---
product_id: 179130875
title: "Willsenton R8 KT88 Tube Amplifier"
brand: "willsenton"
price: "26666 kr"
currency: DKK
in_stock: null
reviews_count: 8
category: "Willsenton"
url: https://www.desertcart.dk/products/179130875-willsenton-r8-kt88-tube-amplifier
store_origin: DK
region: Denmark
---

# Integrated headphone amp output 3 tube types (KT88/EL34/6550) switchable Triode & Ultra-linear modes selectable Willsenton R8 KT88 Tube Amplifier

**Brand:** willsenton
**Price:** 26666 kr
**Availability:** ❌ Out of Stock

## Summary

> 🎶 Elevate your sound game with tube-powered versatility and vintage charm!

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** Willsenton R8 KT88 Tube Amplifier by willsenton
- **How much does it cost?** 26666 kr with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Currently out of stock
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.dk](https://www.desertcart.dk/products/179130875-willsenton-r8-kt88-tube-amplifier)

## Best For

- willsenton enthusiasts

## Why This Product

- Trusted willsenton brand quality
- Free international shipping included
- Worldwide delivery with tracking
- 15-day hassle-free returns

## Key Features

- • **Dual Sound Modes:** Toggle triode or ultra-linear modes to match your mood and speaker setup.
- • **Handcrafted Precision:** Pure hand-welded scaffolding chassis ensures durability and audiophile-grade build quality.
- • **Audiophile-Grade Performance:** 45W RMS output with ultra-wide 12Hz-40kHz frequency response delivers rich, immersive sound.
- • **Versatile Tube Compatibility:** Seamlessly switch between KT88, EL34, and 6550 tubes for tailored sound vibes.
- • **Remote-Controlled Convenience:** Full-featured aluminum remote lets you adjust volume, mute, source, and tube mode from your seat.

## Overview

The Willsenton R8 is a premium hand-built vacuum tube integrated amplifier featuring interchangeable KT88, EL34, and 6550 tubes, selectable triode and ultra-linear modes, and a dedicated headphone output. With 45W RMS power, wide frequency response, and a robust aluminum remote, it offers audiophile-grade sound customization and convenience. Designed for serious music lovers seeking both classic tube warmth and modern flexibility.

## Description

The model currently on sale is the New Model upgraded in December 2023. Features Pure hand-made, the whole machine is welded with scaffolding. Use a square power transformer specially developed for this machine. The output transformer uses two high quality wideband EI output transformers. The voltage amplification and boost stage uses a 6SN7 for power supply filtering. The voltage amplification stage and the push stage use two pairs of 6SL7 and 6SN7 tubes, respectively. The rear stage uses four KT88/6550/EL34 tubes for class AB push-pull power amplification. Triode and ultra-linear selection are available. External independent BIAS-ADJ current display header. External EL34/KT88 tube selection function, easy to replace different types of tubes, adding endless fun. Infrared full-featured remote control. Use thick silver plated signal leads. With pure post-level function, it can be connected to independent preamplifier signal input. Power on mute delay function (about 30 seconds). Select Japanese ALPS high-end motor potentiometer. Easy-to-install plug-in tube shield. Product parameters: FTC Power Output Rating: 16W + 16W (KT88 Triode) (8ohms,20HZ-20KHZ,THD 1%) FTC Power Output Rating: 30W + 30W (KT88 Ultra-Linear) (8ohms,20HZ-20KHZ,THD 1%) Output Power rating (not tested under the FTC standard): 23W+23W (RMS KT88 Triode) Output Power rating (not tested under the FTC standard): 45W+45W (RMS KT88 Ultra-Linear) Whole machine frequency response: 12Hz-40KHz (± 1.5dB) Harmonic distortion: 0.2% (1W/1kHz, rated output power less than 5%) Signal to noise ratio: 89Db (weighted by A) Input sensitivity: 320Mv (merged), 700Mv (Power stage) Input impedance: 100k Ω Input terminals: CD, AUX1, AUX2, PRE-IN Output impedance: 4 ohms, 8 ohms Headphone output impedance: 30 ohms to 300 ohms Power supply voltage:~120V ± 5% (50Hz) Whole machine volume: 400x390x200mm (WxDxH) Use vacuum tubes: 6SL7x2, 6SN7x3, KT88x4 Net weight: 26kg Power consumption of the whole machine: 280W

Review: Worth Every Penny - So let me start out by saying that this purchase was years in the making. I had seen several tube amplifiers that could use both EL34 and KT88 tubes and one in particular that also had triode and ultralinear operating modes. My end goal was to replace several tube amplifiers including my ancient yet beloved Dynaco Stereo 70 (ST70). It should be noted that several years ago I purchased a Yaqin MC-100 amplifier but my ST70 was simply better sounding so I sold it and started my search anew. For better or worse, I'm not a wealthy audiophile but I am a very good technician so I've been able to buy most of my audio equipment broken for pennies on the dollar and then over months or years, repair it as I acquire parts. This time however, I wanted something new so this was like buying a new major appliance since it cost the same as my washer and dryer. That notwithstanding, let me tell you about this amp. When the Willsenton R8 (R8) arrived, I was pleasantly surprised to find it was triple boxed. Given the weight of this amp is over 70 pounds it needed to be well protected for shipping and it's clear from the weight this is not cheap amp. My ST70 is light as a feather in comparison. One thing I found interesting is that it shipped with the tubes already installed but there was sufficient styrofoam and tape to keep the tubes in place. Nothing was broken and my poor body survived lifting it onto the audio stand (I still got it!). On the features front, the amp comes with a high quality machined aluminum remote. The remote has no power button but does have an oddly large mute button (huh?). The amplifier itself does not have a VU meter but features a large easy to use bias meter. Keeping with the quality theme, the power and volume buttons are machined aluminum with LED illumination (red for power and green for volume) as are the selector and TR/UL buttons. A tube cage is included and the vacuum tubes are Willsenton branded so clearly a lot of care was taken to continue the quality theme. Even without having heard a single note from this amplifier, I knew I had a beautiful piece of audio jewelry for my listening room. My first impression of the amplifier was positive when I turned it on and heard nothing after hearing the startup relay click on. No hiss, no hum, just silence. The amplifier defaults to triode mode when powered on and my first listen was Introit from Faure Requiem (Naxos). Playing through my Infinity Primus 363 towers, the opening pipe organ chord filled the room with power and authority rivaling some of the best tube amps I've heard and certainly better than any I've owned. About three weeks in, I had used the amplifier enough for the tubes to settle in and now there is a greater smoothness to the sound (it was never harsh) and I can easily hear a stark contrast between triode and ultralinear modes. It should be noted that I had a Yaqin MC-100 amp and the difference in the modes was barely audible. In comparison to my ST70, the R8 is a very different sound which is to be expected since they use both different types and brands of tubes and the ST70 uses tube rectification while the R8's rectifier is solid state. I cannot say that one is better than the other as I enjoy them equally. In conclusion, I must say that the Willsenton R8 is a fine amplifier. While it is by no means inexpensive, it is certainly a value leader as it is less than half the price of competitive "brand name" equipment while yielding uncompromising build and sound quality. While sound quality can certainly be improved (or diminished) by changing vacuum tubes, the buyer of the R8 can rest assured that the branded tubes that come with the unit are by no means a cheap add-on. I'm pleased to say that the engineering and care that went into the build and parts selection of this amplifier are worthy of the best brand names. Thanks for reading!
Review: Willsenton R8 KT88 Integrated Tube Amp - Revised Version (Silver) - This is my second tube amp and I am highly impressed. I did a lot of research on it before hand and knew about the issues, but this is the revised version as per Skunkie Designs recommendations. It is built like a tank but in a very classy and refined way. When turned on it defaults to Triode mode which puts out less power than the Ultra Linear mode. Both ways sound fine but I leave it in Triode since my Zu Audio DW6 speakers are very efficient. When received the power tubes bias checked just slightly to the right which was very easy to adjust with the included little screw driver. When first turned on I was rather shocked as it sounded very dull and dead, nothing like my Cayin 10 wpc tube amp. But running it with streaming music for about three hours was like flipping a switch and the audio quality really blossomed. I am very pleased with the sound of the stock KT88 tubes, but I have purchased a matched quad of Mullard EL34 tubes to try some time in the future. The volume control is silky smooth, and works very well with the included remote control. The remote is all metal and rather heavy, with edges that are a bit sharp, so be careful not to drop it on anything. It controls volume, mute, source selection and tube mode. The battery access is a pain as you have to remove six small screws to remove the back plate. This amp can be ordered straight from China, but I preferred to pay the extra cost and have the excellent backing of desertcart in case of a problem. Even at that this thing is a real bargain in my mind, and I have no regrets so far. As I am typing this I am enjoying it streaming in the background, and now I think I will spin a few LPs to get an even better musical experience. Highly recommended.

## Features

- The model currently on sale is the New Model upgraded in December 2023.
- One amplifier can used wiht tube EL34, KT88 or 6550, so, you can get 3 kinds of sound from different models tubes. The default matching tubes of this machine is KT88. If you need another 2 new sets of tube, please purchase in addition. There is a Red selection button on the Back of the amp to switch.
- Can be used as an Integrated amplifier, power amplifier or Headphone amplifier. Pure hand-made, the whole machine is welded with scaffolding.
- Triode and ultra-linear selection are available, which can be switched by the button on the amplifier. With a remote control,Vacuum tube protective cover,Fuse and an English manual.
- We recommend that you spend 100-300 hours to RUN-IN this amplifier to get a better sound. Generally, you could get a better and stable sound after 100 hours, and you could get the best sound after accumulating more than 300 hours.

## Technical Specifications

| Specification | Value |
|---------------|-------|
| ASIN | B08133TH98 |
| Best Sellers Rank | #50,003 in Electronics ( See Top 100 in Electronics ) #278 in Audio Component Amplifiers |
| Color Name | Silver |
| Compatible Devices | Guitar, Double Bass, Keyboard, all |
| Connector Type | 3.5mm Jack or 6.35mm Jack |
| Customer Reviews | 4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars (97) |
| Date First Available | November 6, 2019 |
| Item Weight | 57.2 pounds |
| Item model number | Willsenton R8 |
| Material Type | Silver |
| Output Wattage | 45 Watts |
| Power Source | AC |
| Product Dimensions | 15.75 x 15.35 x 7.99 inches |

## Product Details

- **Brand:** Willsenton
- **Color:** Silver
- **Compatible Devices:** Guitar, Double Bass, Keyboard, all
- **Material:** Silver
- **Output Wattage:** 45 Watts

## Images

![Willsenton R8 KT88 Tube Amplifier - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61kCPwWtBrL.jpg)
![Willsenton R8 KT88 Tube Amplifier - Image 2](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61q9oF3iCQL.jpg)
![Willsenton R8 KT88 Tube Amplifier - Image 3](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61ztmXivKfL.jpg)
![Willsenton R8 KT88 Tube Amplifier - Image 4](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61uGjMiaK6L.jpg)
![Willsenton R8 KT88 Tube Amplifier - Image 5](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61aP05Q8IRL.jpg)

## Questions & Answers

**Q: I noticed a big undesired distortion & undefined instruments on the middle ''woman in chains'' on the kt88 from my turntable, any hints as to why?**
A: Possibly a ground issue from the turntable? Are you running a seperate phono preamp?

**Q: I’d like to email the seller about tube selection, is there an address I could write to?**
A: youcanpickyourtubechoicewhenyouorder.

**Q: How can you get warranty service for this amplifier? The registration card is entirely in Chinese and the seller doesn't respond to emails.**
A: TIP: Before you click the button to make your purchase make sure the listing identifies Amazon as the shipper and not some 3rd party seller t that may or may not be located in China. Then if your paranoid about having a warranty you can add Ashurion warranty coverage. WARNING: If it ships from a 3rd part and not via Amazon you must work with the 3rd party to resolved an y issues like shipping damage or DOA.  Ships from Amazon - 
https://www.amazon.com/Willsenton-R8-Integrated-Amplifier-Headphone/dp/B08134V3VK/ref=sr_1_3?crid=3BV0I21TAWLWP&keywords=Willsenton+R8+KT88&qid=1661873079&sprefix=willsenton+r8+kt88%2Caps%2C644&sr=8-3

**Q: 11.81"d x 19.69"w x 20.08"h  i question these dimensions can someone measure the depth of this unit?  i doubt it is 20 inches tall and 19 inches deep.**
A: 8 and 1/2 inches tall , and 14 and 1/2 inches deep

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Worth Every Penny
*by C***0 on March 6, 2020*

So let me start out by saying that this purchase was years in the making. I had seen several tube amplifiers that could use both EL34 and KT88 tubes and one in particular that also had triode and ultralinear operating modes. My end goal was to replace several tube amplifiers including my ancient yet beloved Dynaco Stereo 70 (ST70). It should be noted that several years ago I purchased a Yaqin MC-100 amplifier but my ST70 was simply better sounding so I sold it and started my search anew. For better or worse, I'm not a wealthy audiophile but I am a very good technician so I've been able to buy most of my audio equipment broken for pennies on the dollar and then over months or years, repair it as I acquire parts. This time however, I wanted something new so this was like buying a new major appliance since it cost the same as my washer and dryer. That notwithstanding, let me tell you about this amp. When the Willsenton R8 (R8) arrived, I was pleasantly surprised to find it was triple boxed. Given the weight of this amp is over 70 pounds it needed to be well protected for shipping and it's clear from the weight this is not cheap amp. My ST70 is light as a feather in comparison. One thing I found interesting is that it shipped with the tubes already installed but there was sufficient styrofoam and tape to keep the tubes in place. Nothing was broken and my poor body survived lifting it onto the audio stand (I still got it!). On the features front, the amp comes with a high quality machined aluminum remote. The remote has no power button but does have an oddly large mute button (huh?). The amplifier itself does not have a VU meter but features a large easy to use bias meter. Keeping with the quality theme, the power and volume buttons are machined aluminum with LED illumination (red for power and green for volume) as are the selector and TR/UL buttons. A tube cage is included and the vacuum tubes are Willsenton branded so clearly a lot of care was taken to continue the quality theme. Even without having heard a single note from this amplifier, I knew I had a beautiful piece of audio jewelry for my listening room. My first impression of the amplifier was positive when I turned it on and heard nothing after hearing the startup relay click on. No hiss, no hum, just silence. The amplifier defaults to triode mode when powered on and my first listen was Introit from Faure Requiem (Naxos). Playing through my Infinity Primus 363 towers, the opening pipe organ chord filled the room with power and authority rivaling some of the best tube amps I've heard and certainly better than any I've owned. About three weeks in, I had used the amplifier enough for the tubes to settle in and now there is a greater smoothness to the sound (it was never harsh) and I can easily hear a stark contrast between triode and ultralinear modes. It should be noted that I had a Yaqin MC-100 amp and the difference in the modes was barely audible. In comparison to my ST70, the R8 is a very different sound which is to be expected since they use both different types and brands of tubes and the ST70 uses tube rectification while the R8's rectifier is solid state. I cannot say that one is better than the other as I enjoy them equally. In conclusion, I must say that the Willsenton R8 is a fine amplifier. While it is by no means inexpensive, it is certainly a value leader as it is less than half the price of competitive "brand name" equipment while yielding uncompromising build and sound quality. While sound quality can certainly be improved (or diminished) by changing vacuum tubes, the buyer of the R8 can rest assured that the branded tubes that come with the unit are by no means a cheap add-on. I'm pleased to say that the engineering and care that went into the build and parts selection of this amplifier are worthy of the best brand names. Thanks for reading!

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Willsenton R8 KT88 Integrated Tube Amp - Revised Version (Silver)
*by C***J on June 22, 2024*

This is my second tube amp and I am highly impressed. I did a lot of research on it before hand and knew about the issues, but this is the revised version as per Skunkie Designs recommendations. It is built like a tank but in a very classy and refined way. When turned on it defaults to Triode mode which puts out less power than the Ultra Linear mode. Both ways sound fine but I leave it in Triode since my Zu Audio DW6 speakers are very efficient. When received the power tubes bias checked just slightly to the right which was very easy to adjust with the included little screw driver. When first turned on I was rather shocked as it sounded very dull and dead, nothing like my Cayin 10 wpc tube amp. But running it with streaming music for about three hours was like flipping a switch and the audio quality really blossomed. I am very pleased with the sound of the stock KT88 tubes, but I have purchased a matched quad of Mullard EL34 tubes to try some time in the future. The volume control is silky smooth, and works very well with the included remote control. The remote is all metal and rather heavy, with edges that are a bit sharp, so be careful not to drop it on anything. It controls volume, mute, source selection and tube mode. The battery access is a pain as you have to remove six small screws to remove the back plate. This amp can be ordered straight from China, but I preferred to pay the extra cost and have the excellent backing of Amazon in case of a problem. Even at that this thing is a real bargain in my mind, and I have no regrets so far. As I am typing this I am enjoying it streaming in the background, and now I think I will spin a few LPs to get an even better musical experience. Highly recommended.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great product, they listened and improved.
*by W***Y on August 5, 2023*

This is my first tube amp, and it sounds so much better than most of my solid state amps. What I mean by that is it sounds more real, the soundstage is better, it is more airy, more detail, especially in ultra liner mode. Most of my solid state amps, including some made in the USA amps, just sound less real, dead in comparison. The 43 watts also gets very loud with my 86db sensitive speakers. 43 watts of tube amp is like a much higher wattage solid state amp. Tube amps have output transformers that block dc , so when the amp clips it clips softly as the output transformer prevents dc from being sent to the speakers, where as a solid state amp when it clips puts full dc rail voltage on the speaker, and boom, there goes your tweeter. My point, don’t listen to the hifi salesman that say…ohh you need 200 watts of headroom for those speakers. That might be true for solid state as if you clip, you blow speakers, but not for tube gear, at least once you get up to these power levels. My amp puts out a solid 43 watts before it starts to clip, it puts out a little more power at the THD levels they speciy. It is an amp the performs as advertised. I say most, as this sounds as good,as a $3500 solid state setup I have. They made some improvements recently and this is a good buy. It is tube gear so you may still want to upgrade tubes or buy a spare set in case something happens, you can troubleshoot., but if you have a problem, contact the factory first, they are eager to help. The input selector will make a little pop in the speakers when changing inputs, it will make a little pop, when switching between ultra linear and triode mode, it will make a little pop when turning off. But it is not substantial enough to damage anything, just a little annoying. Tube gear is just going to be like this, it is nearly 100 year old tech, but sounds great. Just beware, tubes do not last forever, but they should last 1000 to 2000 hours before they start to degrade and decent tubes these days cost at minimum $400 these days for a whole set. Tube amps are a bit different that way. The spec on Amazon when I bought mine said it was for 115 volts +/- 5%. That is roughly 109 to 121 volts. If the voltage at your house is outside of that range, like mine is, you probably should find a variant with a transformer better matched to your normal household voltage, but most of the US should be well serviced by this unit. The manufacturer does make them with 110v +/- 5% and 120v +/-% versions. Tube gear is more sensitive to input voltage variation and this really can not be helped. It is just inherent to tube gear, all tube gear. This is a great sounding, good looking, solidly built unit. Is it as good as competing amps costing two to three time as much? Probably not, but I suspect it sounds just as good. It does sound great. I bought this because I always heard of the tube sound, and at this price it is finally seemed within reach. If that sounds like you, then go ahead and buy this thing, it sounds great.

## Frequently Bought Together

- Willsenton R8 KT88/EL34 x4 Tube Amplifier Integrated AMP Power Amplifier Headphone Replaceable Basic Meter (Silver)
- Micca 14 Gauge Pure Copper Speaker Wire, 12 Feet (4 Meters 13.1ft Actual), 2 Pack Pair, Gold Plated Banana Plugs Connectors, Soldered Construction, Slim Design, 245 Strands, For Stereo or Home Theater

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*Product available on Desertcart Denmark*
*Store origin: DK*
*Last updated: 2026-03-14*