Does anyone know if the 6l6 can be used in high output? I love my TU-8200 and with the TU-8200, you get 8.2 wpc versus the 5wpc on the the TU-8850. It looks like you're sacrificing wpc on the smaller tubes on the TU-8850.
I totally agree with you. The little brother has more output using 6L6. I've listened to KT170 on another amp and just didn't care for it. I felt it was lifeless. The Tungsol 6l6 coke bottle is my favorite as well as the Tungsol KT150. I saw posting for another user using KT150 on the 8200 and decided to give it a try on the and absolutely love it. The unit never ran hot and I consistently checked on it and have been using for the entire year.Hi, Victor.
The TU-8850 is really attractive if i drive it by KT-88 or above. It terms of ouput, the TU-8200R seems better than this big brother if i use 6L6 or EL34. Certainly, i don't know how the sound difference by using same tubes.
May i have your comments before i make my decision? Thanks
Still waiting patiently for those mono blocks 😀
In the meantime, what does the output mode ‘High’ and ‘Med’ actually change?
I’d like to run EL34, but 7.5w is a little low, I get 12w out of my other amp with EL34 in UL. Can I run EL34 in ‘High’ mode or modified in some other way to increase output?
In the meantime, what does the output mode ‘High’ and ‘Med’ actually change?
I’d like to run EL34, but 7.5w is a little low, I get 12w out of my other amp with EL34 in UL. Can I run EL34 in ‘High’ mode or modified in some other way to increase output?
I have just completed my build of the TU-8850 with Lundahl opt. Currently running EL34s sound great so far.
having built it I now would like to understand how the circuits work. Is the a description any where that describes the circuits?
having built it I now would like to understand how the circuits work. Is the a description any where that describes the circuits?
Oh man! Finally got around to building this kit, after having purchased it back in spring! So three-dimensional and natural sounding, I'm so elated listening right now! 🙂 I was worried my low-power 6L6G tubes wouldn't have enough oomph--and they are definitely limited in output--but the three-dimensionality and lifelike tone are making me not care so much. I'll try KT 170 tubes in high-power mode down the road, but for evening relaxation, this is truly an analogue bubblebath. 🙂 Happy listening, all!
P.S. I used Jantzen 0.1uF Superior Z-caps for the coupling caps and got the Alps 100KAX2 Blue Velvet upgrade volume pot. The tubes are Sylvania 6L6G and RCA 12AU7, both vintage made in the US. I'm running the amp in low power and triode mode.
P.S. I used Jantzen 0.1uF Superior Z-caps for the coupling caps and got the Alps 100KAX2 Blue Velvet upgrade volume pot. The tubes are Sylvania 6L6G and RCA 12AU7, both vintage made in the US. I'm running the amp in low power and triode mode.
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I'm putting together the TU-8850 kit and it is going good so far. The question I have is pertaining to the plastic rod and its attachment to the power switch. The manual warns of too much force breaking the switch. It works as is, but not sure if it is supposed to have the first part of the switch actally inserted into the plastic rod. It seems like it will require much force to insert as it is very tight. Anybody know the correct position. The manual isn't very clear here.
Yes, it requires a scary amount of force to seat the rod in the switch. Just be gentle but persistent.
Thanks Victor.I will install the Rob before install the power PCB on the chassis
Gentle force is ok
Well I guess I'm another happy Elekit owner. Fired right up with green light and initial voltages checked out. Been listeniing for an hour or so using CD player for preamp and Little Bozak Sonoras speakers. I haven't checked Low and Mid or Triode, yet. The amp is dead quiet with the Sonoras, that might change some with the Fortes IV. This was a fun kit to build and the performance is excellent. 

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Geode... This is not the best until you use a pair of Tungsol KT170...
I know the KT170 will be awesome for sure. I am testing with old quad of KT88 Gold Lions that haven't seen action in 10 years. They sound great, next up KT120 and eventually... This was a fun build for sure, and rewarding.
Karma y'all.

Do not waste your money on KT120
KT150 is better than KT120
But KT170 is the winner
KT150 is better than KT120
But KT170 is the winner
Oh I'm not wasting money as I already have about 14 KT120 tubes and 2 quads of KT88 with various hours on them. KT170 will happen, no doubt. I'm really looking forward to getting some good Blackplates for the drivers. I'm partial to RCA. 🙂
So, this morning I went ahead and took the rest of the voltages. They all are within range except TP 2,3, and 4. Variac set to 118V inputs shorted and power resistors on outputs. KT88 installed, Mode is High and UL. Using new JJ ECC802 tubes for drivers. Should I be alarmed. It works great and sounds great.
TP2 Should be 65VDC I read 72
TP3 55.5 76
TP4 48.3 74
TP2 Should be 65VDC I read 72
TP3 55.5 76
TP4 48.3 74
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Well, after going back to the book and checking voltages, I found out I messed up the numbers. All the voltages are within range. I use to be good at math, too. Anyway, I have about 10 hours on it and I think it sounds very musical. Happy with the purchase.
I have an 8900 with Lundahl OPT which plays great! I also have an 8200 with Lundhal OPT who also plays great.
I'm still hesitating whether to try the 8850 for more power in SE... but I don't want it to be a waste of money. It is the dilemma 🙂
I'm still hesitating whether to try the 8850 for more power in SE... but I don't want it to be a waste of money. It is the dilemma 🙂
Hi Jarous. I have the 8900, 8600, and the 8850. The 8850 excels at sounding powerful. It has great bottom end. With that power comes a slight sense of coldness in the midrange. It lacks some of the warmth that comes with 2a3 or 300b. With some experimentation I have found that it sounds quite good in the reduced feedback mode and using Telefunken 12au7. CD player directly to the amp. Also the KT170 take some time to break in. I am very happy with this amp and would recommend it to anyone who thinks they need/want more power. I’m using these amps on very efficient horns and the power of the 8850 is very noticeable.
As much I do like ELEKIT's "have 8850/KT-170's and 8550 Pre), for a more Emotional engaging sound, Sunvalley.I have an 8900 with Lundahl OPT which plays great! I also have an 8200 with Lundhal OPT who also plays great.
I'm still hesitating whether to try the 8850 for more power in SE... but I don't want it to be a waste of money. It is the dilemma 🙂