Tung-Sol KT120 Platinum Grade / No Cryo Reviews

4.7 Rating 78 Reviews

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909.931.9686

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joel.m@upscaleaudio.com

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2058 Wright Avenue
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“Installed these in my PrimaLuna EVO400 power amp that I've had for about 6 months and been really enjoying but wanted a little "more". My goal was increased power head room, relaxed mids and more open airy top end. I feel like the KT120 were a move in the right direction, just way too far - like I need something in between EL34 and KT120 so I'm going to sell these and give KT88's a try. - First impressions - very detailed and bright with more air on the top end, but overall thin and missing the gooey richness of the EL34. Almost like going back to a digital amp. Had to turn treble down 2db and bass up 2db from previous settings, also ran in low bias to reduce their aggressiveness. The KT120 are certainly more clear/bright/detailed, but overall less musical and rich than the EL34. - After ~75hrs burn in - bass started to expand but still lacked the fill and richness of the EL34. Mids still light and tight, highs still very bright and airy but less punishing. I started experiencing listening fatigue with the KT120, like I did with my digital amp before getting the EVO400 - but never experienced with the original EL34 in the EVO400. The airiness and clarity is certainly fantastic with the KT120, but they just lack warmth and aren't inviting, very sterile. While they brought new life to some recordings, classical specifically came to life, most I found too forward and thin for my liking. For my specific component and room configuration, the KT120 were are a downgrade in warmth and musicality from the EL34. Since I didn't like the sound stage I never cranked them up to take advantage of the extra head room, so that part was a waste. I would have given them the full 200+hrs of burn in before making a final decision, but have found when switched to high bias my EVO 400 power amp intermittently emits a high frequency squeal, which it never did before installing these tubes and no longer does with the EL34 reinstalled. So, these are gone and on to the next.”

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Posted 4 years ago

“This is a follow-up to my initial review of seven months ago. I think I jumped the gun on my initial review because these tubes now have several hundred hours on them and they have a relaxed but detailed sound and have no trouble with any kind of dynamic swing. These are very good tubes I would describe as slightly cool and not warm in my prima Luna dialogue premium integrated”

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Posted 4 years ago

Harry Raleigh

Verified Reviewer

“Popped it in and it sounded great right out of the box.”

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Posted 4 years ago

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Posted 4 years ago

“These kt120s were very very good sounding out of the box before brake in. LOTS OF BASS. Tube sound good when listening to don Gibson & Waylon Jennings and Marty Robbins”

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Posted 4 years ago

“This tubes arrived extremely rapidly. They were run in and I am now enjoying them in my amp where they work perfectly.”

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Posted 4 years ago

Steven Whitson

Verified Reviewer

“This is my second set of KT120's in my Dialogue 7's. Their life in this equipment is extraordinary. Their sound is impeccable. Thanks, Upscale. Gre at quality tubes. -”

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Posted 4 years ago

“Seamless top to bottom , I now understand the popularity of this tube. These tubes breathe life into my SET amp.”

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Posted 4 years ago