Loren Baybrook

“My PrimaLuna DiaLogue Premium HP Integrated Amplifier was singing fine with the standard tubes (EL34 and 12AU7), but the EL34's midrange, while liquid, was also glaring at higher volumes. In advance of addressing this issue directly, I had just replaced the two center gain tubes (with Brimar CV4003s), bringing some greater clarity and taming some of the glare--but not enough. So, the KT120 or the KT150? The former fits inside the distinctive PL cage (barely) and comes close to supplying the power upgrade of the latter, which doesn't fit. The former also works easily within the limits of my dedicated 20A circuit (which also must supply power to other components). And the former has a proven record of high quality and reliability. I ordered eight Platinum/Cryo KT120s. The result? No more glare. But here's the kicker. I had set my MartinLogan 1100X subwoofer to 47Hz with a 3rd-order roll-off because, miraculously, the LS50 rises slowly from 47Hz, at -6dB, to its -3dB point of 79Hz. With the KT120s, however, the KEFs are producing clean bass down to the lowest setting for the sub's lowpass filter: 30Hz. My LS50s just claimed 17Hz more of the audio spectrum. Stereophile shows that, in a spatially-averaged measurement, the LS50 is down by -10dB at around 30Hz (dropping another 10dB by 20Hz), but the KT120s can articulate the bass of the LS50 to a dazzling new level (enough, at least, to excite the room mode a lot more than the EL34s could). This was exactly the right upgrade.”

Helpful Report

Posted 6 years ago

“This tube is balanced, powerful, dynamic, articulate and surprisingly subtle and delicate when the music calls for it. The KT 120's and the Mullard reissue EL 34's are my two favorites of all the output tubes I have tried so far. The Mullard has the classic tube sound with a beautiful midrange and slightly rounded presentationb while the KT 120 is better balanced from top to bottom with greater dynamics. Both are a pleasure to listen to.”

Helpful Report

Posted 8 years ago

“I am running a Music Angel XD800MKIII with a quad of KT120's (1000 hrs on the tubes now) through a vintage stacked set of Advent New Loud speakers. The amp outputs 30W x2 (triode mode)/ 65x2 (Ultra-linear) and came with Psvane KT88's. The KT88's have a terrific uncolored sound and I'm not here to knock them because they are actually a fine tube in my opinion, my issue was I like to listen loud and had to switch to Ultra-linear to get the power I needed. Got a set of cyro version KT120's and wow the difference is not subtle it is big especially with the bass and sound stage you simply need to try them to believe it. I did have an issue with brightness at high volumes but fixed this by changing out the USA no name input amp tubes with Tungsrams (2x 12AT7 & 2x 12AU7). No more tube rolling for me this combination is simply magic, no more switching to Ultra-liner any more either its straight Class A all day long. One other thing my KT88's were biased from the factory as measured @ 38 mA and I biased the KT120's @ a conservative 50 mA (many recommend over 100 mA) with excellent results for those who intend to do their own biasing. Thanks Kevin I'll be back for more you can bet on that.”

Helpful Report

Posted 8 years ago

Herzel Yerushalmi

Unverified Reviewer

“I have tube rolled KT77, EL34, KT88, and KT 120 with Prima Luna Dialogue Premium integerated amplifier. I have come to prefer the classic EL34 and KT120 over the other two. EL34 for Jazz and female voice and KT120 for rock/latin jazz/hip hop, symphonic, orchestra and male voice. I swap tubes every 6 to 8 months enjoying the best of both worlds. I have purchased all of my tubes from Upscale Audio and many times used Kevin's advice. I have been very satisfied with the advice, quality of the tubes, packaging and delivery time.”

Helpful Report

Posted 8 years ago

“Tube rolling is fun. The search, the reading and finally the purchase. I was looking for a bit more punch on my Primaluna HP. The standard tubes EL34 are suberbly balanced, I just wanted a little more. Well, this tube exceeded all expectations. I thought that I was getting more power, no... I got way more than just power. Extended bass, more midrange , openness on the top end. I could not be happier. With these tubes, and a couple of CIFTE for preamp, I always run in pure tube mode my amp. Thank you Kevin”

1 Helpful Report

Posted 8 years ago

“I purchased an octet of the Tung Sol KT-120 tubes for my PrimaLuna Dialogue Premium HP amplifier. Although I was very happy with the EL-34 tubes supplied with the amplifier, the KT-120s clearly provide significantly more bass and high frequency extension. The difference was quite dramatic right out of the gate, and they have improved with break-in. Together, the amp and KT-120 complement do an excellent job of driving my B&W 802d speakers. I'm very happy with this upgrade, and as usual, Kevin Deal and Upscale Audio are the the best source for your tube needs.”

1 Helpful Report

Posted 8 years ago

“Installed 8 of these in my Prima Luna Dialogue Premium HP amp. EL34's sounded great, but the KT120's were a major improvement. Tighter bass and even better pace were the major improvements along with more extended top end. Still has the natural sound of tubes but with most of the advantages of solid state.... just what I was looking for. Highly recommended”

Helpful Report

Posted 8 years ago

“If I had another house I would get another Prima Luna and run the Tung-Sol KT120's as well. The difference between these and the stock EL 34’s is a more defined sound dare i day a bit more cleaner/digital sounding but still good old/great old/ great new analog sound. (Also put in two Mullard CV4003's up front) These monster tubes also seem the run bit cooler. Uncle Kevin (he sure has a lot of relatives!) took the time to help me out. He knows his stuff and is a pleasure to deal (no pun intended) with. Before placing these tubes on the Prima Luna he asked what my speakers were and then made tube replacement recommendations. After many thousands of hours I replaced the tubes on the Prima Luna just to try out something else and I’m very glad I did. However, the stock EL34’s were still going strong. Upscale Audio knows their stuff and has great service. That’s a wonderful thing.”

Helpful Report

Posted 9 years ago

Tung-Sol KT120 Platinum Grade / No Cryo Reviews