KT-88 KT-90 KT-100 6550 which has the best bass?

Whoa, that is horrible news, David! I am so sorry to hear it. Is there anything we can do? Honest. I do hear a ray in your words that suggests you are improving, and I hope that is true.

Russ was also down for a while, but is now back, looking great. Hopefully, he will make this a trend, and you will follow.

Yes, keep the feet away from Threshold amps. No bare feet, and no kicking them, as they hurt either way.

I don't know much about this KT100, but think I saw a Houston amp using it. Is this possibly the amp you are considering? They made an 845 based SET that I always lusted after, but can never find on the used market. It's a Chinese company, but they seem to be OK. I know that recent ASL efforts, such as the 1009, are better than most anyone would expect.

Given you listening preferences, you may want to look into a pair of Granite monoblocks. I have a pair, and they can run just about any tube, those you listed, plus EL34 and 6L6, you can find a very wide range of sounds with it, and maybe whatever you are looking for. If you are set on a stereoblock, if the Rogue 150 sound trickles down to one of those, it may be one to think about also. I could be wrong, but it may already exist in the Model 90 - apologies for not keeping way up on these things.

Yes Joe,its the Houston amp on auction I am looking at.
I know of their reliability issues and have no customer support.But if I can get it for $300 it may be worth it.
Any thoughts on rolling the dice with the Houston?

BTW Joe,do you remember when I burned my foot on the Aleph-3?

Yes, I now remember it. Sorry, but I needed you to remind me to bring it up.

I think that the Houston at $300 is a no brainer. For less than the cost to retube a lot of amps, you are getting the whole kit and kaboodle. I think you should do very well with it. I have never heard about issues with their products, mainly because I have never really seen that many people using them. But, they look well built from their pictures. I have even considered them myself, though I have never run into the right deal, and after I got the Granites, there is no real point. The Granites are made to a great level, and sound excellent.

I think in the end, listen to the amp first, and get your bearings. Then, if you do want to retube, let us know the direction you want to take the sound, and we can probably give better insight. Still, the person who knows the most in these situations is you.

Thats Joe- I'll flip a coin tomorrow night to decide to bid on it or not.
My Threshold S/200 drives my Thiels with utter ease.The speakers have never sounded like they do now.Incredible!
The Houston probably would get limited use as Im a whaco metal head.
But the Houston is so pretty,and I miss the glow at night from big tubes.
I guess thats an irrational reason to buy,huh? :~)