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Quick answer: The Hiwatt DR88 Head is a Hiwatt guitar amplifier head with valve (tube) power. Sold brand-new by Victory Musical Instruments, a veteran-owned authorized retailer in Miami, FL. Questions? Call 844-687-4208.
Classic British tone, built to be played.
Overview
100W of pure valve-driven Hiwatt headroom. The DR88 occupies the sweetspot between crystal clean and silky overdrive. Push the channel volume or jump the channels for dirt and saturation. Designed for bass tones, the DR88 also excels for down-tuned guitars, baritones, or just a different flavour of KT88 based tones.
The iconic British sound trusted by musicians and engineers for generations.
At a Glance
| Brand | Hiwatt |
| Model | DR88 Head |
| Series | Custom |
| Category | Guitar Amplifier Head |
| Color | Black |
| Country of Origin | Canada |
| Power | 100W (120V) |
| SKU / MPN | DR88H-U |
| Condition | New |
| Warranty | 1 year manufacturer warranty |
| Sold by | Victory Musical Instruments — veteran-owned authorized retailer, Miami FL |
Key Features
- Faithfully hand-wired according to Dave Reeve's original late 60's circuit design.
- A unique, silky character set apart by the dual KT88 output valves.
- Hiwatt is the premier pedal platform prized for clarity and headroom. Presents pedals true to your sound — no effects loop required.
- Normal and Brilliant channels with independent High and Low impedance inputs for each channel. Versatile and intuitive, perfect for bringing life out of dark pickups or taming shrill high end in bright pickups.
- Link the two channels for extra punch and dynamic control of your EQ via the independent channel volumes. Unleash the 'jumped' channel sound Hiwatt is famous for.
- All the clean headroom you could want.
- The DR88 comes fitted with a transparent PPIMV control for phase inverter distortion at lower volumes
- A truly all-purpose amplifier. Historically used by the world's most influential artists on a wide range of instruments in the studio and on stage. Ideal for amplifying bass, keys, synthesizers, guitars and other full-range and acoustic instruments.
Specifications
| Power output | 100W |
| Channels | Normal, Brilliant |
| Inputs | Normal Hi, Normal Low, Brilliant Hi, Brilliant Low |
| Preamp valves | 3 x ECC83 (12AX7), 1 x ECC81 (12AT7) |
| Power valves | 2 x KT88 |
| Speaker outputs | 2 x 1/4" speaker Out 1 x Speakon speaker Out |
| Impedance | Switchable using Impedance Selector on the rear panel — 4 Ω, 8 Ω, or 16 Ω |
Why Hiwatt?
Hiwatt amplifiers are prized for headroom: the ability to stay clean, clear, and dynamic as you turn up. That clarity is also why they are loved as a pedal platform, presenting your effects honestly instead of coloring them. Whether you chase pristine cleans or push the amp into natural breakup, this model gives you that classic British voice in a road-ready package.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Hiwatt DR88 Head come with a speaker cabinet?
No. This is an amplifier head, so it needs a separate speaker cabinet to make sound. Hiwatt pairs naturally with matching guitar cabinets, and the head works with any cabinet at a compatible impedance and power rating.
Is the Hiwatt DR88 Head a tube amp or solid-state?
It uses valve (tube) power, which is where the classic British warmth and natural breakup come from.
Is the Hiwatt DR88 Head a genuine Hiwatt product?
Yes. Victory Musical Instruments is a veteran-owned, authorized retailer based in Miami, FL. Every unit is brand-new and covered by the full Hiwatt manufacturer warranty.
Can I get help choosing or setting it up?
Absolutely. You will talk to real people, not a call center. Call us at 844-687-4208 and we will help you spec the right rig and get it running.
Why Buy from Victory Musical Instruments
Victory Musical Instruments is a veteran-owned authorized retailer in Miami, FL. Whether you are outfitting a home studio, a touring rig, or a rehearsal room, we will help you spec the right gear and stand behind the sale. Save through our ID.me military discount program for active duty, veterans, reservists, and eligible family. Questions? Call 844-687-4208.