KT77s in Bogner Helios?

  • Thread starter Thread starter peckhart
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peckhart

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I would like to hear from anyone that has tried KT77s in their Helios.
Good, bad? What does it change?
 
I used JJ KT77's in mine when I had it. Was definitely more aggressive and punchier. The stock JJ EL34's are their cheapest EL34, and least musical. I biased it at around 35-36mA, if I remember correctly, (used a Bias One that read the plate voltage as well - it was cold from the factory).

Mine came with an all JJ preamp section too, which really, (coupled with the budget EL34's), made the amp a bit stuffy, and bland, (though still killer tone). The KT77's will add some aggression, but better preamp tubes really wake the amp up. Just a simple swap to a Tungsol in V1 was an upgrade, IMO.

If you love the amp - You'll REALLY love it with better tubes, and correct bias.
 
I've got some 8th Gen Chinese in the preamp. Maybe something else in one spot. I also put JJ E34Ls in it, which are more aggressive and have been good to me.
I just may try the KT77s next. Which brand did you use?
 
peckhart":1mwso76m said:
I've got some 8th Gen Chinese in the preamp. Maybe something else in one spot. I also put JJ E34Ls in it, which are more aggressive and have been good to me.
I just may try the KT77s next. Which brand did you use?
Click to expand...

JJ KT77's.
 
napalmdeath":ubl3kkoj said:
I used JJ KT77's in mine when I had it. Was definitely more aggressive and punchier. The stock JJ EL34's are their cheapest EL34, and least musical. I biased it at around 35-36mA, if I remember correctly, (used a Bias One that read the plate voltage as well - it was cold from the factory).

Mine came with an all JJ preamp section too, which really, (coupled with the budget EL34's), made the amp a bit stuffy, and bland, (though still killer tone). The KT77's will add some aggression, but better preamp tubes really wake the amp up. Just a simple swap to a Tungsol in V1 was an upgrade, IMO.

If you love the amp - You'll REALLY love it with better tubes, and correct bias.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I tried JJ KT77's when I owned a Helios, and this pretty much sums it up. The KT77's give you a little more aggression on the top, and a little more punch on the bottom. Perfect if you want a bit more modern sound.
And I also agree about the JJ 12ax7's. They can sound good in a bright amp like a Wizard, or some older Marshalls, not so great in the Helios. There are better options.
I'm pretty sure I was using all Ruby (Chinese) AC5HG from Valve Queen, with a Sovtek LPS in the PI.
Great sounding amp actually, but it went out the door to make room for the VH4.
 
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