I would say the Svet KT88 is (one of) the best sounding, but not the most dependable. The Power 2SE and Power 3SE were initially shipped with those tubes, but they had problems. So they stopped and went to the Sovtek KT88.
I don't sell those tubes into the Power 2 or 3 typically, and also not into ARC amps like the VT100. I think the problem is they on occasion will draw too much screen current. We check the tubes for that, though I don't think any other place does.
With that I love the Svet KT88. But care should be taken. The Sonic Frontiers power amps have no plate fuse protection so if you make a mistake you have to go underneath and solder a resistor or two. I use them all the time in other amps. They work great in Cary's and many others.
The Svetlana 6550C is the most dependable tube we have. And sounds great. I try to read the customer when I chat with them to see if they are technically adept. If they are not, play it safe.
Hence the problem with on-line tube ordering with no concern on proper use. Gets the customer into trouble. I have wanted to put that into place, but no easy way to do it right.
I don't sell those tubes into the Power 2 or 3 typically, and also not into ARC amps like the VT100. I think the problem is they on occasion will draw too much screen current. We check the tubes for that, though I don't think any other place does.
With that I love the Svet KT88. But care should be taken. The Sonic Frontiers power amps have no plate fuse protection so if you make a mistake you have to go underneath and solder a resistor or two. I use them all the time in other amps. They work great in Cary's and many others.
The Svetlana 6550C is the most dependable tube we have. And sounds great. I try to read the customer when I chat with them to see if they are technically adept. If they are not, play it safe.
Hence the problem with on-line tube ordering with no concern on proper use. Gets the customer into trouble. I have wanted to put that into place, but no easy way to do it right.