Can’t buy output tubes anywhere except from manufacturers at high prices.

I just sold two pairs of GL KT88 matched quads on USAM - both quads sold within one day of listing.  I no longer have any amps that run them.  I apparently didn't ask for enough!  So yes, clearly the demand is real and the supply is low.  

@mulveling Have you heard the Mullard KT88 that Viva Tubes is selling, and if so do you feel they are as good as the Gold Lions?

@weebeesdad

Yes, I have the Viva Mullard KT88 in my 200iQ’s right now. I’ve previously (this year) had both Gold Lion KT88 (stock from VAC) and Tung-Sol KT120 in these same amps. I haven’t directly compared the two, and I’m not going to say they sound exactly the same, but the KT88’s sound much more alike than different. I really like both! They are of equivalent quality. The KT120 sound more different, but also excellent -- they’re a bit meatier through parts of the midrange and bass. Incidentally, the KT150 were awful in these amps -- the bass was powerful and fun but overpowered the music. 

Anyways, I’m a fan of all 3 of these tubes! In my main system I have a pair of VAC Master 300 amps, with the stock KT88 Gold Lions. There are SIXTEEN of them, so I’m not gonna change them until I have to 😅

RAM Tubes is still selling expertly-tested, labelled, and matched tubes. 

@mulveling Thanks, that's good to know. My tube amp (DeHavilland 50A) was voiced with Gold Lion KT-88s which as we know are becoming difficult to source new. Then there are the tubes of Chinese origin, Viva sells Psvane and Linlai, although they are not currently stocking any Linlai KT-88s yet even though Linlai makes several versions. I am using a Linlai 6SN7-E in my DeHavilland preamp and am pleased with its performance so far and this has piqued my interest in their KT-88 tubes.

BTW, I find your posts to be very informative and delivered with decorum and civility, so thanks for that as well!