Sovtek Mig 60 + KT88's: Thoughts?

[NDominy]

SO, I've got a Sovtek Mig 60 and I dig it, but want to try some different power tubes. Half out of curiosity, half because I'd like to find some more clean headroom. Coincidentally, I also have a pair of gold lion KT88s, although I'm not really sure if they'll actually fit in there. Has anyone tried this pairing before? I found pretty limited info on the webs about it, so I turn to you at ILF: what do you think?

[skullservant]

You'll have to bias the amp for them. You might want to check the transformer specs before you drop them in. Not entirely sure if they will fit though. 6L6s are enough of a struggle haha
Paging Dunwich!

[new05002]

Not useful. First the PT does not support 88s in terms of VA off the secondary HVAC tap. Second, your likely cramming the tubes close together to fit it all. Third, you will not notice much different when doing a blinded A/B test.

[NDominy]

man, thanks for the quick info! looks like I'll be trading the KT88's for a more useful pair then, anyone have any recommendations? it's still got the stock EL34Gs in it, as well as all the stock pres, and I can feel them going when I play it hard for long sessions. I've never explored EL34s, so I'm all ears!

[Iommic Pope]

Tung sol el34b.

[new05002]

Be careful using an amp designed to run 6L6s with 34s. If the heater tap does not have enough VA to supply the current EL34s use it will fuck up the heater tap. Also you need Pin 1 to be grounded for El34s, something 6l6s do not need

[Iommic Pope]

Pretty sure the mig 60 was the el34 sovtek?
I have the 50 and it's 6L6....go figure.
Russia.

[NDominy]

Yeah, the 60 came stock with el34s, but the 50s are built for 6l6s, they're totally different amps. I'm going to chill out the hi gain input with a 5771 in v1, but I'm still curious about the other members of the EL34 family wrt power tubes. KT77s? 6CA7s? Is there any appreciable difference in headroom or feel or should I just get some nice EL34s?

[Iommic Pope]

Nick would be able to fml you for certain but as far as I'm aware kt77s should be a direct drop in for el34s. I haven't played em but I hear good things.