FS: World Designs WD88VA XL - single input KT88 valve power amp

[tankertop]

Bought this single-input configured version in April last year courtesy of a gent called Nick Baker on the World Designs Forum. Came with Soniqs Paper In Oils, large white RIFA 220uf/50v caps for C12/C13, Soniqs on the driver boards

Nicely built, it's had a few upgrades since then, notably BHC caps for C14/C17, fresh RIFAs for the Output and PS boards. The amp was offered to me with a choice of either the power amp front plate or the integrated amp fascia. Planned to go integrated at the time so opted for the Integrated fascia.

Matthew Snell at World Designs quoted me for the relay board, rotary and phonos (about £50) but I never got around to ordering them.

Waffle here...
'Using the remarkable KT88 output valve, the WD88VA builds on designer Andy Grove's extensive experience with high powered valve designs to produce an amplifier with outstanding performance into any load.

Based around the classic KT88 valve in Push Pull Ultralinear configuration, this astonishing amplifier develops over 35 Watts of clean power with a beguiling musical performance. The KT88 has been used in many a classic amplifier since the 1950s and has reached its zenith in this design featured in the June to October issues of Hi-Fi World magazine.

Available as a power amplifier (with or without passive non-invasive volume control), or as an integrated with relay switched inputs for five line level sources, the WD88VA is a tour de force of Class A valve amplifier design. Heavy chromed transformer caps and control knobs contrast beautifully with the satin front panel and black powder finish chassis, both built of aluminium to avoid magnetic eddy current effects.

Hard wired on tag boards internally, great attention has been paid to signal path purity and low distortion. For aficionados there is an XL upgrade option featuring boutique components such as Schottky diodes for both main rectifier and heater supplies, Pi filter DC heater supply, Soniqs ICT signal cables, Soniqs SAX signal path and Rifa Low ESR Power capacitors.

External dimensions with valves: W410 x D340 x H150mm. Weight: 24kg'

It's all in great working order, sounds excellent and has been trouble-free, having had just a few hours use every month by me since purchase. According to Nick the JJ KT88s were about 5 years old when he sold the amp to me so I daresay would benefit from being replaced soon. Still sounding great though.

Current built cost is £1769. Looking for what I paid for it, £650. Would prefer personal collection from Bedford way (MK44), if at all possible. Gives me a chance to demo. Which always pleases!


https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7418/16362234491_469b1d3325_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/qVSJge)1 (https://flic.kr/p/qVSJge) by hififlikr (https://www.flickr.com/people/99924685@N04/), on Flickr

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https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7431/16363970185_9a5fb2b54c_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/qW2CdZ)IMG_1696 (https://flic.kr/p/qW2CdZ) by hififlikr (https://www.flickr.com/people/99924685@N04/), on Flickr

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https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7452/15744002033_b4a2133ea7_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/pZf8hV)IMG_1698 (https://flic.kr/p/pZf8hV) by hififlikr (https://www.flickr.com/people/99924685@N04/), on Flickr

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https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7382/16176351378_ea6567091f_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/qDs2FY)IMG_1672 (https://flic.kr/p/qDs2FY) by hififlikr (https://www.flickr.com/people/99924685@N04/), on Flickr

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[tankertop]

No longer for sale...

[vinylspinner]

Hi Kulwinder,

Have you decided to keep the amp? I have heard this amp many times at Nick's place, sounds very good indeed.

Nigel

[tankertop]

Hi Kulwinder,

Have you decided to keep the amp? I have heard this amp many times at Nick's place, sounds very good indeed.

Nigel

Indeed it does. As luck would have it have just acquired a virtually new set of JJ KT88s for a good price so intend to have some more fun with it yet!

[Sovereign]

So this thread was just to make us drool then:stalks:

[Firebottle]

:drool::drool::drool::drool:

Looks like it :)

[tankertop]

So this thread was just to make us drool then:stalks:

No, far from it dude, had it on for a few days, if somebody had bought it that would have been that. Could well be back on in the near future since I've also got some WAD mono blocs that I need to self-justify too. Plus 4 transistor amps. Plus five (or was it six?) sets of speakers.

It's an illness, you know...;)

[Sovereign]

Only kidding mate, sound like you do have it pretty bad....:) all the best

[tankertop]

OK, am DEFINITELY going to rationalise now...

The WAD is back up for sale again. Now has a fresh set of JJ KT88s in there, 120 hours or so on the clock.

Roll up!

[Ali Tait]

Bargain price, these are great amps if KT88 PP is what you are after, you'd have to spend a lot more to better it IMHO.

[tankertop]

Bargain price, these are great amps if KT88 PP is what you are after, you'd have to spend a lot more to better it IMHO.

Thanks Ali. Couldn't agree more. It has all the XL upgrades and then some (BHC caps, new RIFAs etc). Top of the line. If I didn't also have WAD monoblocs I'd keep it forever. Reluctantly, I'm gradually accepting that there's only so many systems that a man can listen to in a lifetime.

Very reluctantly...

[tankertop]

If anybody wondering WAD can supply a new plain power amp fascia for this (without any holes) for just £50 plus post...

[tankertop]

Gosh, tough crowd. OK, £625 it is. That's with a set of virtually new KT88 valves...

[KONDO]

hi thanks,superb amp,dont know why it wasn't snapped up,pleasure to deal with you all the best,charlie

[tankertop]

hi thanks,superb amp,dont know why it wasn't snapped up,pleasure to deal with you all the best,charlie

Likewise Charlie, all boxed up now, departing with Mr UPS tomorrow :-)