Genalex kt77 / el34 (2010 Polkie Genalex Group Buy)

Originally posted by DaveMcLain
I remember the JJ tubes with the reddish brown bases, yes... That's been a while ago.

I'm curious about the Genelex branded tubes that New Sensor has put on the market as well. How good are they when compared to the EH, Sovtek and other brands New Sensor sells?
They are significantly better, without question. That's not just my opinion, I hear that all the time from customers.

Quote:
For instance is the KT77 really all that different than the EH EL34? What about the KT66 is it the same as the Sovtek or Tungsol version or is it closer to the original or even the Saratov version from a few years ago?
The KT77 is definitely different. For one thing, all the Genalex tubes use gold plated grids - and speaking of grids, the '77 grid must be wound slightly differently than the EL34s, since they bias slightly cooler.

They all use carbonized plates as well, and in the case of the KT66 it uses the proper sized brown base.

All the tube must use different cathode chemistry too. I certainly can't confirm that (I'm no chemist), but they sound so much more refined that the less expensive Saratov made tubes.

There are many who believe that the KT88 Genalex is every bit as good as the original, and a good number who think it's better! The KT66 is a killer, and while the KT77 results are just starting to come in, so far the reports have been superb.

Don't get me wrong, I think the KT-88 EH (as an example) is a VERY good tube. It needs a bit more bass energy, but it has the tightest an best bass control of any tube I've heard other than a good Ei KT-90. But trhe bit of missing bass causes some people to think the tube is too hot on top. You never hear that sort of thing about the Genalexes.

One EH tube that's just a steal is the 6CA7 though. It doesn't sound exactly like an EL34, it probably could be best described as a "baby 6550". The people who use them love them, and they are still a bargain.

The bottom line is that the Genalex reissues get the best construction materials and techniques, and it shows. It is more expensive though, which has been aggravated by the weak US dollar (in the USA obviously), the increasing cost of raw materials, and the increase in labor costs in Russia.

McShane