KT-88 in Conrad Johnson Premier 11a

Correction: New Sensor markets Sovtek, Electro Harmonix, Tung-Sol, Mullard etc. Apologies for the error...

Thanks Jburidan. Yes I used the older Svetlana KT-88, which would now be SED brand. The KT-90's were EI from Yugoslavia. I bought these all from Kevin Deal of Upscale Audio, if I recall correctly.
Art

Thanks Jay and Art!!

I'm really curious to know how the NOS Genalex KT88 sounds... and wonder if they can really live up to their price.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5766639003&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1

Art, did you happen to try Electro-Harmonix as well? I wonder how it compares to the SED... I will pick either one of them...

Thanks,
Andy

HKLAI,
The EH KT88 will sound more dynamic, tighter more powerful bass, a bit brighter top & extension.

The Svetlana KT88 will have a slightly romanticized midrange, with a burnished sound, more tubeish sounding, the EH sounding less tubeish. The highs have a bit of cloudy coloration.

It amounts to a matter of taste and the gear it is in. If the Premier 11a sounds lush with the stock Svetlana 6550 (which are leaner & more analytical than the Svet KT88), you might prefer the EH KT88.

By the way, I had both old winged C Svets, and didn't hear a difference between the New Sensor Svetlana and the winged C, and they looked identical in construction.

Hi, Hklai:

I believe the NOS Genalex KT88 is the best ever, but almost impossible to find. Beware of fakes on e-bay.
Best wishes,
Jay