20TH SHIVA, PROBLEM LOCATING KT88'S

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lame guitarist

lame guitarist

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Hey guys. For a while now I have noticed that i can't trace KT88's in the UK for my Shiva (Winged C's).

Only place I saw had them at about £200 for a pair! which i thought was shocking considering winged C EL34 are about £50 a pair. Anyone know whats going on with them, is there a shortage in the market or they been discontinued?
It's a bummer as i need to revalve my Shiva. Been thinking as I like the sound of EL34, maybe I should get the amp modded to run them. Anyone describe the process. I am confident enough of working in my amps. Open them out all the time for biasing and take the precautions etc. Just wondered if anyone here has already posted a guide on it with pics.

Or should I pack the amp away for the meantime
 
Thats what i was wondering but isn't the winged C the only ones the Shiv can take? (according to bogner)
 
lame guitarist":23cqykl8 said:
Thats what i was wondering but isn't the winged C the only ones the Shiv can take? (according to bogner)
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Sheevs can take any KT88 so long as it's up there with gelling with the plate voltages and so long as you re-bias them upon installation. Might even be able to try 6550 too. But keep it simple, go with another brand of KT88s.

FWIW, the Genalex (Gold Lion) KT88s have received incredible reviews. I'm a fan of the GL-KT77s, so it's no surprise the 88s are equally as awesome.
 
That brand good with the shiva's high plate voltage?

Thanks, I will have a look into them. Speaking of 77's, are they a drop in replacement for the EL34 shiva? How do they compare to EL34's?
 
lame guitarist":2580ir88 said:
That brand good with the shiva's high plate voltage?

Thanks, I will have a look into them. Speaking of 77's, are they a drop in replacement for the EL34 shiva? How do they compare to EL34's?
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Depends on the amp, but I went with GL-KT77s in my 20thA XTC, LOVE them. Plan on replacing my stock EL34s in the Hagen with them as well. And the KT88s are probably just as incredible. They're not cheap, but they're fine, fine bottles.

Peace
Mo
 
Jorg at Bogner got back to me on this one. The Winged C rule only applies to the EL34's. Any KT88 can be used for the Shiva. They use the Sovtek brand.

Derek at Watford Valves explained that the Svetlana KT88 is now out of production (not sure if the factory is closing) so any stock left is being sold at a high mark-up.

I am going to try the Gold Lion brand. Ordered some Ruby 12ax7c HG. I like them in positions V1 and V2 of my Diezel, so going to mix and match with some others in the Shiva.
 
lame guitarist":313mrrof said:
Jorg at Bogner got back to me on this one. The Winged C rule only applies to the EL34's. Any KT88 can be used for the Shiva. They use the Sovtek brand.

Derek at Watford Valves explained that the Svetlana KT88 is now out of production (not sure if the factory is closing) so any stock left is being sold at a high mark-up.
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Two great pieces of intel to share with the forum. Thanks for this! :thumbsup:
 
rlord1974":1ym0dru2 said:
lame guitarist":1ym0dru2 said:
Jorg at Bogner got back to me on this one. The Winged C rule only applies to the EL34's. Any KT88 can be used for the Shiva. They use the Sovtek brand.

Derek at Watford Valves explained that the Svetlana KT88 is now out of production (not sure if the factory is closing) so any stock left is being sold at a high mark-up.
Click to expand...

Two great pieces of intel to share with the forum. Thanks for this! :thumbsup:
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Agreed. Albeit the Sovtek brand does nothing for my ears.
 
Just ordered some Gold Lions, hopefully have them in and biased by thursday. Looking forward to getting that amp played!!
 
lame guitarist":xirfnrh9 said:
Just ordered some Gold Lions, hopefully have them in and biased by thursday. Looking forward to getting that amp played!!
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Spendy. How much you splash for those?? I've got anywhere from $55 to $59 per bottle on this end.
 
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