6550 recomendations

[bstaley]

So I've decided it's finally time to retube my VHT 2-90-2. I keep hearing guys rave about putting 6550's in them over the KT88's. What 6550 would you guys recommend? I am primarily a rock/metal player. The Tung-Sol 6550 seems interesting, as well as the Svetlana. What do you think?

 

[aeroic]

So I've decided it's finally time to retube my VHT 2-90-2. I keep hearing guys rave about putting 6550's in them over the KT88's. What 6550 would you guys recommend? I am primarily a rock/metal player. The Tung-Sol 6550 seems interesting, as well as the Svetlana. What do you think?

I have both the Tung-sol 6550 and Svetlana 6550. The Tung-sol has a bit darker feel to me than the Svetlana 6550. I think the highs on the Svet 6550's are better, and it has a better (less mushy) mid-range growl and low-end punch. I have had the Svetlana 6550's in my VHT 2/90/2 for the past year using it w/ my M4, and they have been the best / most reliable tubes I have!

I have tried both the TS 6550s and Svet 6550s in my Mod50 also, and the Svet's sounded better there too. I do have a quad of TS 6550's if you are interested. $100 shipped to you in the 48 states. I bought them from thetubestore.com to replace my Svet's, but for me, I just like my Svet's better. The TS's and Svets are the best sounding 6550s on the market. I'd be really happy w/ the TS's too.

In my Mod50, the Tung-Sol 5881's eventually won out, so I use 5881's there and use Svet 6550's in my VHT 2/90/2.

Eric

 

[bstaley]

Thanks for the offer, but I'll probably just order a new set of Svetlanas. I read some other reviews and they sound like the best choice for me. What do you have yours biased at?