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Re: Report on Gold Lion KT88 reissues....

66.182.196.77

For what its worth- here's my take on several KT88s I've used in my ARC Ref 300 MkII over the past few years. Bottom line, The Shuguang 88-98's are the best overall tube in many important ways, namely, overall sound and even more importantly, reliability. Sourced from The Tube Store in Canada at $25/pair. I use matched octets if i can get them. I went through living hell using Valve Art KT100 version of these tubes sourced from Antique electric in Arizona. 3 failures out of 16 in 6 months. Blew a few tube power resistors. Not fun. Not fun at all. The sound was excellent but I cannot deal with the quality control problems. I've also sourced the KT 88s from VAC, and these too were superb but very expensive ($50/pair). I do not know the OEM but I think it is Shuguang also. Also sourced from Quicksilver. Gorgeous top end, less impressive in the bass that then Shuguangs. I won't try the Electroharmonix as they are quite bright. I'd be interested in hgearing some russin KT88's but the Shuguangs are so good, I am not motivated to do so.


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  • Re: Report on Gold Lion KT88 reissues.... - mbw817 10:16:40 03/10/07 (0)


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