KT66s - a quad of new Gold Lions or 2 NOS GECs?

[Macaroni]

My Kingsley ToneBaron will be here next week. The ToneBaron uses 4 power tubes - 6L6s, 6V6s, 5881s, KT66s, KT77s, EL34s, etc. I can mix different pairs, so I can have 2 x 6L6s + 2 x EL34s, etc.

I got a $250 for Christmas & my birthday. I've already got a great pair of RCA 6L6s, and pairs of Amperex/Mullard/Tung Sol EL34s. Simon's going to load the amp with 4 new production 6L6s. I really want to try some KT66s.

Should I spend whole $250 on a pair of NOS GEC KT66s, or get a quad of the new Russian Gold Lion KT66s for $160, and buy some other gear/tubes?

 

[Stormbringer]

If you can, get good conition NOS GEC KT66s there is no question you are much better off with them than with anything currently in production.

They sound so powerful and sweet at the same time that is just a joy.

 

[iggs]

ONLY $250 for a pair of NOS GEC KT66???????????

They are usually around $400-$500 a pair IF they are "NEW" NOS and matched.
That is either a deal of a lifetime or something is not quite right.

 

[Stormbringer]

ONLY $250 for a pair of NOS GEC KT66???????????

They are usually around $400-$500 a pair IF they are "NEW" NOS and matched.
That is either a deal of a lifetime or something is not quite right.

I was going to mention that as well but I checked complete listings on Ebay and found several deals around the price range of the OP. Still, I would triple-check before buying from some unknown source.

 

[iggs]

I was going to mention that as well but I checked complete listings on Ebay and found several deals around the price range of the OP. Still, I would triple-check before buying from some unknown source.

Yeah ... personally I would Never buy NOS tubes from an unknown source. Too much $$$ for too much risk.

 

[Macaroni]

Thanks for the responses so far guys.

 

[small axe]

the nos tubes is what i would get

 

[tonesurfer]

If you go NOS get the older smoked glass ones, they are the best. Otherwise the chinese KT-66s are a good value and can sound almost as good as some of the later produced Genelux KT-66s (though they wont last nearly as long).

 

[Macaroni]

The ones I've got my eyes on are the clear glass ones. How much better are the smoked glass ones?

 

[Seektone]

Macaroni, I've heard there are some counterfeit GECs running around, and even saw some comparison photos floating around showing the newest production Shuguangs next to real GECs. Very hard to tell the differences unless you really know your stuff. I believe that the smoked glass ones are no longer made, so that may be a safer bet for NOS.

 

[tonesurfer]

The ones I've got my eyes on are the clear glass ones. How much better are the smoked glass ones?

Good enough I wouldn't bother with the clear glass unless its current production.

 

[Stormbringer]

To be honest, many purpotedly NOS GECs on Ebay look just brand new and that would be an easy counterfeit for someone so inclined.

Macaroni, if it looks too good to be true, it probably is. If you are patient and smart you can probably score some good NOS ones but for a little more than you were expecting. Still, for the sweetness and durability, I would buy those.

The newer Shuguangs and Gold Lion look and sound good too, though.

One of the things that would be fun would be to try a couple of KT66s and EL34s in your amp. The broad frequency spectrum, spectacular cleans and in-your-face character of the KTs plus the mids and punch of EL34s....

 

[Mike9]

The Shuguang KT66's do sound good, but I find the New Gold Lion's have the edge on tone. I'm digging them in my Omega built Dumble clone.

 

[JubileeMan 2555]

Marconi,

I just tried the Valve Art/Shuguang KT66 In Whitney Penta 66 and they really do sound superb in every way. $54 plus shipping from BNB Tubes on Ebay...


Dave

+1

I use these KT66s in my marshall build and I really dug how they react to my playing. Check out a clip of them in my signature (the mashall/tranyor clip)

But If I could, I'd love to try orignal GECs! But since I crank my amps 100% of the time, It would be a waste of money for me.

 

[JLee]

Shuguang/ValveArts just released the Anniversary Treasure Black Bottle tubes. Haven't seen any real world reviews yet though.