Ray Tubes Select KT88 Vacuum Tube

Our Take

A New Dimension of Sound
The SELECT Collection not only maintains the exceptional manufacturing quality of the CORE Collection but makes a significant leap in sound quality. Engineered for audiophiles who want an immersive auditory experience, this tier far surpasses what “factory vacuum tubes” can offer.

Make Your Good Amp Great
The SELECT Collection significantly upgrades the performance of your vacuum tube amplifier, even starter models. These vacuum tubes are engineered to enhance the hidden capabilities of your amp, transforming its output into something far beyond its original sound profile. With each vacuum tube rigorously selected by our audio engineers, the SELECT Collection ensures a profound enhancement in clarity, texture, and detail. Every note resonates with more realism, every harmony carries more emotionality, and every rhythm pulses with tighter low-end precision.

The SELECT Vacuum Tube Difference
Despite originating from the same batches as Ray Tubes’ CORE Collection, SELECT vacuum tubes are distinguished not by automated manufacturing differences but by the expert judgment of a professional. Their engineers assess each vacuum tube individually for its sound profile, dynamics, microphonics, gain, conductance, noise, and overall performance. This human touch ensures that only vacuum tubes that meet a superior level of sonic excellence are chosen. This meticulous, engineer-led selection is what makes the SELECT Collection exceptionally reliable and capable of delivering next-level sound quality.

Gold Pins: Excellence in Every Detail
Gold pins not only add a touch of elegance but also serve a significant purpose. Gold's superior conductivity enhances signal transmission for crystal-clear sound, while its resistance to oxidation ensures long-term performance and durability. These qualities, combined with the secure contact gold provides within the socket, mean your vacuum tubes aren't just top-notch—they're built to last.

Ceramic Collar: Nothing Better Than a Classic
Sometimes, doing things the old way is better. And when it comes to building materials, there are few things older than ceramic, which has been beloved by humans for its resilience and heat resistance for over 30,000 years. Ray Tubes chose premium ceramic for the collar of the 6SN7 Select because it’s incredibly resilient against high temperatures, making it an ideal material for vacuum tubes, which can generate a lot of heat during operation. Plus, ceramic is robust against wear and tear, making it able to withstand the rigors of regular use for years to come.

Silk-Screen Printed Logos
Even the logos deserve a special mention. Silk-screen-printed onto the tubes, they demonstrate Ray Tubes’ commitment to superior craftsmanship down to the smallest detail. This time-honored printing technique yields results that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also durable, ensuring the design work remains vibrant and intact over time.

Superior Sound, Secured
An exceptional 12-month warranty—a rarity in the world of vacuum tubes, especially NOS vacuum tubes—reflects Ray Tubes’ confidence in their vacuum tubes’ performance and durability. This warranty is your safeguard against any manufacturing defects, making sure that your investment is protected.

Product highlights

• Hand-selected and tested
• Gold pins for corrosion resistance and excellent conduction
• A substantial upgrade from standard NOS tubes
• Low noise and microphonics
• Fewer than 5% of the tubes commissioned for production meet our voltage, current, and sound signature standards

Compatible Amps

Explore Ray Tube's Tube Amp Compatibility List

Product Details

Unlock New Layers of Sound
The SELECT KT88 is the best KT88 vacuum tube you’ll ever need. It goes above and beyond the baseline with more involved production and stricter selection, all in pursuit of superior sound. The SELECT Collection brings out the best in all your favorites.
Hand selected and tested, the Ray Tubes SELECT KT88 features gold pins for corrosion resistance and improved conduction. The SELECT Collection is a substantial upgrade from both New Old Stock and other new production tubes. Fewer than 5% of production meets our standards.
The KT88 is a beam tetrode introduced in 1956 as a variant of its smaller cousin, the KT66. Its name is derived from kinkless tetrode, an earlier name for the beam tetrode, and it’s been popular in high-fidelity stereo systems since its introduction. Since New Old Stock of the KT88 is especially rare, Ray Tubes is proud to offer brand-new KT88 vacuum tubes.

Sound Characteristics
The SELECT KT88 provides excellent low-frequency performance and high-resolution sound quality, suitable for users who are interested in strong low-frequency dynamic performance, especially for complex arrangements.

1. Bass Performance
   Solid and powerful, with deep bass and excellent control. Suitable for powerfully dynamic music such as rock and symphony orchestras.
2. Midrange Performance
   Full and delicate with a warm, multilayered tone. Vocals and strings in particular sound very natural, with rich details and strong layering of notes.
3. Treble Performance
   Clear with a very high resolution. Details are rich but not harsh, well-balanced, with a pure and bright sound quality.
4. Dynamics and Soundstage
   The dynamic range is very wide, accurately representing the contrast between loud and quiet elements. The soundstage is wide and deep, with very accurate positioning for an excellent sense of space.

Tech Specs

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