EL34 vs. KT88/6550 for midrange

Early B.
Early B. Posts: 7,900
edited March 2006 in 2 Channel Audio
Just wondering what general impressions folks have about the difference between the EL34 and KT88/6550, with specific emphasis on the midrange. I'm interested in knowing the best tube compliment for jazz vocals.

Similarly, for those who have experimented extensively with 12AX7's and 12AT7's, which brand(s) provided the best laid back and detailed presentation? I'm looking for recessed vocals.

Thanks.
HT/2-channel Rig: Sony 50” LCD TV; Toshiba HD-A2 DVD player; Emotiva LMC-1 pre/pro; Rogue Audio M-120 monoblocks (modded); Placette RVC; Emotiva LPA-1 amp; Bada HD-22 tube CDP (modded); VMPS Tower II SE (fronts); DIY Clearwave Dynamic 4CC (center); Wharfedale Opus Tri-Surrounds (rear); and VMPS 215 sub

"God grooves with tubes."
Post edited by Early B. on
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Comments

  • cmy330go
    cmy330go Posts: 2,341
    edited February 2006
    From my limited experience, and other's (more experienced) comments, it seems that most EL34 tubes offer a slightly smoother midrange than KT88s. I have kicked around swapping the KT88s I have out for some EL34s, but until I get a more efficient speaker I better stick with the 88s.

    I know it's not much, but that's my $0.02 worth.;)
    Dave
    HT
    Mits WD-65737, DirecTV, Oppo DV-970HD, XBOX ONE, Yamaha RX-A1030, Parasound Halo A23, Rotel RB-985, Music Hall MMF-7, Parasound PPH-100, LSi-15, LSi-C, LSi-FX, LSi-7, PSW-1000, Monster HTS2600

    2 CH
    Parasound Halo P3, Parasound Halo A21, Sutherland Ph.D, VPI Classic 3 w/ 3D arm & Soundsmith Aida Cartridge, Arcam CD72T, B&W 802 S3, Monster HTS2500,
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  • organ
    organ Posts: 4,969
    edited March 2006
    I've got a lot of experience with EL34 but not much with the KT family. I've used KT66 and currently using KT77. I'm sure the sound should be similar to the 88's because they're in the same family.

    It really depends on what kind of mids you're after. The EL34 is very sweet in the mids. The prettiest mids I've heard is on the SED =C= EL34. The EL34 is very lush sounding. The mids in the KT tubes I have is much more neutral with better dynamics/micro dynamics. I prefer the KT tubes so far.

    For the X7, just get a Telefunken smooth plate and be done with it. It is more on the neutral/analytical side. But if you want laid back, I guess Mullard is probably your best bet. For current production, the SED X7 is a good laid back tube.

    Maurice
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  • dragon1952
    dragon1952 Posts: 4,899
    edited March 2006
    The Amperex Bugle Boy 12AX7 with the long plates and 'D' getter w/ foil strip are very lush and laid back IMO. Costly though but OMG how sweet.
    2 channel - Willsenton R8 tube integrated, Holo Audio Spring 3 KTE DAC, audio optimized NUC7i5, Windows 10 Pro/JRiver MC29/Fidelizer Plus 8.7 w/LPS and external SSD drive, PS Audio PerfectWave P3 regenerator, KEF R3 speakers, Rythmik F12SE subwoofer, Audioquest Diamond USB cable, Gabriel Gold IC's, Morrow Audio SP5 speaker cables. Computer - Windows 10/JRiver, Schiit Magni 3+/Modi 3+, Fostex PMO.4n monitors, Sennheiser HD600 headphones
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