Ruby EL34BHT or Genalex KT77

[fearhk213]

I’m looking for a new production EL34 or variant that can handle higher voltage at the screen, and I have found the Ruby EL34BHT and Genalex Gold Lion RI KT77. They’ll be replacing some winged c’s. I liked the winged c but have not had good luck with the last couple of pairs i’ve gotten, so i’m looking to try something different.

Does anyone have any experience comparing the Ruby and Genalex? What sort of tonal differences did you find? Is one more reliable than the other?

 

[scottosan]

I’m looking for a new production EL34 or variant that can handle higher voltage at the screen, and I have found the Ruby EL34BHT and Genalex Gold Lion RI KT77. They’ll be replacing some winged c’s. I liked the winged c but have not had good luck with the last couple of pairs i’ve gotten, so i’m looking to try something different.

Does anyone have any experience comparing the Ruby and Genalex? What sort of tonal differences did you find? Is one more reliable than the other?

the BHT is a solid tube. Tonally I'd say it sit middle of the road for me but in high plate voltage applications,ni would go with any other tube. Ive used them in Bogner XTCs at 530V and am using them in my CCV clone that is 545v in the hi mode. The handle it with ease

 

[psychodave]

I absolutely love the new Gold Lion KT77 in my CCV. Don’t get me wrong, I love Winged C’s the most, but the KT77 would be my next choice by a mile.

 

[CrazyNutz]

The Gold Lion KT77's do sound good, however the quad I had develop a lot of rattle, went WAY out of match, and became microphonic just after a few gigs, and a few practices. For $200 a quad I expected much better.

 

[bhuard75]

The Gold Lion KT77's do sound good, however the quad I had develop a lot of rattle, went WAY out of match, and became microphonic just after a few gigs, and a few practices. For $200 a quad I expected much better.

I recently put in a new quar of GL KT77s in my dmoll. The same exact thing happened, one tube went out of match. Then three of them went microphonic shorty after. I felt like I got ripped off @ $200 for them.

 

[CrazyNutz]

The Gold Lion KT77's do sound good, however the quad I had develop a lot of rattle, went WAY out of match, and became microphonic just after a few gigs, and a few practices. For $200 a quad I expected much better.

I recently put in a new quar of GL KT77s in my dmoll. The same exact thing happened, one tube went out of match. Then three of them went microphonic shorty after. I felt like I got ripped off @ $200 for them.

Exactly, I've been trying to warn people every chance I get. These tubes can't take vibrations of being on top of a cranked cab, and being toted around, they are better suited for HiFi.

 

[psychodave]

That sucks. I got a quad from a while ago and just tried them out. I was floored how good they sounded. I took them out right away though. I was shocked how closely matched they were. Like all 4 within .5mA.

 

[fearhk213]

Thanks for the input everyone. Man that does suck about the GL since they seem to be a nice sounding tube. Before I pull the trigger on the BHT, are there any other EL34 types worth a look that can handle high screen voltage?

 

[jkdsteve]

The Gold Lion KT77's do sound good, however the quad I had develop a lot of rattle, went WAY out of match, and became microphonic just after a few gigs, and a few practices. For $200 a quad I expected much better.

They have a decent warranty, I lost two the same way....massively out of match within a very short period. I got them replaced but it's hardly the reliability you'd expect for the price.

 

[lester]

Where are you guys getting these BHT's at a decent price?

 

[psychodave]

I like the EL34STR for their balanced sound. I’m willing to bet the BHT’s sound pretty close.

 

[lester]

Yeah, I seem to remember the BHT having a bit more bass and maybe a little less or different mids.
It's been a while but I think their plates are different, the micas are bigger on the BHT's and the top bits are somewhat different as well.
I'd think all that would add up to some difference

I gotta try these Genalex.

 

[Snave]

Current production Ruby EL34s are garbage. Do not buy them. I've gone through 4 quads and they all had issues. This is directly from MagicParts and through tube resellers.

 

[fusedbrain]

Thanks for the input everyone. Man that does suck about the GL since they seem to be a nice sounding tube. Before I pull the trigger on the BHT, are there any other EL34 types worth a look that can handle high screen voltage?

The jj kt77's are rated for 800v on both the plates and screens. I've been running a couple of quads with no problems so far. They sounded fantastic in the xtc 101b I had with 520v on the plates, and I believe my bud is still running them a year after buying the amp off me.
Currently have em in my vh4 and the Peter's fsm. Also ran them with good results in the Wizard MTL I used to own.
Never tried the Gold Lion version, but I do like the sound of the jj's.
These are my go to tubes in EL 34 based amps when I feel like I need a bit less compression and midrange, and a bit more bottom end.