| Comparison of GBP 650 Affordable Valve Company KT88
valve amplifier
with Vincent T.A.C. 88 and Magma KT88
valve amplifier
|
Question: I live in Paris and would like to know where I can listen
to your KT88 models.
I believe that
MAGMA sells your EL34 model under the brand valve audio ? |
| Answer : |
| Magma amplifier , T.A.C. 88 amplifier and our GBP 650 amplifier are
different. |
| Please compare our GBP 650 KT88 valve amplifier with Magma KT88 amplifier
and T.A.C. 88. |
Our "main transformer" (the big lump of metal at back of the amplifier)
is slightly bigger.
If you do not believe me, look at the photographs !
This gives a "less processed" sound.
Our bigger "mains transformers" uses thicker copper wire, with less
resistance,
to produce less heat,
and runs cooler than the "standard" mains transformers
used by Magma and T.A.C. and our cheaper GBP 500 amplifier.
This is a good idea when you have a hot summer or live in a hot country. |
Although we use a bigger mains transformer, we only claim 40 watts
+ 40 watts RMS.
TAC 88 uses a smaller mains transformer, and they claim bigger
60 watts + 60 watts RMS.
Usually, a bigger mains transformer will produce more
power. |
We use 4 pieces of American 5670 valves,
which is totally different to the 1 small and 1 medium sized valves
used by Magma and T.A.C.
The sound will be different ! Which amplifier sound better ?
You will have to listen for yourself, and let your ears decide !
It is your money, it is your ears, you have to decide for yourself
! |
I believe (but I have no proof) that
The frequency response of Magma , Vincent T.A.C. 88 amplifier
will go up to 6 times above human hearing.
This is excessive, it is pointless for an amplifier to go 6 times above
human hearing !
We have used 2 Silver Mica capacitor
to reduce the frequency response
to 3 times above human hearing.
This make our amplifier sound more mellow.
( We cannot reduce the frequency any less than 3 times above human
hearing, )
( or we will spoil the frequency response, around 20 kHz. ) |
We also put in another ultra sonic filter to
reduce the ultra sonic noise from CD player
( or ultrasonic resonance of Moving coil cartridges ) |
Vincent TAC 88 sells for 1,159 Euro
and our GBP 650 KT88 amplifier sells for ABOUT 975 Euro + 80 Euro for
UPS delivery to Europe. |
They are 2 different design, and they will sound different.
You have to listen to BOTH amplifiers and decide which you prefer.
Some people will like the Magma KT88 "Ultra Linear" or Vincent TAC
88 "Ultra Linear",
and some people will like Affordable Valve Company KT88 "Ultra Linear". |
I think that most (but not all) people will
prefer our KT88 "Triode Connection" to KT88 "Ultra Linear" |
You have to listen to all of these different amplifiers to
and decide which amplifier you like more !
Different people have different taste. |
|
I can guarantee you that there is an "medium size" difference
between
KT88 "Triode Connected" and KT88 "Ultra Linear".
The "medium size" difference is 10 times more than
changing cables, capacitors (of the same valve) , silver wiring , hard
wiring
and all the other "fashionable" nonsense described in Hi Fi magazine
and Internet Forums ! |
|
| Our GBP 750 KT88 valve amplifier has 6 Silver Mica and sound even more
mellow, with sweeter treble. |
It also has a modification to improve the balance of the "push pull"
and reduces distortion
WITHOUT INCREASING FEEDBACK. |
| We know this because we measure EVERY amplifier for distortion and
"stability" ! |
This is a quick "quality control" procedure to make sure that
the KT88 valves are PROPERLY MATCHED,
to produce less distortion. |