Tung-Sol KT120 No Cryo / Platinum Grade Reviews

4.7 Rating 76 Reviews

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“I received 1 kt120 that snaps 2 x 1.5-2 min after amp is turned on fairly loud and 1 that snaps at 1/5 the loudness of the other one. Waiting on a call from Josh on what to do.”

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Posted 2 years ago

Herzel Yerushalmi

Verified Reviewer

“Very musical tube for our PL Premium HP, best of the two worlds of KT150 (too taxing on any amp) and our favorite EL34. Tighter bass than EL 34 and very close to the sweetness and beauty of the EL34 mid frequencies. We switch between these two tubes for the last 10 years. Upscale does not disappoint in terms of high level of service, advice, trust and honesty. Thank you.”

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Posted 3 years ago

Michael Wright

Verified Reviewer

“Purchased a 2nd quad of KT-120s. First quad of KT120s are still working great. But from this most recent quad of KT-120s two of the four tubes blew in less than 24 hours. I talked to customer service and sent pics. I was told Upscale does not take tubes back, there's not much margin for profit, we can send you two tubes but it's the last time. After all that, I just said forget it. I'll bite the bullet. Had I known there's no return on tubes I wouldn't have asked. So I'm using the 2 that were good and purchased 2 more somewhere else. All of these tubes are working just fine now. I don't mind saying I was very disappointed with Upscale's response to me receiving 2 tubes that went bad within 24 hours.”

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Posted 3 years ago

ANDREW FLETCHER Fletcher

Unverified Reviewer

“Fantastic tubes, I have had a lot of tube gear over the past few years, and I keep coming back to KT120’s. To me they sound a touch warmer than KT150’s without compromising on power. Very detailed, large soundstage with precise imaging. I currently have them (ARC matched and cryo treatment) in my humble little ARC VSi60. I could sit and listen all day. Highly recommended!”

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Posted 3 years ago

“Love them.”

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Posted 3 years ago

Author didn't leave any comments.

Helpful Report

Posted 3 years ago

“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 3 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”

Helpful Report

Posted 3 years ago