Kat88 is it any good?? with Klipschorns

[Grog]

hi,
i'm looking for a good valve amp to try with my newly aquired klipschorns.
i've seen a KaT88 for sale at a reasonable price, but i've been reading up about a few problems people have had with this amp.
I don't need huge power (althought he klipsch are 16 ohm i think, so voltage needed)
would i be better off with a secondhand maplin 4-20 (with upgraded optx's)
or a secondhand kel84.
they are all in a similar price point secondhand.
to me the bass is very important, the klipsch have excellent dynamics and depth, i don't want to lose that.
i have no problems at all building my own amp, have scope sig-gen, b&k mic etc

but it seems to be cheaper to buy a secondhand kit. funds are tight, as i've just got the khorns and don't know if i'll like a valve amp.

my system is
downstairs
Khorns
Yamaha DSP-A1
Pioneer DVD575A

upstairs (although i can see this migrating downstairs soon !)
Acoustic precision eikos CD
technics SP10 BBC version. sme s3 arm
Michell Argo / Hera pre
Extensively modified Pioneer A400GTE power amp,
Veritas 40 transmission lines

[alnewall]

Hi Grog, welcome to the forum.
Do you have another name?

I have a Maplin 4-20 somewhere and i suspect that its bass capabilities will not impress you greatly. Even with upgraded transformers, its likely that the kel84 is a nicer amp.

I also use a DVD575a, and have discovered that a separate DAC is well worth the trouble. Though the Pioneer dac is surprisingly good.

[Grog]

my 'real' name's George,
thanks for the advice.
i'm thinking the KAT88 may be the answer, but i hear the opt's are not up to much and the recomended sowter's are £500 ish.

maybe i'd be better saving up and getting a nice 2a3 or 300b kit, shame as i'd have to wait at least 9 months to afford either of these

[pre65]

Hi George-it sometimes helps to indicate your location,there may be local (ish) members with amps who could demo with your speakers.

[Grog]

Hi Philip, i'm in port talbot, south wales.

[Greg.]

Hi George,

I used to have KaT88 which I heavily tweaked following Richard's (moderator here) work. I've now passed onto my son who has had it for several years and remains very happy with it. I never went for the Sowter upgrade as I thought that was a financial step too far. The standard Tx's are not bad and with some tweaking within the chassis the whole amp has a very presentable sound that includes that good deep fast bass typical of KT88's. In your position I would go with this option and not worry about the O/P Tx's at this stage. Upgrading these is very much 'expensive icing on the cake'. I'm sure Richard will chip in on this. His upgrade path and recommendations are still available from him or I can scan and send as it was all published on a previous WAD forum no longer accessable.

Best wishes,

Greg