KT88 tubes for Monos


Hi,
I have a set of Ayon Audio mono's that use KT88 tubes.  Over time I've purchased their importers version of the KT88's that are 200 bucks a pop.  Can I use a different tube?  I think I'm paying premium cash for the Ayon name on the tube.

Thanks.
jbbikerider

Showing 6 responses by bdp24

Oy, the Twin Reverb. God I hate that amp---so bright, piercing, and loud. I lost some of my hearing due to that damn amp. I haven't seen an SVT half stack, but that's a great idea. With micing, who needs 8-10" drivers? The two worst things I had to help move in a traveling band were a Hammond B3 with Leslie, and a full-size acoustic upright piano (not a spinet). I was in my 20's, and my back could take it back then. Now, no way. But it's no longer necessary anyway, electronic keyboards have gotten so good.

The only heavy part of my drum gear is the hardware case, and it has wheels. Thankfully, lightweight cymbal and hi-hat stands are again in style, though I never switched from my original 60's "Ringo" flat-base ones, which I still use. The big stadium players still use the ridiculously-overbuilt heavy hardware, but they have roadies.

Ah yes Wolf, I did indeed miss the "bass" in your post. I should have also mentioned the 6L6, used in a lot of Fender amps (including the 1967 Single Showman I use to have), A lot of guys I’ve played with have had the classic Ampeg SVT (as did Rick Danko of The Band), which used a bunch of 6550’s (eight?) to create 300 watts. Great bass amp! The studio I was in just this past Sunday had the Ampeg Fliptop you mentioned. I believe it was the modern reissue, not an original. The bassist on the session was playing the modern reissue of the Fender '54 P-Bass, and it sounded fantastic!

Wolf, I'll bet Ry Cooder knows all about tubes! As for the KT150, high-powered amps are completely out-of-fashion with the best guitar players. Low-powered combo amps using EL34's or 6150's is all that anyone plays. To get the tube saturation and over-drive guitarists want, a KT150 amp would be way too loud. Now, a bass amp might be a good use for the 150, 'cause bass players want clean high power.
That blue DOES look mighty cool. By the way, I just started playing with a couple of guys (guitar and bass) who, though not audiophiles, know all about Telefunken and Bugle Boys, using them in their Fender amps, both vintage and new. They even know about smooth plate versus ribbed!
Wow skipping, $489 for a quartet of the Fuller KT88, about twice the price of the Gold Lion. They'd better be good!
The Genalex Gold Lion KT88 is a great tube. Kevin at Upscale Audio tests and matches pairs and quartets, and sells them at a great price.