KT-88 vs. EL34


Hi. I have a modified Jolida 502 amp (not my main amp) currently using KT-88s and formerly the similar 6550s. Some have suggested that this unit will sound even better, power hit aside, modifying to accept EL-34s. The mod is easy. Anyone find this to be true or is it just another myth? Thanks in advance, Andy8400.

andy8400

Showing 1 response by 1graber2

Hey,
Re: Some people say that say KT88s would be "better" than EL34s. Not sure, so subjective, and like the prior note above, also depends on amp design.

E.,g I have a PrimaLuna Dialogue HP Int. Amp, and have started out with EL34s, but even in triode mode, it sounds "dry" not sweet. and even sounds a bit thin in triode and ultra linear mode. so I'm going from EL34s to KT88s for more body, texture, timbre. Case in point, its hard to tell how the sound will be with certain tubes. Unfortunately, we just have to tube roll to find out.