KT88

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The KT88 is a beam tetrode/kinkless tetrode (hence "KT") vacuum tube for audio amplification.

Contents

KT88
Kt88.jpg
KT88 labeled G.E.C. made by GEC/MOV in the U.K.
ClassificationBeam-power tetrode
Service Class-A amplifier, (single-ended)
class-AB amplifier, (push-pull)
Cathode
Cathode typeIndirectly-heated
Heater voltage6.3
Heater current1.6A
Anode
Max dissipation Watts42W
Max voltage800
Socket connections
Octal base, (IO)

Pin 1, Not used
Pin 2, Heater
Pin-3, Anode/plate
Pin-4, Screen grid, g2
Pin-5, Control grid, g1
Pin-6, Not used
Pin-7, Heater

Pin-8, Cathode-beam plates
Typical class-A amplifier operation
Anode voltage250V
Anode current140mA
Screen voltage250V
Bias voltage-15V
Anode resistance12 kilohms
Typical class-AB amplifier operation
(Values are for two tubes)
Power output100W
Anode voltage600V
Anode current100mA
Screen voltage350V
Bias voltage-45 (class AB2)
References
Super Radiotron Tube Manual, Amalgamated Wireless Valve Co. Australia, June 1962
Radio Tube Data, Eighth Ed. Ilife Books Ltd., London, 1966

Features

The KT88 fits a standard eight-pin octal socket and has similar pinout and applications as the 6L6 and EL34. Specifically designed for audio amplification, the KT88 has higher plate power and voltage ratings than the American 6550. It is one of the largest tubes in its class and can handle significantly higher plate voltages than similar tubes, up to 800 volts. A KT88 push-pull pair in class AB1 fixed bias is capable of 100 watts of output with 2.5% total harmonic distortion or up to about 50W at low distortion in hi-fi applications. The transmitting tubes TT21 and TT22 have almost identical transfer characteristics to KT88 but a different pinout, and by virtue of their anode being connected to the top cap have a higher plate voltage rating (1.25 kilovolt) and a higher power output capability of 200 watts in class AB1 push–pull. [1]

The screen grid is sometimes tied to the anode so that it becomes effectively a triode with a lower maximum power output.

History

The KT88 was introduced by GEC in 1956 as a larger variant of the KT66. It was manufactured in the U.K. by the MOV (Marconi-Osram Valve) subsidiary of G.E.C, also labelled as IEC/Mullard, and, in the U.S., Genalex Gold Lion. [2]

Four KT88s installed and powered. Kt88 power tubes in traynor yba200 amplifier.jpg
Four KT88s installed and powered.

As of 2022, KT88 valves are produced by New Sensor Corporation (Genalex Gold Lion [3] and Electro-Harmonix brands) in Saratov, Russia, JJ Electronic [4] in Čadca, Slovakia and Hengyang Electronics [5] (Psvane brand) at former Guiguang factory in Foshan, China.

NOS examples in good condition are extremely rare. Due to its availability and characteristics, the KT88 is popular in hi-fi production amplifiers.

Historically, it has been far more popular with high fidelity stereo manufacturers than guitar amplifier builders, given its characteristics of high-power and low-distortion. Due to these characteristics, it is regularly used to replace 6550 tubes by end users seeking a guitar amplifier tone with less distortion. [6] Some of the amplifiers which shipped with the KT88 power tube include the Hiwatt, Marshall Major, and some Ampeg models. [7]

Characteristics

See also

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References

  1. https://frank.pocnet.net/sheets/086/k/KT88.pdf KT88 Datasheet
  2. Barbour, Eric. "6550/KT88 Power Kings Part II" (PDF). worldradiohistory.com. Vacuum Tube Valley Quarterly, 2003, Issue 19. Retrieved 23 April 2021.
  3. Genalex Gold Lion KT88, "New Sensor Corporation".
  4. JJ KT88, "JJ Electronic s.r.o."
  5. Classic Series KT88C, "Changsha Hengyang Electronics Co., Ltd".
  6. Fliegler, Ritchie; Jon F. Eiche (1993). Amps!: the other half of rock 'n' roll. Hal Leonard. p. 15. ISBN   978-0-7935-2411-2.
  7. Aspen Pittman (2003). The Tube Amp Book. Backbeat. pp. 125–. ISBN   978-0-87930-767-7.