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AUDIO FORUMS >> Replacement Tubes >> SED =C= KT88s
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Message started by Ross on 06/27/08 at 18:05:38

Title: SED =C= KT88s
Post by Ross on 06/27/08 at 18:05:38

Hi All,

I'm in the market for a quad of SED 'winged C' KT88s and have been looking around on line. Most of the tubes I've found are being shipped in plain white boxes with the '=C=' logo stamped on the bottom of the box. I seem to remember that that SED EL34s that were being shipped in white boxes were inferior to the ones that were being shipped in the factory (red, black & white) box. There was something about the white box tubes being 'b grade' tubes that were sold in bulk and then repackaged by various sellers. Anyway, does anyone know anything about the quality of the white box SED KT88s? Are they 'A grade' tubes, or in some way inferior? Thanks,

Ross

Title: Re: SED =C= KT88s
Post by Eli Duttman on 06/28/08 at 00:16:40

Ross,

IMO, you should pass SED (=C=) KT88s up, regardless of packaging. The tube is not particularly good. :( OTOH, the SED 6550C is a good tube. The current production KT88 varieties to look into are the "reissue" GEC and the ElectroHarmonix, both of which are made in New Sensor's Saratov, Russia, plant.

Title: Re: SED =C= KT88s
Post by Hotsauce on 06/28/08 at 13:45:39

If you're willing to step up a little in price, $200/pair. NOS GE, or Tung-Sol 6550 are also very good. Not as insanely priced as Gold Lion/Monarch KT88's.

I bought some Tung-Sol remarked Philips ECG that I really like.

John C.

Title: Re: SED =C= KT88s
Post by veryoldcat on 06/28/08 at 18:49:20

I'm not as expert on newer KT88's as Eli, but have heard many good things from trustworthy sources about the EH KT88, as well.

One thing, though, is I've never heard a 6550 as near to my liking as a good KT88 for hifi purposes (perhaps in guitar and bass amplifiers it would be different). KT88's provide noticeably better articulation in the low mids and down to my ear--ymmv.

Karl