Anyone using Gold Lion KT88 in their MC275V?

[Veteq]

I am still using the stock power tubes and looking at replacing them with Gold Lion KT88, how much of a difference can I expect? any known issues with these tubes in the MC275-V5?

thank you

 

[LewinskiH01]

Yes. Try the search function. You'll get many hits.

 

[chuckworkb]

Yes, I use them, no issues.
The difference is different for everyone.
Lots of people love them, some folks like other tubes better.
The other poster was right, there are lots of threads about the KT88's.
Pick yourself up a matched quad of them.

 

[crnich8]

I ran the stock KT88s in my MC275V for two years and just recently replaced them with the Gold Lion KT88. I have noticed significant improvement in the sound quality most noticeably with improved base and clarity overall

 

[Veteq]

thank you for all the responses, I tried the search but failed to find the exact information that I was looking for. I was told that in some cases the Gold lion caused internal damage to the amp. No one here seems to have experienced this issue, that leads me to believe that a faulty tube might have been the culprit. I bought a set of matched Winged "C" (SED) 6550C; they sound terrible. I ended up going back to the stock units. I am now looking for another replacement for the Mcintosh issued KT88, suggestions? without breaking the bank

thank you.

 

[LewinskiH01]

OK Veteq, here we go:
http://audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=38853&highlight=tube+rolling
http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?htech&1170361371&openfrom&1&4#1
http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=171788

These are older threads, but should get you going. The first one is general and includes KT88 discussion, second is from Audiogon and about KT88, third is for signal tubes. Notice that in 2005 people were already saying "this has been talked about before", yet newer threads address newly available tubes, like the Shuguang Treasures. Try searching tube rolling and KT88. Nevertheless, yes, you will need to do a fair amount of reading to come to a relatively educated conclusion...alternatively you can just buy the Gold Lion and be done.

Hope this helps.

Horacio

 

[Veteq]

Horacio, thank you for taking your time to point me in the right direction. I have some reading to do....

 

[nsgarch]

thank you for all the responses, I tried the search but failed to find the exact information that I was looking for. I was told that in some cases the Gold lion caused internal damage to the amp. No one here seems to have experienced this issue, that leads me to believe that a faulty tube might have been the culprit. I bought a set of matched Winged "C" (SED) 6550C; they sound terrible. I ended up going back to the stock units. I am now looking for another replacement for the Mcintosh issued KT88, suggestions? without breaking the bank thank you.

I was puzzled by your remark about the SED's, because that is Mac's current stock KT88. Before that it was the (often unreliable) EH KT88 from New Sensor, and for some people, a rather unremarkable performer. If you didn't like the SED KT88, then I think neither the "re-issued" Gold Lion (also from New Sensor) or the Penta KT88SC (also from Shuguang) will impress you either.

These days, the most bang for the buck, as Horacio mentioned, is the Shuguang Treasure Series. You can buy a quad of them for prices in the $350 - $650 range depending where. I've been using them in my MC275 for the last several months and they do some things even better than my NOS Gold Lions ($1200 and up :yes

However, if your original stock tubes (apparently Electro Harmonix KT88's) are still working OK, I'd focus first on the 12AX7's and then the 12AT7's, which (in that order) have the largest effect on sonics; although you didn't actually say if you're using the stock tubes in those positions, or something else.

 

[Veteq]

I am going to stick with the stock KT88 for now, all the 12AX7 and 12AT7 have been replaced with Telefunken's. It made a very noticeable difference but I cannot say the same about the KT88. time to concentrate on other aspects of the system where i believe a change will be more noticeable, for the better, I hope.

 

[SoCal Sam]

I did not like the stock MAC KT88's and much preferred the GL Reissue KT88. I also tried new Tung Sol 6550's and liked them better than the stock tubes. The GL's and TS's were noticeably sharper and clearer without trading off tube soundstage.

 

[MX117.MC7150]

Yes, do agree. The reissue Tung Sol 6550s work very well in the MC275 & MC75. I'm about to roll in a new matched quad of them to compare to the stock Mac KT88s, which are providing excellent performance. GL reissue KT88s will be next.

 

[SoCal Sam]

Yes, do agree. The reissue Tung Sol 6550s work very well in the MC275 & MC75. I'm about to roll in a new matched quad of them to compare to the stock Mac KT88s, which are providing excellent performance. GL reissue KT88s will be next.

New Tung Sol 6550's and vintage MC75's are superb together. I should mention the little tubes are vintage smooth plate Telefunkens.