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In Reply to: RE: GEC KT88 tubes posted by akolegov on December 01, 2014 at 00:58:44
I haven't heard the EI KT90s myself - I'm very tempted to snag at least the EH reissue. Even the EH apparently sounds decent.
As for KT88s, have you tried any Chinese-made alternatives? Have no fears about the quality. Shuguang's KT88SC is a-ma-zing! Compared to others, it has a warmth/exciting/inviting character in the mid to higher frequencies while retaining a nice low-end. By far, after lots of fooling around with new production KT88s, it's my go-to KT88. They have lasted a fairly long time, too. I have had one go wonky after 3 years of service in my favourite amp (tranconductance dropped to about 60% from new, but it still works).
TubeStore sells it under their Preferred Series KT88. At $50 a tube, it's not a terrible deal at all.
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May your tubes be lively and long-lasting. Holy be thy heater.
Follow Ups:
Agreed the Chinese KT88SC and the Black bottle Pissvane's and Treasure's are very good sounding tubes. In my amp I prefer the EI KT90 but could see the preference being different in other amps or with other listeners.
To the OP---I would experiment with different input and driver tubes (along with the rectifier) as well as output tubes. I have found in many cases the small signal tubes make a bigger difference.
Enjoy the Roll!
I did not try Chinese Black Treasure KT-88SC but I did try Black Treasure KT-66 in another amp and they are amazing indeed!
I compared the Black Treasure KT-66 with grey glass GEC KT66 in New Audio Frontiers Legend-II amplifier and they were similar in terms of midrange magic but the GEC tubes were more relaxed and had more HF extension than the Chinese tubes. The latter tubes were a bit rolled-off in comparison.
I considered the Jugo Ei KT90 tubes and consulted with Cary, they said they are great but the GEC KT88 are more dynamic.
Since the Cary is not my favorite amp, I will probably roll 5AR4 rectifiers instead of 5U4G, which was also approved by Cary. Perhaps, the Mullard GZ-34/5AR4 tubes will make it sound more energetic...
The Genelex Reissues KT66s sound very much like my gray glass KT66s.They are a actually somewhat improved over the vintage ones and I think the centered plate structure may be part of it.
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