Just thought I'd start a thread to discuss power tubes.

I've been using three different types this  year, and enjoying each. At the beginning of the year I was using TAD KT-66 and was very happy with them. A very open midrange and the high frequency response was sweet and yet detailed. The lower frequencies were strong and deep. This quad had over a year on them though and it was time to change.

So I tried the Reflector 6P3S-E in a cryo'd version. Boy these took a long time to break in and have bass. But it was nice to be experiencing the Hazen Grid Mod again, and in time I learned to love them. There's just a shade less lower frequency output than I'd like, and so my mind got to wandering and I remembered how much I enjoyed the JJ 6CA7s (and though others had reliability problems with them I did not) so I ordered a cryo'd quad and am now listening to these. I got very used to the tight bass in the Reflektors and this is a bit looser, but I can adjust that to be almost identical. I like the highs, the midrange has just a tiny bit of edge to it that I wish weren't there, but the tubes are new.

Throughout this I began to realize that with the amazing flexibility the Mk III has you can use many tube types and get very satisfying sound. I have to say I am thankful every day for the treble cut circuit and the bass controls on my Torii Mk III. They make this a very flexible and capable amplifier that with the right speakers (I feel the HR-1s really suit the amp) can dish out great sound for years and years.

What output tubes are you Mk III owners using now?

Cool JD. I haven't tried NOS tubes in the Mk III having had so much luck with new production. And I go through them faster than some, and new production are more affordable! But I bet those sound great.

I'm using a magic pair of OB3s as well, mine are labeled Arcturus, Will says that these are made by Sylvania. I also have a pair of matched Sylvanias that don't quite sound as good as these. I have built my tube complement around these. I found that 7308s bested 6N1Ps with these and I really like how things sound.

Thanks for weighing in.

Nice first post, thanks.

I've gone back to my psvane 6ca7-t power tubes. The RFT tubes are good but I forgot how great these sound. I forgot why I had taken the psvane's out but yesterday my speakers starting popping/acting up and I knew it was my power tubes. I took them out and thoroughly cleaned the connections and the sockets with deoxit this morning and so far today 2 hrs in they are sounding full. Great depth, air and texture. Much more than I heard with the RFT which were tight and very clean but not deep at all. The Psvane's have much more depth and separation of both instruments and musicians. Much livelier.

JD

Why not revive this thread as my tube compliment continues to evolve. I've recently been enthralled with RCA 6l6gc and equivalents. I've been able to start listening for about 10-15 hrs and  I have been excited with the results. They are most definitely different that my previous fav 6ca7-z from Psvane. THey are tighter, more focused and snappy. The only lacking factor that I miss is the airiness that I find in some el34 types in my system. New speakers are also playing a role and since they are efficient 97db it is no wonder I'm hearing what I feel is the most accurate reproduction of sound i have heard in my system.  I just have to get used to it.  I must stop trying to figure out how this sounds so good and sit back and listen.
Here's to the Raiders upsetting the Pats in Mexico today! (Yeah I know it's a longshot.)

DJ

THanks Lon,

My current tube lineup is: rca 6l6gc, sylvania 0b3, mullard gz32, seimens e188cc, 75c1.

JD