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General Initial Impressions--Genalex Gold Lion KT88 Reissue

I've been on a tear of tube rolling with no end other than to try things out and see how I like them.  

I am trying out the Genalex Gold Lion KT88 reissues--8 of them--in a Primaluna Dialogue Premium HP integrated.  I mated them with 4 Cifte 12AU7s and 2 Baldwin (likely early 60s) 12AU7s.  

I made the mistake of not changing my selector switch from EL34 to KT88 during the first 20 hours of listening to the Gold Lion KT88s.  Regardless, I thought they sounded pretty great out of the box with the EL34 setting.  

It's still early in the process so I'm not 100% certain of everything. My initial impression is that these offer the sweetness of EL34 midrange while extending most of the sound spectrum.  There's a good bit of air on the top and mid to upper level detail is superb.  Compared to the EL34 reissues, I think the bass is a touch softer yet more defined--yet this is early and I need to compare with recordings that are tattooed on my aural memory before making final conclusions. 

Overall, I'd say this reissue is a damn fine tube.  I'm not finding any noticeable shortcomings or faults.  Everything is musical and enjoyable.  Smooth is the order of the day with this tube, yet it's not sleepy or droopy. It's a nice mix, in my mind's eye, of vintage and modern.  I really like them.  

I bought a matched octet from Upscale, but I didn't have these cryoed like most others I've bought. 

I'm super curious to hear about other users' experiences. 
128x128jbhiller

Showing 7 responses by samzx12

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samzx12
1,218 posts
 

Can you please tell me what were your initial impressions of the GL KT88 and what didn't you like about the stock EL PL EL34?  I have tried quite a number of power tubes in my PL Dialogue Premium and I do have to say while they are all different they don't have the cohesiveness or soundstage the stock tubes possess. OR I just haven't found the right combo with the other tubes.  I will say this, like jond said above, the KT77 is a very nice tube. My issue is finding the correct 12AU7's.  I do have the Cifte's in the front slots and do like them but the stock PL 12AU7 do have some upper mid glare that I don't care for with some recordings.

Right now I am using KT150's with the Cifte's in the front 2 slots and trying some new issue Tung Sol 12AU7 in the rear 4 slots. In some ways I do like this combo but maybe I need to give the TS some more time to break in. They aren't bad at all and seem to have smoothed out the sound somewhat but I am missing some inner detail and lushness. Before switching to the TS I was using the stock PL 12AU7's in the rear 4 slots and the soundstage was too middle row and distant. I needed a tube to bring the vocals forward and the TS 12AU7 has done this. I have heard the GL KT88 might be too forward or cool sounding in the mids compared to the EL34 but you seem to think different?

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samzx12
1,218 posts
 
I think the PL are decent tubes to start with as they are voiced for the amp. If there is something you don't like about the sound then you can change to tubes. Just my 2 cents.
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samzx12
1,218 posts
 
Thank you very much jbhiller. It is nice to hear what others think about a particular tube characteristic.  I have a quad of GL KT88 arriving tomorrow. A quad popped up on here after I posted my question so guess I will find out soon. The PL EL34 does have a very nice midrange and tone but after awhile I feel like something is missing. I am wanting more and I can't put my finger on it.   I also have the Mullard EL34's reissue and I need to roll them back in soon. I do like them but after listening for a few sessions they were missing something but can't remember what it was. Possibly I didn't have enough hours on them yet.   Like you my aural memory fades over time unless I have tons and tons of hours listening to a particular setup. I am hoping I really like the GL KT88 and will update once I get a feel for them. They basically are new and have no more than 3 hours so the fun starts over lol.
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samzx12
1,218 posts
 

The GL KT88 have some nice qualities immediately but need time to burn in.  I have only about 30 hours on mine but noticed they are punchy and have a nice sense of air about them. Mids are smooth but overall the presentation seems just a tad edgy if that makes sense. Been using some KT150s and have some Preferred Series KT88 on the way so really trying to get used to the KT series of tubes before they arrive. Since I listen to mainly dynamic music I feel the KT series provides better punch, slam and dynamics than the EL34.

JB I know exactly what you mean about instruments in space and right now I feel the GL KT88 is lacking that right now plus the fact the EL34 does draw you into the music more but lacks bass punch or lots of bass in general. I guess we have to keep putting hours on the GL until they are broken in and once they are I'm pretty sure we will know.

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samzx12
1,218 posts
 
Yes I totally agree about running different preamp tubes other than a brighter or more energetic tube such as Cifte's, Amperex 7316, etc.  I noticed last night especially I will have to revert back to either the stock PL 12AU7 in the front slots or try something more subtle.
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samzx12
1,218 posts
 
Its obvious to me different tubes react differently in various amps. The EH KT88 sounded very sterile and dry in the mids and lacking in bass. There was bass but not enough of it. The GL KT88 possess none of the EH KT88 characteristics.
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samzx12
1,218 posts
 
Newbee: I didn't say the EH KT88 were a replacement for anything. I just stated they sounded sterile, clinical or analytical and lacking in bass in my amp compared to other KT88.  Don't get me wrong they have bass just not enough  of it.  The Gold Lion KT88 sounded MUCH better and a more balanced tube from top to bottom.  I have not tried any of the KT88 you mentioned however, have heard the TS 6550 is a nice tube. 

Oh and the Gold Lion KT77 is a very nice tube and I think you would love it.  It is more of a hybrid tube between the KT88 and EL34. 
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