[Freo-1]

Just picked up a Eastern Electric M88 integrated amp.  Does anyone have one (or heard one).  Would like to get some feedback on the unit.  The unit is equipped with the KT88 Black Treasure output tubes.

I have been using solid state exclusively for awhile now, and miss the warm sound that tubes provide.  My last tube power amp went through power tubes excessively fast, so out the door it went.  While solid state is reliable, over time, grew to miss the subtleties that good tube amps provide.   The speakers that will be used are Source Technologies 277SE, which should be a excellent match (91 db/w @ 6 ohms).

Eastern Electric has a good reputation, so I figured it was worth a shot.   It seemed like one of the better values for the money from currently made units.

[eclein]

If I'm not mistaken Wayne at Bolder I think uses one...a good amp from what I hear, very good!!  Enjoy!!!

[Macezeke]

StereoMojo has a fairly positive review of the M88 written by Ryan Scott. It's a good read.

http://stereomojo.com/Eastern%20Electric%20M88%20Tube%20Integrated%20Amp/EasternElectricM88TubeIntegratedAmpReview.html

[LeeH]

Hi

I have the M88 and love it, it replaced a Luxman L505u. When I first had the amp in the house I had the chance to test it against the Luxman and the M88 won hands down, which is why i sold the Luxman.

Im still using stock valves but am considering changing the Kt88's to either Golden Lions or treasures.

Lee

[Freo-1]

Hi

I have the M88 and love it, it replaced a Luxman L505u. When I first had the amp in the house I had the chance to test it against the Luxman and the M88 won hands down, which is why i sold the Luxman.

Im still using stock valves but am considering changing the Kt88's to either Golden Lions or treasures.

Lee

That's great, Lee.  Happy to hear how much you like it.

Perhaps Bill O'Connell from Morningstar Audio can chime in.  Was wondering how the output topology is configured.

[Freo-1]

The amp arrived today. I set it up, and after a warm up period of 30 minutes, sat down to do some listening.

The sound from the M88 is really impressive. It has all the qualities one would hope from a tube amp, a natural, deep, 3D sound stage. The bass from the amp is tight for a tube amp, and sounds very natural (no tubby bottom end here). The treble is detailed and correct sounding (which is often the bugbear of solid state).

What I was surprised at is just how much DETAIL the amp provides to otherwise familiar recordings. I've listened to separates that cost FAR more than this amp does that were no better, and in some cases did not perform as well as this does.

The amp came with the KT88 Black Treasures, and those are very nice KT88 tubes indeed.

Overall, do not think one can go wrong with this.

[Bill O'Connell]

I think I just sent you an email about 20 minutes ago answering some questions you had.

 I don't think you can beat those Treasure Series KT88's that you have.

[neekomax]

That looks/sounds like a really cool amp. You must be psyched!

[richidoo]

What I was surprised at is just how much DETAIL the amp provides to otherwise familiar recordings. I've listened to separates that cost FAR more than this amp does that were no better, and in some cases did not perform as well as this does.

Detail = Good tubes + good transformers.  Enjoy your new toy!

[Freo-1]

I think I just sent you an email about 20 minutes ago answering some questions you had.

 I don't think you can beat those Treasure Series KT88's that you have.

You did, Bill, Thanks for the great product and support.

I'm looking to get a spare quad of Treasure Series KT88's from you.

[Bill O'Connell]

You want to buy from Ricky over at Hanshare -Electronics. Tell him Bill from Morningstar sent you.
 He will sell you a matched quad and he also guarantees these tubes for one year ,which is fantastic on power tubes. He is an honorable man and stands behind what he sells. He also offers in this price free shipping and you will receive them in a week or less. I highly recommend him. he sells over at Ebay at this link.. He is who I buy from for my Treasures.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Quad-matched-KT88-Z-ShuGuang-50years-TREASURES-tube-/220740937258?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item33652f662a#ht_2112wt_1082


 Later,
 Bill

[mfsoa]

Bill,

Based on your recco on another thread, I bought a pr of TJ Full Music 12AX7s from Hanshare. Something like $70 shipped.

Perfect transaction, start to finish, so thanks for the tip, and here's another user with a  for Ricky.

-Mike

[Freo-1]

Bill,

Thanks for the tip.  Will get a spare set from him.

[djbnh]

You want to buy from Ricky over at Hanshare -Electronics. Tell him Bill from Morningstar sent you.
 He will sell you a matched quad and he also guarantees these tubes for one year ,which is fantastic on power tubes. He is an honorable man and stands behind what he sells. He also offers in this price free shipping and you will receive them in a week or less. I highly recommend him. he sells over at Ebay at this link.. He is who I buy from for my Treasures.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Quad-matched-KT88-Z-ShuGuang-50years-TREASURES-tube-/220740937258?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item33652f662a#ht_2112wt_1082


 Later,
 Bill

Thanks for sharing this info, Bill.

[richidoo]

Thanks for sharing this info, Bill.

+1. Thanks Bill, and Mike

[Vapor Audio]

I wrote the Stereomojo review, and obviously I liked it a lot.  I tried at least 6-7 different speaker designs on it, and it did a wonderful job with them all.  There's a lot of amps to consider for the right around $2000 price point, and the M88 sure has a lot going for it. 

My only actual complaint with it is I wish it was a bit sexier looking, show those tubes off!

[Freo-1]

I wrote the Stereomojo review, and obviously I liked it a lot.  I tried at least 6-7 different speaker designs on it, and it did a wonderful job with them all.  There's a lot of amps to consider for the right around $2000 price point, and the M88 sure has a lot going for it. 

My only actual complaint with it is I wish it was a bit sexier looking, show those tubes off!

I enjoyed the review, and it was one of the deciding factors in getting the amp.  As luck would have it, I had some NOS 12AU7's laying around (GE label, but they look like they Mullard etching), and that further improved the overall presentation (it already had NOS 12AX7 GE tubes).  I'm getting a set of early/mid 60's Amperex 12AU7s and 12AX7s to try.  My tech buddy is also going to hook me up with some Telefunken 12AX7s, and some NOS 12AU7s as well.  This amp definitely improves with NOS input tubes.

The Black Treasures are excellent sounding.  They may be the best option currently for new KT88s as far as price/performance is concerned.

BTW, I like the way the amp looks.  It does not throw off all that much heat either.

[Andre2]

Well, i have been an aspiring audiophile since I was a teenager.  But never had the money, so now I hit 50 and finally I have some budget for this; I guess I will venture on the tube world with the m88, to check tube amplifiers out.

[Vapor Audio]

Well, i have been an aspiring audiophile since I was a teenager.  But never had the money, so now I hit 50 and finally I have some budget for this; I guess I will venture on the tube world with the m88, to check tube amplifiers out.

Good decision, the M88 is a fantastic entry into tube gear ... completely un-finicky and gives you a dose of tube goodness you're looking for.

[Pez]

I have heard it in Waynes setup and it is a very nice amp! Among the best PP amps I have heard.