KT-120 production life?

[Blair]

I'm getting ready to start my monster amps, and I'm a bit torn. Ultimately, the KT-88 is the natural choice as a six pack into my 1.5K primary output transformers, but it looks like a quad of 120s would do just as well.

The concern I have is the production life of these tubes. I want to build an amp for personal, long term use. Does anyone think the production life will end soon for this big guy?

[rmyauck]

Only if people think that way and don't buy them, but seriously aren't many big amp makers using them. Got to support them if you can, as they aren't priced too high. They should last many hrs. if run close to KT-88 normal running specs also!

[Blair]

Thanks,

Yeah, it isn't too hard to add a few socket holes for the extra two tubes if I want to go with KT88s, but then I will have two extra sockets unused when I use KT120s.

[TerrySmith]

In my opinion the KT-120 doesn't appear to be a slapped together tube with leftover parts. It does look well engineered, tested and proven so it will most likely be in production for some time to come.

So far I'm really happy with the quad I got for my recent project. I guess the only downside (which is totally normal) is they throw off a lot of heat. Even at a low bias setting of 55 - 60ma they still sound great, 80 - 90ma is where the sweet spot seems to be.

[kheper]

Guitarists like the KT120. There is at least one guitar amp made for KT120s by Hovercraft. Since there are more guitar players than hi-fi tube amp owners, I suspect the KT120 will be around a while.

http://www.hovercraftamps.com/amps-we-make-the-catalog

[Blair]

Cool,

Thanks guys. I think I am going to save the trouble of the extra holes and just leave the 4 I have drilled.

What's your B+ Terry?

I think mine will be around 500V. Maybe a little higher. I hope to squeeze 150W or so out of a quad.

Blair

[battradio]

Hi Blair ,

Get the amps up and running on the KT120's , when you happy with every thing , buy a set of spares and put them away . The first set is most likely to last you as long as your going use the amp as your primary amp , before you build something better