VAC KT88 replacements

[Dizzie]

Has anyone experimented with KT88 replacements for VAC gear? I think Kevin Hayes has VAC amps finely tuned for the Genalex Gold Lions. I am not sure if that is because the tubes are that good or if it is a supply/cost issue. VAC must go through thousands of tubes a year. Being assured of an adequate supply is essential.

As much as I liked Tungsol KT150s in an Audio Research amp, I felt they were a step backward in my Sigma 170i integrated. Now I have Essence 80 iQ monoblocs and would like to take them a step higher.

 

[Michaels HiFi]

Has anyone experimented with KT88 replacements for VAC gear? I think Kevin Hayes has VAC amps finely tuned for the Genalex Gold Lions. I am not sure if that is because the tubes are that good or if it is a supply/cost issue. VAC must go through thousands of tubes a year. Being assured of an adequate supply is essential.

As much as I liked Tungsol KT150s in an Audio Research amp, I felt they were a step backward in my Sigma 170i integrated. Now I have Essence 80 iQ monoblocs and would like to take them a step higher.

Based on my personal experience with VAC (170i SE) I would focus on the 12AU7's first with NOS.

 

[Mike]

Yes. Don’t waste your time unless you have original 1960’s GoldLion’s. I have about a dozen and they are mind blowing good. But as rare as hens teeth.

I’ve tried lots of other KT tubes and input tubes and always come back to stock.

 

[mulveling]

Sure. Gold Lion KT88 are indeed very well balanced and refined in modern VACs. Kevin is a master of voicing his amps. KT120 will give you more bass power - too much on some amps (Master 300) and systems; just right on others (Stereo 200iQ, Statement 450S). KT150 will give a LOT more bass power - too much in almost every case. The other Russian KT88 sub-brands, Mullard and Electro Harmonix, are quite similar to Gold Lions with some subtle flavor differences. I rather like the Electro Harmonix for rock; they have a bit more of a brash personality.

I have an older circa-2010 Statement 450S that originally shipped with Shuguang KT88 and 6SN7 - VAC used to ship with Chinese tubes before they switched to Russian tubes. This amp is NOT GOOD with Gold Lion KT88. However it sounds GREAT with KT120. That's an odd case - if your amps shipped with Gold Lion KT88, they'll be good for it. Try KT120 only if you want a bit more bass impact and heft in lower mids.