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KT88 Tube Recommendation - Mac MC275

My parents have a gen 5 or 6 Mac MC275 (new ~ 2018). Preamp = Mac C2600. Speakers = Klipschorns.  Music - mostly lossless streaming with very eclectic listening ( Yes/Pink Floyd to Musicals, Johnny Mathis, Stevie Ray Vaughn, etc..) 

They replaced the pre-amplification tubes in the Mc275 a couple years back with Gold Lions. I'm looking for recommendation on a matched quad of KT88, as the ones they are running probably have > 2000 hours and to me are starting to sound less defined and articulate when I visit.

Budget ~ 400 bucks would be nice to stay at. I am sure a lot of you have an MC275, and would love to hear your thoughts about replacement KT88 power tubes.

iluvsansui
stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,566 posts
 

There are only 2000 hours on the KT88 tubes.  McIntosh never drives their tubes hard, those tubes are just broken in.  Most Mac power tubes last 5000 hours or more.  

mattmiller's avatar
mattmiller
1,552 posts
 

I agree with Stereo5. Whatever your hearing that is undesirable, its probably not the tubes. I would hook the amp up to something different and see if the problem persists. 

danmar123's avatar
danmar123
498 posts
 

I'm using KR-kt88 on my amp. Outstanding detail.

dogberry
809 posts
 

They don't fit your budget, but the best KT-88s I have tried have been Sophia Electric blue coke bottles, with old Svetlanas (St Petersburg) coming next, but they are hard to find.

glennewdick's avatar
glennewdick
1,770 posts
 

If its a gen 6 they have JJ tubes from the factory, not the best sounding tube IMO. Lots of options, maybe not at your budget though. Tube store has Gnelax kt88's for a decent price right now.

You can also run 6550's if your inclined. with K-horn's i would definitely try 6550's. not much new production for the 6550's though. 

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