Nitro Tube Comparison - KT77s vs EL34s

[windsen]

Alright guys, so I've been thinking about trying KT77s in my Nitro since that's what Scott designed the amp around. I've been using SED Winged C EL34s up to this point.

I did two real short comparison clips of the Nitro with both types of tubes. Both clips are the exact same settings, just biased up with either KT77s or SED EL34s

www.soundclick.com/bands/pagemusic.cfm?bandID=358837

I guess there isn't a HUGE difference. KT77s have bigger low end that's a bit tigther, SED EL34s have more mids and are a bit smoother sounding. Keep in mind because the KT77s do add more bass I would normally dial back the bass and resonance controls as well as dial in some mids but left everything at noon for comparison sake. I'm not sure which tubes I'm going to end up sticking it. I liking how the Nitro feels and reacts with the KT77s in there though. Seems like the amp is most alive in that configuration. I do like the voicing of the SEDs. So I'm thinking I may stick with the KT77s and just dial it in to control the lows more and kick in some mids.

Feedback welcome.

[scoobrock]

there's a little more "dimebag" in the KT77's to my ears...but I think I like the SED's roundness a little more.

[splatter]

The 77's seem to have more bite . Even though the bottom is bigger it sounds brighter .Thanks for the comparison . I've got a nitro on order and I had it coming with 34's then I changed it to 77's . After listening to the clips I think I made the right decision.

[windsen]

thanks for the input guys. i think the amp really is responding best when loaded with the KT77s. with respect to the tonal differences between the two tubes, i think those can be overcome just by tweaking the EQ of the amp.

[porkchops]

My nitro has 77's. What would it take to pop in a set of JJKT88's and give that a try? Not that I dislike the 77's at all...i'm just curious?

[windsen]

you wouldn't be able to just swap out to KT88s without changing some resistors or something in the circuity.

[DonaldDemon]

Thanks for the comparison, windsen. I think when i get one I will go with KT77's also. That's what I played at the convention and I loved the sound.

[windsen]

for those interested i just posted a new kt77 clip in the clips section.