O/P valves for WAD KaT88

[Greg.]

It's been a few years since I did anything with the KaT88 I originally built and then passed on to my son who has been happily using it daily whilst I have moved onwards and upwards (some might say backwards and downwards ) with other things. It is a fully tweaked version as per Richard's original upgrade spec although I stopped doing things to it when Sowter O/P Tx's were introduced and I think some even removed their grid stoppers. A recent email from Black Stewart has got me thinking. Although I passed it to my son with a set of the original JJ KT88's and also a set of Svetlana 6550C's, these valves must be tired now and a new set would be in order. The question is, what to use? I believe there are now some nice Tung Sol's available but would welcome suggestions from you guys on what you think is the best (nicely different) KT88 and/or 6550 valves to go for. Thanks.

Best wishes,

Greg

[John Caswell]

Hi Greg,
I have to admit preferring Svet KT88s particularly on reliability grounds.

John aka Dr John

[Mike G]

Hi Greg,

I don't have too much experience with different types of valves, but after reading a thread on the old BB regarding the re-issued Tung-Sols, I took a chance and bought some. They were far superior (sonically to my ears) than the Svetlana 6550's originally supplied with my KAT6550. A matched quad set me back £65 on Ebay, and so far have proved reliable! (Touch wood!!)

Mike.

[vitalstates]

I can endorse what Mike says about the new Tung Sols. I have them in my KiT6550 and they do sound good. I cant really compare them to the originals(Svets I think) because they were pretty tired when I swapped them out. They do seem reliable though!.

Ed

[Global]

New Tung-Sols for sure!

mark