Power tube size comparison.

[sleepyguy24]

Just putting this out there.

I just wanted to show the size differences between some of the more popular that I have. The Tung Sol KT150 is huge. I thought the Tung Sol KT120 was large when I first got it then saw the stout 6C33C-B power tube. I don't have any 6L6, EL84 or 300B type power tubes to compare though so I know this line-up is missing some competitors.

I was inspired the DVD cover to the Usual Suspects.



Enjoy. From left to right.

GE JAN 6550 JJ KT88 Blue Glass, Tung Sol KT120, Tung Sol KT150 and 6C33C-B power tube.

[GT Audio Works]

Don't forget the John Holmes of the power tube world.
The KR audio T1610.

[topround]

She looks happy , or about to be!

[sleepyguy24]

Damn that is a huge tube. When I first saw it I thought it was a joke prop. I had no idea it was an authentic power tube to be used in an amp. Wow.

[richidoo]

How It's Made - KR Audio T1610

[Nick B]

How It's Made - KR Audio T1610

Hi Rich
Very interesting and far more hand work than I imagined. Any idea what retail is for one of these?
Nick

[BobM]

A lot of hand work. I guess you can see why these specialty tubes cost so much.

[GT Audio Works]

How It's Made - KR Audio T1610

Hi Rich
Very interesting and far more hand work than I imagined. Any idea what retail is for one of these?
Nick

Enjoy the music review of their amp states the retail price of the tube at $1,200 each !!!

[Werd]

She looks like she's about to go Jihad with it.

[Nick B]

Based on what I saw on that brief video, $1,200 each doesn't seem unreasonable. Anyone know if the process can be more automated on much smaller tubes?

[richidoo]

Based on what I saw on that brief video, $1,200 each doesn't seem unreasonable. Anyone know if the process can be more automated on much smaller tubes?

Sure Nick. All mass produced tubes are made on automated equipment and cost a lot less. Sovtek EL34s probably make 1,000 tubes a day for guitar amp market.  I hope I am understanding your question.

These big KRs are very small demand, as are all high power triodes, since transistors and pentodes have superceded them in output efficiency. Because the volume is so small (guessing 200 tubes/year?) investing in fully automated tooling would never payback. But the custom tools they have developed allow manual production to much happen faster and easier, which lowers the price.

[Nick B]

Based on what I saw on that brief video, $1,200 each doesn't seem unreasonable. Anyone know if the process can be more automated on much smaller tubes?

Sure Nick. All mass produced tubes are made on automated equipment and cost a lot less. Sovtek EL34s probably make 1,000 tubes a day for guitar amp market.  I hope I am understanding your question.

These big KRs are very small demand, as are all high power triodes, since transistors and pentodes have superceded them in output efficiency. Because the volume is so small (guessing 200 tubes/year?) investing in fully automated tooling would never payback. But the custom tools they have developed allow manual production to much happen faster and easier, which lowers the price.

Yes, Rich. You understood my question and thx for the response.
Nick