@Skunkie Hey Steph, stumbled here via Youtube when researching this "chi-fi" kt-88 amp I purchased a couple years ago, when i got re-bit by the audiophile bug. Needless to say I was absolutely ecstatic to learn you approve. I have two quick questions:
If I wanted to send you my X7 to upgrade the caps and remove the headphone out, as you suggested, is this available currently?
If I wanted to run EL34's instead of kt-88s, is this possible to roll these in?
I will post pics of my setup, but currently running a Pro-Ject carbon esprit TT with a Ortofon 2m MM blue (currently in the market for a Sumiko bluepoint MC), mated to a Pro-Ject Tube Box S (running Genelex 12ax7's), into my Muzi X7 (Gold Lion everything), then into a pair of Klipsch Forte IV's. Its so transparent, dynamic, and holographic. I only wish I could eliminate my current phono preamp and replace it with a tue point-to-point phonostage, thereby eliminating any PCB's in my entire signal path.
Followup questions...which upgrade do you feel would be next?
Cartridge - Swapping Ortofon 2m Blue for Sumiko MC (high output)
Phonostage - I hate my pro-ject tube box s. Its noisy as shit. I have quality cables and even upgraded the power supply to my TT & phonostage. Currently considering a Hagerman Audio Labs Trumpet MC phonostage, Hegel V10 phonostage, or i actually heard about this cheap one that shows promise...the
Tubes - Knowing you like the Shuguang KT88-Z over the Gold Lion's might roll these in and also upgrade my 12au7's for the electro-harmonix gold pins.
Thats all for now...Thank you for reading my first post. I tend to stick around for a while, you simply have amazing content and I appreciate all that you do. Please let me know if you are open to a little cash for my amp benchwork.
John aka "Vinyl Junkie"
The problem with working on these is the shipping costs are atronomical. 2 way trip is easily $250.