ASTOR AS-KT88sSPII Vacuum Tube Single Power Amplifier

The chassis of the AS-KT88sSPII is made of the same bent stainless steel 2mm thick mirror finish used in the high-end AS series, and the panel is made of 52S duralumin 10mm thick panel with anodized finish. This robust and beautiful mirror-finished casing alone cost nearly 200,000 yen, but it is remarkably effective in anti-vibration and anti-noise measures. The heat dissipation is also very good, so even though it is a vacuum tube amplifier, there is no problem even after long hours of use. The insulator is also made by machining from a 40mm 52S round bar and inserting young cowhide between the insulator and the chassis, which also provides anti-vibration effect. The circuit parts are manufactured using carefully selected parts that are good for sound quality. The extremely high mounting precision of the vacuum tubes, the artistic aerial wiring that minimizes noise generated from the tube mounting area, and Astro Denshi's unique manufacturing technology have contributed greatly to reproducing the original sound with high sound quality, clarity, and fidelity without noise and turbidity, and without unnecessary decoration. The original sound is reproduced faithfully without any unnecessary embellishments.

The AS-KT88sSPII is characterized by the use of a 5881 tube for the second stage driver tube, instead of the commonly used 12AX7 or 12AU7 tubes that normally carry 3-4mm of current, which can carry 20-25mm of current and produce 50W in a push-pull amp, thereby easily driving output tubes such as KT88 and 6550. The power is further amplified. The KT88 delivers a powerful sound with high transparency and delicacy, while the 6550 delivers a clear and crisp expression with good extension in the mid and high frequencies, making it ideal for small orchestral quartets, chamber music, and other small ensembles. The 6550 is suitable for small quartets and chamber music.