Best kt88 for VAC Avatar Super

As for Kevin's recommendations, with due respect, equipment manufacturers use tubes which represent a reliable supply for them (followed by reasonable cost) but are not always the 'best' tube of that type.

I would tend to agree with this statement as it relates to most manufacturers out there. However, my conversations with Kevin regarding use of output tubes in both the Avatar and Auricle Musicblocs lead me to the conclusion that VAC is the exception. Kevin supplied me with quite a bit of information on tube comparisons of output tubes, all of them leading me to believe the VAC selected and tested were the best all around choice. As for signal tubes Kevin always recommended that I try various NOS tubes on the market.

For those interested in trying the new production Gold Lion KT-88 tubes, Roger Modjeski at RAM has quite a supply. IMO he is one of the best at matching tubes to ensure quiet performance and reliability. He and Andy at Vintage Tube Services are my primary tube suppliers.

Clio, all I can say is it might be instructive for you to talk with other VAC owners who have tried other tubes in their amps ;--)
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I use the Genelex KT88's in my VAC Auricle Musicblocs and they sound great. I've tried the VAC branded tubes, the Shuaguang Pentas and the SED's and they're all good, but I keep coming back to the Gold Lions. I buy mine from Jim McShane (see Audio Asylum) and they've been very durable tubes.

Been there done that bought the T-shirt. For the record I even did comparisons of three different types of EL-34 output tubes, including NOS Siemens, in my Avatar. Stayed with the VAC tested Shuguang tubes. I used NOS Mullards for the signal and phono stage tubes. With my Auricle Musicblocs I used a combination of RCA cleartop and Telefunken for the signal tubes and the VAC premium KT-88 tubes.

Kind of a moot point now anyway as I now longer own either of these pieces.

I am a long-time VAC Avatar Super owner and have tried quite a few brands of output tubes and have found that the absolute best are definitely the Genelex Gold Lions, they do everything right from top to bottom. They are just awesome. Also a very good performer was the Ruby KT88 which I tried on the advice of a local tech. Next would be shuguang and then EH (great detail, limited bottom end).

The VAC tubes I have bought are very expensive and I don't see that you are getting anything better than you can get for less $$ from known and trusted tube vendors. Remember, Kevin values his time highly and you will see that in his pricing (can't fault him for that).