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Gold Lion KT77 / EL34 No Cryo Reviews

4.9 Rating 78 Reviews
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Phone:

909.931.9686

Email:

joel.m@upscaleaudio.com

Location:

2058 Wright Avenue,
2058 Wright Avenue
California
91750

I forgot to include this part in my review of the KT77's. Upscale Audio has impeccable packaging bar-none. They package their tubes in a much larger box than the size of the 8 tubes and they surround them with plenty of that shipping popcorn/ peanut Styrofoam. I have never received a damaged tube (or any other audio) component from Upscale, and I have received about 10+ tube shipments and audio components since 2013 or 2014. Kevin double-boxes all of his audio components and they always arrive fine. I am in the process of un-boxing a VPI Aries turntable as I write this review and the original packaging (2 large cartons) are in perfect shape due to the double-boxing. Thanks dudes!!
1 Helpful Report
Posted 7 years ago
Based upon the reviews here at Upscale's website and personally speaking with both Kevin and Jared I knew that I would be happy with these KT77's. I am completely enamored with the stock PrimaLuna Chinese EL34's that come standard with my DiaLogue Premium HP Integrated but one eventually gave it up after 2+ years. So, instead of just buying one new stock EL34 I went for these. Their lovely Midrange is Bob-Bitchin'! But they also have enough power to feed my Vandersteen 3A Signatures with no qualms whatsoever. I have also ran the Gold Lion KT88's, Tung-Sol KT120's and KT150's. I always come back to the 34's because I believe they do the HP Integrated (or any PrimaLuna amplifier for that matter) extreme justice. Thank you Kevin and Jared - 'bellow' away gentlemen!!
2 Helpful Report
Posted 7 years ago
I replaced some JJ's with these. All I can say is wow!!
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Posted 8 years ago
So far so good. Still breaking in. Very nice controlled sound so far. Really excel in midrange, which I was missing in my stock Primaluna tubes. The clarity of the midrange makes these tubes excellent for home theater, since dialogue is very clear. The highs are a little bright at this point, but I imagine that will mellow with use. Might be a problem with overly bright speakers or integrated amp. Otherwise the highs are very expressive and "extended", but not overly so. The bass is nice and clear and controlled , but realistic. Overall I am very happy.
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Posted 8 years ago
The sound good and look good. Not sure about "durability" however. Out of 8 installed in my Manley Snappers less than six months ago, 2 have failed (one ran away, the other lost its bias).
1 Helpful Report
Posted 8 years ago
These are fantastic in my Hovland Sapphire. I like EL34 tubes but the KT77 works wonders in this application. I have purchased many tubes from Kevin over the years; plan on doing the same for years to come. Great service, fast shipping, great communication
Helpful Report
Posted 8 years ago
Have not used these as yet But have 12 pairs functioning for over a year in VTL ichibans. The tube is a good sub for the originals, cost effective and apparently reliable. Matching is really good and a nice offering for the price.
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Posted 9 years ago
These are really great tubes. I use them in place of my EL34's , the one thing good about the KT77's there a little thin than EL34's , my power tubes are reseat in the amp a little so the KT77's give me some air and venting around the tubes for heat to escape.. They are very durable well built they look great and feel little exotic the glass looks like crystal and the labeling is sexy gold lions have a very nice tube glow nice to look at...the boxes are really cool.. First off Kevin and upscale do a great with the tubes 72 hr. burn in you feel safe and confident with the tubes , they hold bias perfect and my amp works like it's suppose to like clock work. The KT77's have good holographic sound and imaging and after 100- 200 hrs the tubes do come alive the bass is magic it sweeps across the sound stage. You don't need a 50,000 dollar amp to sound good these tubes make a low cost amp. sound great the tubes look and feel like you own a really expense exotic amp..The one thing cool about Upscale Audio is there in high end audio world so there going to give good stuff thats how I feel also with these power tubes Upscale gives great instructions on tubes on there web sight very helpful .. Thanks!!
1 Helpful Report
Posted 9 years ago