Sound qualities of EL34 and KT88 tubes

[sthomas048]

Hello,

Im still pondering taking the plunge with valve amplifiers. I was wondering if any of you have any experience with EL34 based amps or KT88 based ones ? There seems to be a plethora of tubes to choose from and i guess a tube is influenced by the hardware it connected to. But still, id be interested to hear what you all think. Is there a big difference in sound ?

 

[a91gti]

You would be best off asking this question on the World Audio Designs forum fella, thats a specialist valve stuff forum.

 

[sthomas048]

Thanks Andrew. Disappointed there arent more tube fans here on this forum.

 

[Anonymous]

fwiw, i recently acquired the MA2275 with KT88 driving a pair of SHL5. I'm not an expert in tubes and this is my first ever tube amp. But what I can say is that - this is the best sound I have ever heard so far in my hifi journey! Call it a newbie's excitement talking but for sure, I might not be looking at an upgrade anytime soon. There is the impending doom of possible tube rolling in the future but for now its pure music bliss.

 

[sthomas048]

Cool. Do you find that the KT88s perform well with playing a variety of music ? I read that they are ideally suited to accoustic, jazz and classical ? I listen to all sorts of music so id be interested to hear more about what you think of the sound qualities of your KT88s.

 

[Anonymous]

Well my experience with KT88 sofar is wonderful. Its hard to believe the rated power is just 75w. I listen to mostly all genres. Not particularly a fan of any but I tend to listen more to the likes of jack johnson, john mayor, norah jones, michael bubble, eric clapton, brian adams, eagles, coldplay etc. That being said an occasional blast of Metallica or Tiesto is definitely fun!

 

[r_o_n_n_i]

I am in similar condition ,when choose Cayin A-50T (EL34) or A-55 and A-70T (KT88) for my jazz fusion music.

After doing head to head test in local store, using CD Best of Fourplay and Marcus Miller for test bass , dynamic and Ingram Washinton and Diana Krall for vocal test.

The result with stock tube on Cayin, all amp above produces warm sound , good separation, depth,wide soundstage;

EL34 deliver good vocal and emotive but lack of dymanic let say; score 8 for vocal, 6 for dynamic/bass .EL34 perfect for mellow songs.

KT88 deliver good dynamic and bass because has more power (score 8) and nice vocal (7).

I like KT-88 than EL34 because more flexible for my music

So , I decided to buy Cayin -A70T with KT88 because this type has auto bias function that give me opportunity to change KT-88 to EL34 someday if I am boring with KT88..

Listening tube sound give me different experience and passion.......never looked back to solid state ..