Thinking about KT88s in my VH4

  • Thread starter Thread starter Sixtonoize
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Sixtonoize

Sixtonoize

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Just like the subject says - I'm thinking about throwing a set of KT88s in my VH4S, and I'd like to get some opinions before I go out a spend a ridiculous amount on tubes that I won't like.

Is it worth it to swap in the first place?
Do KT88s work well with the VH4 preamp tone?
How is the tone affected?
Which brands sound good?
 
I just check out the SED 6550 for production.

Good sounding and nearly undestroyable tube.

Edit:

After one year of experience I have to call me a liar
 
I know this isnt the same amp but
i have a herbert with 4 sovtek kt-88's
and 2 sovtek 6550's i wouldnt recommend the
sovtek's (i only bought them because thats all
they had in my city) but it was alot more punchy than
with the ruby el-34 it cam with
 
What didn't you like about the Sovteks?
Was it the 6550/KT88 tone in general, or just the brand?
 
its more of the brand i would like to try some ruby kt-88's
or gold lion the overall tone is great but i also would like chinese
high grade tubes and right now i have all russian tubes
 
How would you compare the tone of the KT-88/6550 family in a VH4 with EL34 or 6L6 type tubes?
 
**bump**

i am interested in the above question too! anyone care to comment? :)
 
i love the 6550 in my VH4. Fav of all i have tried. Just very balanced & nut punching tones! KT88 had a little more midrange to my ears...but were in the same vein as the 6550.

But Papa is not recommending them due to reliability issues. But i have never had an issue or failure & i play alot. But lady luck may have been shining upon me.
 
PaulyPanacea":2to2sc16 said:
i love the 6550 in my VH4. Fav of all i have tried. Just very balanced & nut punching tones! KT88 had a little more midrange to my ears...but were in the same vein as the 6550.

But Papa is not recommending them due to reliability issues. But i have never had an issue or failure & i play alot. But lady luck may have been shining upon me.
Click to expand...

dude you got to have some luck with them big ass knockers in your hands!

how you doin brah???????



steve
 
haha. luck has nothing to do with skill Steve-O! Im doing.Busy. hows the sand going?
 
PaulyPanacea":dnohs834 said:
haha. luck has nothing to do with skill Steve-O! Im doing.Busy. hows the sand going?
Click to expand...

hotter than hell. like standing in front of a blow dryer.

steve
 
PaulyPanacea":3tg8tpx7 said:
i love the 6550 in my VH4. Fav of all i have tried. Just very balanced & nut punching tones! KT88 had a little more midrange to my ears...but were in the same vein as the 6550.

But Papa is not recommending them due to reliability issues. But i have never had an issue or failure & i play alot. But lady luck may have been shining upon me.
Click to expand...

thanks Pauly....

you use SED Winged C's in yours dont you?
do you fine there is any less gain / saturation available on ch3 & 4 compared to EL34's?

i guess im just worried about it becoming more of a "classic rock" amp with 6550's and not having enough compression for hard rock / metal.
 
kloppsta":3lhyg375 said:
PaulyPanacea":3lhyg375 said:
i love the 6550 in my VH4. Fav of all i have tried. Just very balanced & nut punching tones! KT88 had a little more midrange to my ears...but were in the same vein as the 6550.

But Papa is not recommending them due to reliability issues. But i have never had an issue or failure & i play alot. But lady luck may have been shining upon me.
Click to expand...

thanks Pauly....

you use SED Winged C's in yours dont you?
do you fine there is any less gain / saturation available on ch3 & 4 compared to EL34's?

i guess im just worried about it becoming more of a "classic rock" amp with 6550's and not having enough compression for hard rock / metal.
Click to expand...

The VH-4 has compression and gain to spare.... TRUST ME LoL... get 6550's, right now, you won't be dissapointed I give you my word :thumbsup: :yes: :rock:
 
cool :) il think im going to bite the bullet!

whats the best bias for a paid of 6550's?
 
kloppsta":2i54x5cm said:
PaulyPanacea":2i54x5cm said:
i love the 6550 in my VH4. Fav of all i have tried. Just very balanced & nut punching tones! KT88 had a little more midrange to my ears...but were in the same vein as the 6550.

But Papa is not recommending them due to reliability issues. But i have never had an issue or failure & i play alot. But lady luck may have been shining upon me.
Click to expand...

thanks Pauly....

you use SED Winged C's in yours dont you?
do you fine there is any less gain / saturation available on ch3 & 4 compared to EL34's?

i guess im just worried about it becoming more of a "classic rock" amp with 6550's and not having enough compression for hard rock / metal.
Click to expand...
It should sound the opposite with KT88's or 6550's. Tighter, more open, and heavier sounding.

After using KT88's, I'll never touch an EL34 again.
 
i recently played a vh4 that had kt88 gold lions and it seemed to be pretty agressive,but you cant go wrong w/ the 6550 too! :)
 
kloppsta":83spi5ji said:
**bump**

i am interested in the above question too! anyone care to comment? :)
Click to expand...
im rare here cause i think the diezels have more roar with 6l6s...and still they still r rich
 
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