KT88 tube amp

I have settled on the Shuguang KT88-T tubes in my KT88 tube amp (Don Sachs ~74 watts). I also like the Shuguang Treasure KT88-Z tubes but they are a bit muddled on the top end compared to the -T tubes. These are noticeably better than any PSVANE or Gold Lion tubes I tried. I am using a tube preamp as well.

The new KR Audio KT-88s are a bit costly but elevate my VAC Signature 200 iQ Stereo amplifier to a new level.  

I went to Genalex Gold Lions on my CJ Premier 11a and a friend went to the same manufacturer's KT77s in his Quicksilver monos.  We are both happy with the improvements.

If there are significant additional improvements to be had from original vintage NOS Gold Lions I don't really want to hear about it, given the relatively huge prices asked for those tubes!

Hey porcheracer,

I just picked up a Sachs Kootenay amp on the used market. It has Shuguang Golden Voice KT-88's which were Don's tube of choice on previous versions. He now recommends and supplies his amp standard with the Shuguang KT-88-T's which he feels are the best current choice. Did your amp come with the T's or did you purchase them separately? If purchased after the fact may I ask from which source?

Apparently a number of sources are backordered on the Shuguang KT-88-T so Don is going to try these out;
https://www.china-hifi-audio.com/en/shuguang-electronic-tube-valve-c-49/shuguang-wekt88-plus-electronic-tube-hi-end-western-electric-valve-one-pair-p-2149?zenid=a9335ff468cffafebcffc7c056fdf981

Should be interesting to see how they work out.

A lint short in the Psvane KT88 - version 2 - took down my beloved and very heavy VAC Phi 300.  After its return from Sarasota, I retubed it with Sophia Electric blue bottles and haven't looked back.