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Best KT88s (specifically for VAC Auricle Musiblocs)

I'm using a KT88 based amp for the first time - the VAC Auricle Musicblocs. I just had them serviced but one of the cheap Svetlanas blew, probably from my biasing it too high, and its been replaced by a used Genalex Gold Lion for the moment. The amps sound very good as it is, but I'd like to get the best out of them with a good matched Quad of something decent.

Ideally I would like a little more mid-range luxury and presence without sacrificing too much bass control. However lower bass is not so much of an issue because my speakers have powered subs with an active crossover (Vaughan Cabernet One).

I'm in the UK, and valve selection here is a bit limited. Nobody seems to have Svetlana Winged Cs anymore, and I've read reports of dubious quality in the later batches. Genelex Gold Lion are easy to get from good dealers who can match and measure, so that is the obvious choice. But would I be better of with some Chinese valves such as the Shuguang KT88-98? Are they going to be a bit warmer in sound to the Genelex?

I've read great reports about the Psvane KT88 T2 but they are very expensive. Also the Shuguang Treasures. The riskiest option is to buy these from Mable Audio in China, who have them up for a good price:

http://www.mableaudio.com/en/

From what I have read Kevin Hayes supplied the Auricles with the Shuguang KT88-98. These are very affordable, but I suspect that Kevin only supplies selected ones. 

I could also buy from the US, and I'd appreciate any recommendations for the best source.


andreweast
audioman58's avatar
audioman58
1,219 posts
 
Shuguang kt-88 
I have tried regular and Cryo ed. For $180 for a quad Cryo ed  are clearly more detailed and refined then thd standard tubes Which are very good these have 36 hours tested in the factory plus several hours after 48 hr Cryo treatment.
From a 5 man blind test after a 30 minute warm up treated and untreated 
The Cryo ed tubes are clearly better,and on average last longer.
Great qc vs the Russian tubes since 1858 Shuguang has been making tubes.
Tubeman.com is very good and if close match they do quad or whatever .
wrm57
629 posts
 
You are most welcome, andreweast. No, I have never tried the 88-98.
andreweast OP
30 posts
 
I have some breaking news, which is that the Auricles should be ok with KT120s. Very tempted to give them a go.

wolf_garcia
4,650 posts
 
As I predicted, and I bet KT150s would be OK also, although maybe you shouldn't ask about those as they might say, "leave us alone dammnit." This data will be added to my extremely important and thorough scientific study of weak and silly transformer issues with valvage (valvi?).
sherod
1,681 posts
 
I have a pair of the same VAC Auricle Musicblocs that have been in my system since 2007. I have enjoyed the Shuguang Kt88-98 and Kt88sc the most. I recently put in a set of Psvane 12au7-TII driver tubes and was amazed at the improvement. I tried a set of the Shuguang Kt88 Treasures a few years ago and didn't care for the sound that well. The standard Shuguangs sound more natural to my ears. I might try a couple matched pairs of Psvane Kt88-T series once my regular Shuguangs run out of steam, but I just put in a new quad and have a new spare quad for back-up so that might be a few years off. I have also experimented with different power cords for my VAC amps and found the Fusion Enchanters to be the best matched. I previously had the Fusion Predators on them and they are a very good choice if you're on a tighter budget.
  If I ever decide to sell my amps and upgrade, it would probably be for a used pair of Vac Phi 160 Musicblocs or one of the newer Phi amps. I really like the Vac sound when it comes to amplification.
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