Amp/Preamp Asylum: REVIEW: Sophia Electric KT88 amplifier Amplifier (Tube) by Art V

Model:	KT88 amplifier
Category:	Amplifier (Tube)
Suggested Retail Price:	$3750
Description:	50 watts x 2 stereo integrated with sonic beauty and power to drive most main stream speakers from 84dB to 98dB. This amp comes with 8 ohm and 4 ohm output at user's choice. The sound: Quiet background, creamy highs and very full in the mid range. Bass extention is excellent. An unusual amp for KT88 tubes.
Manufacturer URL:	Sophia Electric
Model Picture:	View

Review by Art V ( A ) on February 13, 2005 at 06:28:44
IP Address: 24.91.145.240

Add Your Review
for the KT88 amplifier

To begin I would like to say that this is my first review so please bear with me. Also, these are my impressions to my ears in my room.
I have owned or heard several EL34 intergrated in the 3k range. All were very good but I could never get it right. Granted other factors influence the sound but there was not much I can do to the room.
On an intrim basis I picked up a Bay Amp while I was searching for an amp. I liked what I heard and moved up to the Sophia EL34 with upgrated tubes. For the money they are both very good amps and on par with what I have had. Richard,at Sophia, offered to send me a KT88 intergrated for a listning session. The rest is history, I bought the amp.
Out of the box this amp just grabbed me with it's sound and just sucks you into the music with emotion. The look and build quality was equally impressive. The 50 wpc of the KT88 was also noticiable in the improved centerfill between my 88db efficient Tetra 305 Kids.
After two months I can't get over how good this amp is. I replaced the stock Svetlana kt 88's with a quad of EH and it got even better.The sound stage is wide and deep. Instruments and vocals are placed just right. Everything just hangs in the room with a sense of air around it.
I'll use the word texture to describe the presentation in that every bass note,triangle , horn or other sounds are heard in their place with no smearing or loss due to lack of speed. You hear the sound after the sound is the best way to describe it. I am hearing things I have never hear on CD's before. On a particalr cut of the Boston Pops we heard the pages of the music change.
The amp is authoritative with finess. The top end is sweet and detailed. Vocals and midrange are clear and natural. Bass is clear,defined,accurate and quick.
I have never heard such a real and natural presentation of a musical performance as I have with this intergrated. Everything to my ears sounds as it should.
A few more comments about this amp. It is dead quiet and sounds just as good at low volumne levels with out loss of detail and soundstage.
This review may lack some of the audiophile terms but is an expreesion of my feelings about this amp and how it sounds to my ears.
Tha amp also mates very well with my Tetra 305 Kids which are known for their being there quality.
In closing, I can (do) listen to this amp for hours without fatigue and enjoy the music. I guess that what this crazy hobby is al about.
Richard at Sophia is a joy to work with and provides great advice.
Regard,
Art

Product Weakness: No remote
Product Strengths: See above

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Sophia Electric KT 88
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	None
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Kavent 731
Speakers:	Tetra 305 Kids
Cables/Interconnects:	Kubala Sosna Imagination
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Jazz and vocals
Room Size (LxWxH):	21 x 18 x 15
Room Comments/Treatments:	none
Time Period/Length of Audition:	Two months
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	Dedicated line
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	No remote
Product Strengths:	See above