The ARC is not in my opinion very sweet in the treble. It is by their own account very "High Definition". The sweetest tubes of their own nature are the 6L6, the 300B, the EL-34 and finally the 6550s. I find KT-88s to be somewhat less harsh in any given system than the 6550s. The system however will ultimately decide how the tube sounds. The Vandys naturally have a sweet treble and I would be surprised if anything other than certain crappy tubes of any type would produce strident highs. I happen to be a big fan of the current production Gold Lion tubes. But the KT-88 is a more potent tube in general than an EJ-34 which was really your question. My answer go for a top quality EL-34. Gortunately there are many from reasonable to ridiculously expensive it is your choice. I used to prefer the JJ E34L blue glass but have heard good thing about the reissue Mullards and others.
El34 vs. KT88
I'm trying to decide which way to go. I have only heard the EL34's in action so far. Did some searching, and I couldn't find what the info I'm looking for yet.
I will using the amp with a pair of old Vandersteen 2C's. Currently considering Line Magnetic 211IA, Rogue Cronus, Primaluna Dialogue, Mystere ia11, and the Sofia 126-03.
What I want to know is which tube will accentuate the highs (10khz and above) better w/o sounding too harsh?
I may also consider 300B or 6L6. Thanks for any tube suggestions.
I will using the amp with a pair of old Vandersteen 2C's. Currently considering Line Magnetic 211IA, Rogue Cronus, Primaluna Dialogue, Mystere ia11, and the Sofia 126-03.
What I want to know is which tube will accentuate the highs (10khz and above) better w/o sounding too harsh?
I may also consider 300B or 6L6. Thanks for any tube suggestions.