the best for last: "Holy Grail" GEC KT66: well if you can afford $400 for a pair of these then don't even think about it ... these are what KT66 glory is all about. Full of rich harmonics, thick, creamy, fat with pronounced mids, made to last a lifetime. iggs .... GT is no longer making these and nobody is. But some folks still may have stock.
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Post by dixiechicken on Jul 7, 2007 3:18:57 GMT -7
On Mikes website ( I checked the today ) NOS tubes KT66:s were out of stock. It also stated it was very difficult to get pairs these days.
Cheers: Dixiechicken
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Post by iggs on Jul 7, 2007 4:40:10 GMT -7
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Post by dixiechicken on Jul 7, 2007 6:02:19 GMT -7
Is this dealer reputable? Anybody buy any tubes from Tubeworld?
Cheers: Dixiechicken
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