2. tech-talk
  3. 1043585725

KT 88's....what's the story????

I decided to get the new Antique Sound Lab Hurrican with 8 KT 88's per side. The salesman said that these tubes are one of the best sounding tubes there are, but sometimes blows.
Whats the story? What does he mean by blow?? Is there any real danger (fire?)....what are the results of a damaged tube...besides getting a new tube? Also tell me what you think of the KT 88's.
Thanks Rick
rwd
bryans
104 posts
 
I have had KT88 tubes and I love the sound of them. I have never heard of an amp catching fire because a tube blows but thatÂ’s just me. I would hope that if a tube blows you would just replace it. I would suggest asking the salesman how the amp is setup and go from there.
twl
3,251 posts
 
When he says they "blow", that means they go can go dead. Not blow up like a bomb. I some extreme cases, any tube can shatter apart, but it is highly unlikely. Normally they just go dead, when they go bad. This is not something to worry about. However, high failure rates of a KT88 could get expensive. Especially when you are running 8 of them, and you want them to be matched. Welcome to high end tube audio. Even more things to buy.
audioman4
174 posts
 
Agree with all of the above...
Kevin of Upscale recommended a great replacment and longer
lasting tube with slightly more power...
Check out the KT 90 by EI... It is a great tube replacement for the KT88 and I have found it to be much more reliable and provide more slam at any level than the
KT 88. They will run you about 40 per tube or so..
Good luck,
Joe
Custom Audio LLC
More to discover