KT88

Movie sequence: DS - Valve - in all cases. Scroll to the end for quick comparisons. This is a very crude A to B of a LINN KLIMAX DS system (via 5x CHAKRA (TWINS) and Keltik AKTIV speakers. The valve gear is a 20W Triode KT88 VALVE setup (vinly via AudioNote TT2 + Goldring Elite cartridge) but through (ancient ) 3 Way Technics bookshelf speakers. In the room the Valve setup is very big, delicate, spacious and detailed (a bit like listening to a gas). The DS tends to be sturdier, maybe more coloured and completely 'bulldozes' through the dynamics but it's ballsier as a consequence. This solid state sounds as you'd expect, clean and open but less "tone". The amplification used (chakras) are put to the test more than the DS itself, the DS is merely the 'reader' and the smplifying components contribute to the overall sound considerably. However, the above generalisations are seemingly typical of valve gear and transitor gear (ie regardless of manufacturer!). If you prefer the DS based system then it is the better system. If you prefer the Valve based system then it is the better system. This A to B test is for infomation only and not for argument. You may as well argue "light blue is better than dark blue" it's all personal taste. This clip is to give people an idea of what valves sound like as shops rarely have them set up and not many friends have them. The DS system used here is maybe around £25 000. The valve setup in use, (an integrated amp, deck, phono stage and speakers <b>...</b>