KT120 valves in the WD88 ?

[NickW]

Hi,
Just wondering whether anyone has consider trying to obtain some KT120 vales and fitting them into the WD88? There seems to be a lot of praise for the KT120s at various sites, and the Audio Research amps seem to be getting good reviews when fitted or upgraded to take the 120s.
Thoughts anyone?
NickW

[John Caswell]

Hi Nick,
Tread a bit careful here, as the heater current is higher, a max of 1.95A as opposed to 1.6A for the KT88 which is above the nominal +10% that most txs will stand , so it may cook the Tx.

John

[NickW]

Hi John,
Okay, many thanks, and useful info... Most of the reviews/forum threads I've read have said they are more or less a drop in replacement for the KT88 valve. Most of the Audio Research amps appear to be capable of a drop-in upgrade. So I guess the issue here is specific to the WD88? Do you think the WD88 circuit could take the extra?
NickW

[John Caswell]

Hi Nick,
Well the circuit is fine but it is the power tx I would be concerned about.As I said most power txs will take a 10% overload without too many problems so perhaps the best is try it and see. I the tx gets too hot then you will know.
A lot of people have just fitted these and not bothered with the consequences, I am not sure about the Audio Research amps but from my experience they only have 110/230V taps so these valves would tend to be overrun.

John

[diceman]

Hmm, interesting. I had been considering looking into this over the weekend.

My power Tx seems to run quite warm/hot anyway.

I have got as far downloding tube datasheets to compare.