Shuguang KT88-98 Power Vacuum Tube (Matched)
Based on our customer responses this KT88 vacuum tube definitely has the best bang for the buck of all the KT88 power tube types.
The Chinese (Sino) made Shuguang KT88-98 vacuum tube features exceptionally balanced sound at a bargain price.
From our KT88 power tube type listening tests: "The Shuguang KT88-98 tube has perfect clarity from the very bottom to the very top of the frequency spectrum. The separation and clarity really bring out voices and acoustic instruments nicely." The Shuguang KT88-98 has a very open soundstage.
Other Shuguang tubesKT88 Tube TypesAdditional Information and Downloads
Tube Matching Information:
Power Tube Matching FAQ
Perfect Pair System
Warranty Information and Return Policy
Warranty Period: 3 monthsAll our tubes are guaranteed for 3 months from the date of purchase. (Any exceptions will be noted on that tube's Warranty tab)
If you receive a tube that does not perform to the manufacturer's specifications, please do the following:
- contact us to get a return authorization
- return it via regular mail within 90 days from when we shipped it, and we will provide an exchange or refund of the full purchase price of the tube.
Returns not related to warranty or defect will be considered at our discretion, and are subject to a 15% restocking fee.
We can not accept returns that don't have an authorization, are past 3 month, or are returned improperly.
These guidelines may be updated without notice.
Ratings & Reviews
4 reviews
Impressed!
by Conner -
Had to replace a quad set Tungsols and on a budget. Installed, biased them up and was very impressed. Amp sounds better than I can remember. Thanks for the recommendation tubestore!
Linear, Clear, Smooth and detailed !
by WashedUpAudio
I'm running a (Robert) Gennari RV-100R branded KT88-98 integrated amp rated at 70w. It has a 450v input transformer to cope with Australian voltages up to 260v peak. Im in New Zealand so max is 241v recorded. Anyhow, an over engineered Chinese rebrand several years old now but not used since my VTL IT-85 tubes became soft after 7 years everyday use this year (2021). I originally didn't care much for the sound in my second rig (not broken in maybe?) but now I've replaced the VTL in the main rig it sounds... Well, err better overall than the VTL for general music such as rock, electronic and pop. Still the VTL is king for acoustic, vocal and simple instrumental in its euphonic emotional aspect but the KT88-98's are simply spectacular. As described to a 'T' in the other 2 reviews. Clean, clear, extended and balanced from top to bottom.
Great budget 6550A/KT88 higher power KT88
by Seth
This release reminds me a lot of the old GE 6550A which was actually higher rated for power than the KT88. These make my high power amps really sing with loads of headroom. Whether it is a 120 watt guitar amp or a hi fi, these are a very good value. No they won't last as long as the old GEs, but nothing else will either, so they are a nice choice for anything from a SVT to a Conrad Johnson. I have used these in Dumble style amp builds, as well as Bogen PA based Quicksilver style bass amps, which can run as much as 450 watts. Definitely worth a try! If you have one of the modern Asian made valve hifi or a genuine vintage classic, these are always a good bet! The highs are clean & ringing, not nearly as airy and or flutey sounding as with some of the other Chinese power tubes. The bass is tight and controlled too. If I use iron from Harold P. the bass is tight loud and right in your face. The mids are warm and even. The are neither pronounced nor scooped. I do not have to dig in anywhere with my guitar playing to compensate for any weak areas at all. Very impressive valves!
Unexpectedly nice tubes for the money
by Denny
Every winter I trot out my tube amps to help keep the room warm. I've been using a quad of these in a Jolida502-BRC. They replaced the stock 6550's. Though the Shuguangs don't have the bass punch of the 6550's, they have nice, articulate tonal qualities, with a lot of space around individual instruments and top to bottom smoothness and clarity. Great for jazz, classical and vocal. I've played them hard for two winters with no failures. Hard to beat for their modest cost.