Changed the power tubes on my Engl Savage 120 from 6550s to KT88s

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nightlight

nightlight

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I was quite happy with the results. The amp suddenly sounds more clear. More bottom end. And for a change, I was able to rely on power amp volume instead of channel volume to get a tremendous tone out of the amp.

This amp was long overdue for a tube change, to be honest. It still had the stock Engl power tubes in it, and it is one of the Savage MKI models, so I'm not even sure how many years the tubes have been in there.

I changed the tubes to Shuguang-manufactured and Marshall-branded KT88s. Pretty happy with the,

Like just have a listen to this tone, it's so polite.

 
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Great choice. I didn't realize I hated 6550's until I bought my 2nd VHT UL and it was loaded with them. Something was off and it didn't sound as mean and deep as my first one I sold. Started tube rolling with pre's....still something missing. Ordered up a quad of Ruby KT88's and boom, there was the tone I remembered. I still have the 6550's as backups but every time I've loaded them up in another amp that can take them, it's instant sterilization. The tubes are still in great shape according to my tube tester so it's not the age of them that's the cause. I've read others complaining about the same thing so I know I'm not the only one who feels this way. Seems like you've joined that club too now!
 
PurityS.L.G said:
Great choice. I didn't realize I hated 6550's until I bought my 2nd VHT UL and it was loaded with them. Something was off and it didn't sound as mean and deep as my first one I sold. Started tube rolling with pre's....still something missing. Ordered up a quad of Ruby KT88's and boom, there was the tone I remembered. I still have the 6550's as backups but every time I've loaded them up in another amp that can take them, it's instant sterilization. The tubes are still in great shape according to my tube tester so it's not the age of them that's the cause. I've read others complaining about the same thing so I know I'm not the only one who feels this way. Seems like you've joined that club too now!
Click to expand...

I'm not really too well-versed with tubes, to be honest, and I should be kicking myself for all the great amps I've sold or traded away when a simple tube change could have been all that was needed to get them singing. I just thought I'd try the KT88s, and I'm glad I did!

On a side note, have updated the video to remove the irritating pinging in the verse section and to fix the ending.

I'm also attaching a link to the audio on OneDrive, YouTube does horrible things to audio.
Leper Messiah - Metallica (Cover)_6.aif
 
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I have kt88’s in my krank, they seem a little thicker in the mids, a little more rounded and not as bright as el34 or 6l6
 
Nice, need to get some kt88s. Of all the amps I have I don't think any have them.

Anyone have experience with different brands?
 
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