[hypnos1]

Okay, so why are you continually twisting my arm? Okay, Okay I just bought a pair. Paid a little extra, they burn in all their power tubes for 72 hours so will have a head start on them.

Must admit I've noticed I never seem to need to twist your arm too much lol, cf!! . However, once again I'm quite sure you won't be disappointed! ...CHEERS!...CJ...(and WELL DONE!)...

 

[hypnos1]

Had to do this with with 7581a's when I took them out to insert the KT 66's, so had to use a jewelers screwdriver carefully around the tube, a little at a time. Did you see my email to you?

• Hi cf...you mean the one with a set that had 55 tubes?...Yikes, the thought of having to try removing all those if stuck doesn't bear thinking about lol!!

 

[hypnos1]

Can not wait to hear how the pair compare in powers to the KT66 as powers, might just have to go back on my word, one last time!

Not able to try 2x KT66s as powers I'm afraid cf, with only 3 tubes...and keeping 2 as drivers (these aren't gonna move from there lol!). But even with just one 88 as power in the right channel, I can already tell it's a step (or 2?!!) up from the KT66 as power...in my system, at least...CJ

 

[connieflyer]

Yes 55 tubes, in one radio and you just know with all the vibrations on the aircraft, things were always coming loose. Testing those tubes was shall we say, time consuming. Well, I guess I can wait till my own get here. Might be here by end of week. With 72 hours of pre burn in, these should match up in a hurry if they are going too. And these WILL be the last tubes I roll with this amp, promise you that! Anything new would have to be a huge upgrade in performance to beat these tubes, so don't see that happening with this amp. So we don't have to look for another amp now, nice to know. Of course, I am still going to keep on the look out for a new one. Just in case, you understand!

 

[Scutey]

OK guys, wakey wakey....................KT88s in da house!!....................

First, I'm glad to say that Euforia has taken them - or, rather, one at the moment as partner to an EL39 for comparison purposes - in from the cold and with a warm and hearty welcome lol, just as with the KT66...And once again, just as if this amp was actually made for these tubes!

Even with only a few hours on it, this KT88 is already showing its true colours - more quickly than the KT66 in fact. Can't believe it really, so early in proceedings. But I suspect that although new and unused, these too have had pre-burn-in before shipment from the factory/wholesaler...nice!

Driven by the KT66, it's quite clear that this driver/power combination exceeds all expectations...and, in fact, I can't recall such a combination ever being tried before. I'm sure this is yet another discovery unique to our unconventional explorations...especially in a headphone amp! Although too early for definitive statements of course, already I would say it takes all the virtues of the KT66 and simply augments them. Bass - as expected - is even more thunderous, without being 'bloomy'/soft; stage is on course to be even more 3-dimensional; treble is still sweet, without losing 'spice'/bite, plus just the right balance of mids (for me, anyway) all combine to give an even more dynamic overall presentation.

And all this from just one as power (with the EL39)...can't wait to see how things are with the second 88 in place of the EL39. Plus, it's still in Mrsx's adapter, with my 2x 66s as drivers also in adapters, so things can only get better when I do away with the adapters and convert the tubes directly.

And so this result has brought a sudden halt to any idea of my approaching a manufacturer to (hopefully!) make a headphone amp specifically configured for these tubes...absolutely no need whatsoever. We already have a perfectly good vehicle for them IMHO...here in the Euforia! By some incredible fortune, its 6SN7/6AS7G circuitry is ideal for running tubes one could never have envisaged even not all that long ago, and to a standard that echoes everything one reads about them from high-end users...especially in line with each and every upgrade made to the rest of one's system. And the icing on the cake is that we don't really need to spend silly amounts of money on hallowed NOS examples - these Russian reissue Genalex Gold Lions take Euforia to levels never reached before (even though I've said this a good few times already with other tube discoveries lol!! ...these KT tubes truly are in a class of their own, and not, obviously, just for esteemed power amps!!).

And so @teknorob23 , you'd better get things hurried along with your new SE amp! And it looks like you're gonna have to add to your bursting tube collection after all @connieflyer ...best get selling off some more of 'em, mon ami!! And if more 'meat' is what you're after, @OctavianH and @LoryWiv , then any more than these tubes provide would surely lead to dangerous indigestion as far as I'm concerned! ...(but perhaps wait for others' findings first lol!).

Just a couple of not-very-good photos I'm afraid for now...low light levels (my excuse, anyway...) :



And one comparing the 88 on the right, to a 66 on the left.....no difference in size!!...most unexpected .



HAPPY LISTENING folks!...CJ

ps. IMPORTANT WARNING/ADVICE...even though being careful, I managed to insert the tube into Mrsx's adapter without the tube's locating lug fitting/staying nicely in the socket's hole...no wonder it didn't light up!!! And when trying to remove, it was in so tight that levering it out gently still broke off the lug!

I should have suspected something wasn't right while having to push the tube in much harder than usual...so be warned folks. Make absolutely sure the tube's locating lug fits snugly in its hole, and if it feels extra 'stiff', take it out, check for position and try again...This applies to all tubes when fitting into an adapter...just in case!...CJ[/QUOTE

Ahh ya beat me to it h1! . Got a pair of the KT88 myself today too, gave them a quick two hour session this morning and out of the box they sounded fantastic, pretty much as you've experienced, very similar to the 66 but with a touch less sweetness on top and a more pronounced/deeper bass. Strangely had another two session earlier this eve and they sounded rather off, somewhat muted, hopefully burn in will solve the problem, but just going on the first two hour session they're everything the 66 is and more, time for another session! .

 

[Scutey]

Ahh ya beat me to it h1! . Got a pair of the KT88 myself today too, gave them a quick two hour session this morning and out of the box they sounded fantastic, pretty much as you've experienced, very similar to the 66 but with a touch less sweetness on top and a more pronounced/deeper bass. Strangely had another two session earlier this eve and they sounded rather off, somewhat muted, hopefully more burn in will solve the problem, but just going on the first two hour session they're everything the 66 is and more, time for another session! .

 

[connieflyer]

Just got an email notice my order has shipped, gave me the tracking number FedEx ground no charge for shipping from start to finish about two and a half hours. Cannot complain about that kind of service at all. Well done, upscale audio

 

[teknorob23]

OK guys, wakey wakey....................KT88s in da house!!....................

First, I'm glad to say that Euforia has taken them - or, rather, one at the moment as partner to an EL39 for comparison purposes - in from the cold and with a warm and hearty welcome lol, just as with the KT66...And once again, just as if this amp was actually made for these tubes!

Even with only a few hours on it, this KT88 is already showing its true colours - more quickly than the KT66 in fact. Can't believe it really, so early in proceedings. But I suspect that although new and unused, these too have had pre-burn-in before shipment from the factory/wholesaler...nice!

Driven by the KT66, it's quite clear that this driver/power combination exceeds all expectations...and, in fact, I can't recall such a combination ever being tried before. I'm sure this is yet another discovery unique to our unconventional explorations...especially in a headphone amp! Although too early for definitive statements of course, already I would say it takes all the virtues of the KT66 and simply augments them. Bass - as expected - is even more thunderous, without being 'bloomy'/soft; stage is on course to be even more 3-dimensional; treble is still sweet, without losing 'spice'/bite, plus just the right balance of mids (for me, anyway) all combine to give an even more dynamic overall presentation.

And all this from just one as power (with the EL39)...can't wait to see how things are with the second 88 in place of the EL39. Plus, it's still in Mrsx's adapter, with my 2x 66s as drivers also in adapters, so things can only get better when I do away with the adapters and convert the tubes directly.

And so this result has brought a sudden halt to any idea of my approaching a manufacturer to (hopefully!) make a headphone amp specifically configured for these tubes...absolutely no need whatsoever. We already have a perfectly good vehicle for them IMHO...here in the Euforia! By some incredible fortune, its 6SN7/6AS7G circuitry is ideal for running tubes one could never have envisaged even not all that long ago, and to a standard that echoes everything one reads about them from high-end users...especially in line with each and every upgrade made to the rest of one's system. And the icing on the cake is that we don't really need to spend silly amounts of money on hallowed NOS examples - these Russian reissue Genalex Gold Lions take Euforia to levels never reached before (even though I've said this a good few times already with other tube discoveries lol!! ...these KT tubes truly are in a class of their own, and not, obviously, just for esteemed power amps!!).

And so @teknorob23 , you'd better get things hurried along with your new SE amp! And it looks like you're gonna have to add to your bursting tube collection after all @connieflyer ...best get selling off some more of 'em, mon ami!! And if more 'meat' is what you're after, @OctavianH and @LoryWiv , then any more than these tubes provide would surely lead to dangerous indigestion as far as I'm concerned! ...(but perhaps wait for others' findings first lol!).

Just a couple of not-very-good photos I'm afraid for now...low light levels (my excuse, anyway...) :



And one comparing the 88 on the right, to a 66 on the left.....no difference in size!!...most unexpected .



HAPPY LISTENING folks!...CJ

ps. IMPORTANT WARNING/ADVICE...even though being careful, I managed to insert the tube into Mrsx's adapter without the tube's locating lug fitting/staying nicely in the socket's hole...no wonder it didn't light up!!! And when trying to remove, it was in so tight that levering it out gently still broke off the lug!

I should have suspected something wasn't right while having to push the tube in much harder than usual...so be warned folks. Make absolutely sure the tube's locating lug fits snugly in its hole, and if it feels extra 'stiff', take it out, check for position and try again...This applies to all tubes when fitting into an adapter...just in case!...CJ

Great news and thanks CJ, I think The Kt188 and 66's are sitting here next my desk waiting, much more patiently than i am, for the new amp to arrive. I did let a couple of the 39's go to the new owner of my old euforia just to ensure the seed of this terrible addiction was properly incubated, but i have two left and by the sounds of it i will only ever be needed one at at time. Amazing news that easily found and relatively inexpensive re-issue tubes come with such amazing performance.. long may this trend last!

 

[OctavianH]

Even if my adapters are still at the local post office, I have to admit the Genalex KT66 are beautiful tubes, and the boxes are also of good quality:

Let's hope the sound will match the first impressions.

 

[hypnos1]

Ahh ya beat me to it h1! . Got a pair of the KT88 myself today too, gave them a quick two hour session this morning and out of the box they sounded fantastic, pretty much as you've experienced, very similar to the 66 but with a touch less sweetness on top and a more pronounced/deeper bass. Strangely had another two session earlier this eve and they sounded rather off, somewhat muted, hopefully more burn in will solve the problem, but just going on the first two hour session they're everything the 66 is and more, time for another session! .

Lovely photos by the way, S! As for the that strange happening, I do hope it was just one of those weird stages new tubes can sometimes go through before they behave properly lol! Have had similar experiences myself, but not usually too bad, thankfully...(the worst have always turned out to be when a cold is trying to fester, with accompanying congestion!! ). Hope all is well once again now, and that they're performing even better now with further burn-in...

Great news and thanks CJ, I think The Kt188 and 66's are sitting here next my desk waiting, much more patiently than i am, for the new amp to arrive. I did let a couple of the 39's go to the new owner of my old euforia just to ensure the seed of this terrible addiction was properly incubated, but i have two left and by the sounds of it i will only ever be needed one at at time. Amazing news that easily found and relatively inexpensive re-issue tubes come with such amazing performance.. long may this trend last!

Hi tr...some kind of masochist must you be, not to put those beauties out of sight during the long wait lol! ...but very commendable nonetheless!! (And the wait will undoubtedly be well worth it, I assure you R...).

Even if my adapters are still at the local post office, I have to admit the Genalex KT66 are beautiful tubes, and the boxes are also of good quality:

Let's hope the sound will match the first impressions.

Hi OH...beautiful tubes they are indeed. But I think it must be the same (inebriated?!) guy who put on the bases as with some of the 7581As...more Leaning Towers of Pisa, I'm afraid! But thankfully, it doesn't seem to affect the sound negatively in any way lol! And I do hope they finally tickle your ear buds the way you like it!! ...GOOD LUCK!!...CJ

 

[OctavianH]

more Leaning Towers of Pisa, I'm afraid! But thankfully, it doesn't seem to affect the sound negatively in any way lol!

I aleady have at home a Tower of Pisa in the form of a Tung Sol 5998 with top/side O-getter, here in the left position:

But the sound is not affected in any way, Works perfectly, so I am not bothered too much. Let's hope the KT66 will also work fine tomorrow when I'll try them.

 

[connieflyer]

Speaking to the poor performance lava tube after having such good results oh, I had that same problem with the kt66, things were sounding fantastic for a few days and then next time I went to listen to it The Sound was off. It wasn't as rich or as detailed as it had been the previous day so I just put it back on silent play on the headphones Let It Go for a day and next time I put it back on the sound was right back where it was so yeah I think it's just one of those crazy things where everything is getting settled in and just takes a while until everything is just perfect. Kt88 will be here on Monday so the Saga will begin all over again. Thanks CJ!

 

[Scutey]

Even if my adapters are still at the local post office, I have to admit the Genalex KT66 are beautiful tubes, and the boxes are also of good quality:

Let's hope the sound will match the first impressions.

Looking good

 

[Scutey]

Lovely photos by the way, S! As for the that strange happening, I do hope it was just one of those weird stages new tubes can sometimes go through before they behave properly lol! Have had similar experiences myself, but not usually too bad, thankfully...(the worst have always turned out to be when a cold is trying to fester, with accompanying congestion!! ). Hope all is well once again now, and that they're performing even better now with further burn-in...

All is good today h1, they're back to sounding wonderful, just a blip, the bass from the KT88 is rather addictive, they also sound very impressive in Elise too!

 

[hypnos1]

Speaking to the poor performance lava tube after having such good results oh, I had that same problem with the kt66, things were sounding fantastic for a few days and then next time I went to listen to it The Sound was off. It wasn't as rich or as detailed as it had been the previous day so I just put it back on silent play on the headphones Let It Go for a day and next time I put it back on the sound was right back where it was so yeah I think it's just one of those crazy things where everything is getting settled in and just takes a while until everything is just perfect. Kt88 will be here on Monday so the Saga will begin all over again. Thanks CJ!

My pleasure cf...perhaps I do have a sadistic streak after all lol?!! ...(But probably only as an antidote to my own masochism!!! ).

All is good today h1, they're back to sounding wonderful, just a blip, the bass from the KT88 is rather addictive, they also sound very impressive in Elise too!

Phew, thank the Gods for that, S.... Interesting that both you and cf experienced the same thing. Perhaps I myself had no such issue with any of my 3x KT66s or 1x (so far) KT88 due to my burning them in with 10+ hrs sessions, and simply missing them? Whatever, these glass wonders we're addicted to do seem to delight in giving us the runaround...not to mention mini heart attacks lol! I suspect it could possibly be down to the amp's auto bias taking time to adjust properly to non configured-for tubes, along with other sections of the circuitry...and which would explain F-A's "all over the place" bench test readings, no doubt leading to them not actually give enough time when testing the EL11s I sent them for assessment...(they should have persevered lol!! ). Fortunately, I - and others - have persevered with such testing, and has culminated in discovering that we can in fact benefit from using some of the most revered tubes on the planet...the latest, and greatest (for us, at least) IMHO being the KT family.

And yes, that bass from the KT88 is something else. Even with just one as partner in my own power slot at present, and with only a few hours on it (notwithstanding possible, minimal pre burn-in), I was very pleasantly surprised at how deep, solid and controlled it was. And I'm sure that as is normally the case after many more hours, treble will 'sweeten' and develop in other ways also.

ps. Have you tried them with KT66s as drivers yet? Look forward to how you find this combo lol!

pps. Glad to hear Elise gives them a warm welcome also......CJ