Gold Lion KT66 Yes Cryo Reviews

4.9 Rating 17 Reviews

Visit Product Page

Phone:

909.931.9686

Email:

joel.m@upscaleaudio.com

Location:

2058 Wright Avenue,
2058 Wright Avenue
California
91750

Visit Product Page

“Tried these in my Evo 300 integrated on recommendation from Josh: “KT66 does not get as much attention as other tubes but I have have tried most of what is available and find, especially for orchestral music, KT66 is my personal preference.” When Josh made this suggestion I was using KT77s, which I really enjoyed listening to as the instruments and voices were very full bodied and highly detailed. The occasion for this telephone conversation was a noticeable pop in one channel during warm up when the B+ relay clicked on. Josh explained to me such a mild pop was not unusual. A few weeks later the pop disappeared. Several more weeks later there appeared a very loud explosive crackle sound immediately after warm up. The KT77s were then 8 months old. I immediately reinstalled the stock EL34s and was relieved that all was well with my amplifier but slightly less beautiful sounding than the KT77s. So on Josh’s recommendation I ordered a set of KT66s. I chose “cyro yes” although I am skeptical about claimed beneficial changes in the materials I do believe this is possibly an additional screening process that may expose some material defects. At first the KT66s sounded like early solid state, stunted detail and range, not fun to listen to. Similar to my experience with the KT77s, at first “meh.” The KT77s blossomed after three weeks into beautiful so I waited. After three weeks the KT66s also blossomed. The sound images are full bodied and the micro details are wonderfully present. Definition of instruments, being able to hear individual instruments in an orchestra, is remarkably good as Josh promised. I am an orchestra player and very much appreciate this quality. In an email in response to my report of the demise of my KT77 Josh noted that I had ordered KT66s and commented that they are known to be a robust tube. I am very much enjoying the KT66s and hopeful they will prove reliable. Addendum: After several weeks I noticed I just was not enjoying the music. Although the sound was very clear and detailed there was something missing. Back to the stock EL34s and the joy returned. Probably not as accurate or detailed by a smidgen compared to the KT66 but just more fun and more lifelike. I’ve taken a chance and ordered another set of KT77. Time will tell. As always “YMMV.” (My system: Tannoy Cheviot. SilverSonic cables.) Additional Addendum: My pandemic consolation system, acquired over the past two years, recently changed character. The system: EVO 300 Integrated purchased from my nearest local dealer one hundred miles from my home. Cheviot, SA-KI, DH Labs, and various tubes purchased from Upscale. About two weeks ago I noticed more bass and more clarity. (I usually listen in triode mode at moderate levels, much over 70db is painful for me.) No tube or other changes for several months. I guessed after a year of use the KT77’s had fully developed. Out of curiosity I again tried the KT66’s (Sean and Josh’s recommendation). Previously I did not appreciate the KT66, very nice but not my favorite. This time lovely, clear, and “multidimensional.” I believe this may be an illustration of how long break-in can take and how a quick judgment about a particular part of a very complicated collection of electronic machinery can be short-sighted. The system has blossomed from excellent to amazing. Thank you!”

3 Helpful Report

Posted 4 years ago