Tubes Asylum: REVIEW: EAT (EuroAudioTeam) KT-88 Tubes by John O. Questions about tubes and gear that glows. FAQ

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Model:	KT-88
Category:	Tubes
Suggested Retail Price:	$235
Description:	KT-88
Manufacturer URL:	EAT (EuroAudioTeam)
Model Picture:	View

Review by John O. ( A ) on July 27, 2005 at 19:34:17 IP Address: 24.63.50.105

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Yes, they are expensive. I’m sure many will question the value of tubes at this price (and you should!). I won’t defend or debate value – it’s all relative. I first saw a positive review of EAT tubes in HiFi+ magazine last year and became interested. I banged around the Asylum looking for info on these tubes but did not find much info. This review is intended to document my experience to share with others who may be curious about EAT KT-88’s. I am not affiliated with the manufacturer or dealer in any way.

I bought these from TheMusic.com for $235 ea. for a matched quad. These are replacing stock 6550’s in my Audiomat Solfege Reference. I don’t know the brand for the stock tubes, - they are re-labeled Audiomat. I will say that I have been pleased with the stock tubes and extremely happy with the Solfege, but wanted to upgrade. Prior to this, I had not rolled any power tubes in the Solfege, so I am speaking from limited experience in this regard. I have tried many different input tubes – some with very good result. I’m currently using vintage Tele’s 12AX7 and Mullard 12AU7’s at the input side. These balance very nicely with the EAT’s.

The tonal balance of the EAT KT-88’s is neutral, with no emphasis in any area – mids are clean, well defined and open without any edge or harshness. This is a distinct improvement over the stock 6550’s which could tend toward being a little “shouty” in the midrange. Treble is extended and has much more sparkle and air than the stock tubes. Compared to the EAT’s, the 6550’s were a little splashy in the treble. I’m still not able to describe the bass completely – midbass is definitely more articulate, lower bass as well. The deepest bass is more extended – the EAT’s play lower than the 6550’s, but lowest octaves seem to have a touch less control than what I’m used to. I’m not entirely sure this is a function of the tubes or just a matter of lower register extension that I’m not accustomed to in my system (I’ll follow-up if I get this sorted out).

I would also describe these tubes as fast. Lead edge transients are crisper, much more so than the 6550’s. This enhances detail and improves spatial definition. Ambient cues like studio or hall reflections are revealed more clearly. There is clearly more air or better separation between instruments in the stage. Width, height and depth of soundstage is better. There is not much change in forward projection of the soundstage other than instruments being more clearly defined in space.

Overall, the sound is fuller and more robust. I don’t think anyone could refer to the Solfege as reserved or polite – it is a powerful amp capable of filling my listening room. The EAT’s seem to provide just a little more energy than the stock 6550’s.

Finally, I would add that these tubes are very musical – there is a nice bloom that balances really well with the speed and resolution of the tubes. Enhanced detail does not come at the expense of warmth or musicality, but the EAT’s do not seem to add any warmth.

In summary, I am very happy with these tubes. Tonal range is extended at both frequency extremes, tonal balance remains neutral. My one reservation about deepest bass is far outweighed by benefits in all other areas. I appreciate that the price is objectionable, just let me put it in perspective – for me, in my system, the cost benefit ratio works. I have spent more on other upgrades with less of an improvement.

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Product Weakness:	Price. I would love to pay less, but am satisfied with the cost benefit equation in my system.
Product Strengths:	Frequency extension, detailed and smooth. Better spatial definition.

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Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Audiomat Solfege Reference
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	None - integrated
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	North Star 192 DAC / Transport (highly modded)
Speakers:	Silverline Sonatina
Cables/Interconnects:	Kondo KSL
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Jazz, acoustic, vocal
Room Size (LxWxH):	20 x 12 x 8
Time Period/Length of Audition:	1 month
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	Silent Source PC's
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

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