I am a KT88 fan over EL34 or KT120. I’ve tried 3 new production brands in my PrimaLuna EVO 400 integrated and Rogue Cronus Magnum. Can’t afford NOS. I like the Gold Lions best but they can be bright depending on what preamp tubes are used. The others were JJ Blue Glass and Psvane which were also acceptable there are subtle differences in the brand sounds. So I have 3 matched quads sitting around
KT88 Tubes
I am new to tube amps having acquired a Harmon Kardon Citation II about a year ago. A little while ago I started experiencing one of the channels dropping out and an occasional loud pop. Today I noticed one of the KT88 tubes glowing purple where the rest glow orange so I have assumed that the tube has gone bad. As I bought this amp used, I have no idea of the age of the tubes. So I have a couple of questions. First, should I replace just the two tubes on the bad channel with a matched pair, or should I replace all 4 tubes with all 4 being matched. Second, any recommendations for good quality KT88 tubes? Any other thoughts or ideas would be appreciated.
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- 27 posts total
I have been a long time fan of KT88s for sheer punch in the bottom and above average reproduction of the rest of the frequency range. I have a few different amps and my main amps ( Cary audio 211 Founders Edition) do not use KT88s but I still have an Audio Research integrated that uses the KT88s. It is a great backup unit and I have been using the Sophia Electronics Blue Bottle KT 88s. They are a wonderful tube and you can get a quad matched in a C, B or A grade. I have always gone with the A grade even though they are a bit more expensive I have never been disappointed by them at all. https://sophiaelectric.com/collections/vacuum-tubes/products/pages-se-kt88 |
I have a pair of Citation II's that I run in mono. If your amps haven't been rebuilt, I recommend the McShane power supply kit before using the amp.http://www.mcshanedesign.net/ These are wonderful amps but need to be updated to perform safely and at their best. |
- 27 posts total