6550's?

[aeroic]

Ah man, sorry about that!! You know, probably don't want to fool with that bro. Sorry.......

No worries mate! Only when you wrote that did i realise that i hadn't put in my location, so i went straight on and updated it.

I'm going to order some =C= 6550's and EL34's on Monday! Can't wait for them to come!

I'd recommend trying both the winged 6550s and the Svetlana 6550s. Honestly, I much prefer the Svet's for guitar amps. I've tried a lot of 6550s (Sovteks, Svets, Tung Sols, SED's, etc) and the Svets came on top for me. There was just a richness to the Svet 6550s with Egnater modules that just really is amazing. They are very warm, with great buttery mid-range, and a top end that perfectly matches any Egnater module.

I'd also recommend the TS EL34B. That's become my 2nd favorite tube for the Eggie stuff. Very crunchy sound without any of the harshness of a lot of EL34s.

My rankings on tubes:

1. Svet 6550s
2. TS EL34Bs
3. THD Yellowjackets w/ JJs
4. SED EL34s (Winged)
5. TS 6550s
6. TS 5881s

Those are the top tubes I've tried, with the top 3 by far my favorites. I could easily live with Jan Phillips 5751's in V1 of any clean - mid-gain module, Chinese 12ax7 in V1 of any high-gain modules, and TS 12ax7s in V2 of any module. Couple that with Svet 6550s, TS EL34bs, and THD Yellowjackets and that's all I really ever want or need.

Your mileage may vary though .

Eric

You don't have the Gold Lion KT88s in that list, nor the Ruby EL34BSTR nor GT-EL34M (6ca7)

I haven't tried the GL KT88s. I had KT88s in my VHT 2/90/2 when I first bought them, and I did a side by side comparison to the 6550s and I really didn't like the KT88s at all compared to the 6550s. So i've never tried any others . I do need to try the Ruby's sometime and a 6ca7. Heard really cool things about the 6ca7s!

Eric

 

[AdamB]

Eric, why do you prefer the Svet 6550 over the =C=?

The =C='s are £5 more expensive each you see, and i'd expect the =C= to sound better like

And, you'd definitely recommend the Tung Sol EL34b over the =C= EL34?

 

[aeroic]

Eric, why do you prefer the Svet 6550 over the =C=?

The =C='s are £5 more expensive each you see, and i'd expect the =C= to sound better like

And, you'd definitely recommend the Tung Sol EL34b over the =C= EL34?

I'll have to say more $$ doesn't always mean better tone!! You'll see more expensive tubes that are NOS, and they don't always necessarily sound better than newer tubes.

I have both the =C= EL34s and the TS EL34b's. I personally think the TS EL34b's have a better mid-range than the =C= EL34s. I got mine from the Thetubestore.com and find this to be a very accurate review:

Tungsol EL34B - I think the most important feature of the Tungsol EL34-B is the fact that it is every bit as good as the Winged “C” / SED EL34 and costs $20 less per pair. This is great news for everyone but SED. The Tungsol EL34B is likely to become the #1 choice of currently produced EL34 tubes. The build construction is great all around and the move to welded plates will likely keep “EL34 rattle” to a minimum over time. The manufacturer claims that this tube has a hint of 6L6 in its tone thanks to manipulating the plate impedance. This is absolutely true, but the effect is most notable when playing clean and to a lesser extent when the tube is driven hard. At lower volume settings you hear a very pure balanced tone with a bit of the 6L6 sparkle in the higher frequencies while providing a midrange that is a little less prominent than most EL34 tubes. The tubes were very open and airy. The bottom end was percussive in the 2x12 open back combo. When driven into distortion it starts off a bit crunchy like a 6L6 but as you push it, the sound blooms into that singing EL34 tone with great sustain and modest compression. I love these tubes. Over the years I’ve tested many tubes but this is the first time I’ve had to tell myself to stop playing and get on to the next set!

I find the SED =C= EL34 to be a killer tube, but a bit less warm and punchy when compared to the TS EL34b. They are both the best EL34s I've found to date. I just find the TS EL34b to be a better "sweet spot" than the SED =C= EL34. I have a set of SED =C= EL34's I'd be more than happy to sell you . The TS EL34B's are my 34 for sure!

As far as the 6550s, I tried all sorts of 6550s...and the Svets were it for me. The Tung Sol 6550s were a bit too mushy for me, and the SED =C= 6550s were too stiff. The Svet's just really got it right for me. I find them a very good tube, one that you can overdrive just a bit at the power section, and get warm, full, lush tone.

I have a huge drawer full of tubes I never use anymore since I've found my sweet spot w/ Svet 6550s, Tung Sol EL34bs, Yellowjackets, Jan Philips 5751s, Tung Sol 12ax7s, and Chinese 12ax7a's.

Again, YMMV! Get both SED EL34s and 6550s..along with Svet 6550s and SED 6550s. Find what works best for you. Your ears are different, and my perfect tube may not be yours.

 

[AdamB]

Thanks for that Eric! Great help

So tomorrow, i'm going to order some Tung Sol EL34b's and some Svetlana 6550's!

If i don't like the 6550's, i'm looking for you

Haha!

 

[aeroic]

Thanks for that Eric! Great help

So tomorrow, i'm going to order some Tung Sol EL34b's and some Svetlana 6550's!

If i don't like the 6550's, i'm looking for you

Haha!

HAHAHA. Well..most people I have steered to them really like them a lot. I don't think you will be disappointed. They are some great tubes...both the EL34Bs and the 6550s.

 

[muudrock]

I put some 6550's in the mod 50 about a month ago and they are still in there. I was running e34l and 5881 occasionally, but the 6550s have something the others don't. To my ear, everything is more even instead of a certain frequency range being accentuated...Mids-el34, highs and low-6l6/5881. Lows mids and highs just seem more in balance to me and that makes the tone fuller and louder.

I still like the GT E34L for a 34 tube, but these Svetlana 6550s have got me liking them. Only problem i have with them is getting them biased. Seems like no matter what, one of em is super hot and the other isnt'. I'm not able to dial them perfectly on the 50 since only one bias pot.

Hey Muud... Have you tried the TS EL34B's? Those are pretty awesome tubes for a EL34. They are currently in my Mod50 at the moment. Mind you I do play my M4 and VHT 2/90/2 the most, which has the Svet 6550s in there (which is my favorite power tube by far).

As far as tones for 6550s, I agree with Muud here. They have a great tight low end, like a 6L6, but tighter and with more girth. The mids are very even, basically in between a EL34 and a 6L6, but are very smooth and buttery. The high end is very sparkly, but not ice-pick harsh. I love the way all my modules sound through 6550s!!! I tried out the OD100's power section today, and it sounded good, but I have to say the Mod50 and VHT 2/90/2's power section way better.

On another note with regards to the OD100, I have to say I like the Eggie stuff way better. The clean channel was very awesome though! Very T like...with a hint of DLX to it. The distortion channel was good, but was a bit grainy for my taste. I have to say I like the EG5 way better for me. With all that said, the OD100 is a killer amp, but not for me. Going on the classifieds tomorrow.

Eric

I've tried the TS EL34b and they were good. I just havent found a 34 based tube that sounds as good as the set of GT E34Ls that I've had for ages. They refuse to die and sound incredible. I like the little added headroom compared to a standard EL34, specially in the 50 watter. I am really impressed with the SVET 6550's right now as they just have a very nice nice feel and tone and are super sweet with amp volume up.

Most of the 34-based tubes I've gone through have something to them that I just don't bond with. I have to say though Eric, you've become a very good source of info on these tubes. I'd be interested in how much $$ you have wrapped up that drawer full of tubes that you don't use...

 

[Buckeyedog]

Tungsol EL34B - I think the most important feature of the Tungsol EL34-B is the fact that it is every bit as good as the Winged “C” / SED EL34 and costs $20 less per pair.
[/quote]

I also read this review.....but from what I can see on the tubestore site, the TS is only $2.00 less per pair?? Guess I must be missing something.

I would like to try the TS EL34b's but the last two pair I got from Tube depot were bad.

 

[aeroic]

I put some 6550's in the mod 50 about a month ago and they are still in there. I was running e34l and 5881 occasionally, but the 6550s have something the others don't. To my ear, everything is more even instead of a certain frequency range being accentuated...Mids-el34, highs and low-6l6/5881. Lows mids and highs just seem more in balance to me and that makes the tone fuller and louder.

I still like the GT E34L for a 34 tube, but these Svetlana 6550s have got me liking them. Only problem i have with them is getting them biased. Seems like no matter what, one of em is super hot and the other isnt'. I'm not able to dial them perfectly on the 50 since only one bias pot.

Hey Muud... Have you tried the TS EL34B's? Those are pretty awesome tubes for a EL34. They are currently in my Mod50 at the moment. Mind you I do play my M4 and VHT 2/90/2 the most, which has the Svet 6550s in there (which is my favorite power tube by far).

As far as tones for 6550s, I agree with Muud here. They have a great tight low end, like a 6L6, but tighter and with more girth. The mids are very even, basically in between a EL34 and a 6L6, but are very smooth and buttery. The high end is very sparkly, but not ice-pick harsh. I love the way all my modules sound through 6550s!!! I tried out the OD100's power section today, and it sounded good, but I have to say the Mod50 and VHT 2/90/2's power section way better.

On another note with regards to the OD100, I have to say I like the Eggie stuff way better. The clean channel was very awesome though! Very T like...with a hint of DLX to it. The distortion channel was good, but was a bit grainy for my taste. I have to say I like the EG5 way better for me. With all that said, the OD100 is a killer amp, but not for me. Going on the classifieds tomorrow.

Eric

I've tried the TS EL34b and they were good. I just havent found a 34 based tube that sounds as good as the set of GT E34Ls that I've had for ages. They refuse to die and sound incredible. I like the little added headroom compared to a standard EL34, specially in the 50 watter. I am really impressed with the SVET 6550's right now as they just have a very nice nice feel and tone and are super sweet with amp volume up.

Most of the 34-based tubes I've gone through have something to them that I just don't bond with. I have to say though Eric, you've become a very good source of info on these tubes. I'd be interested in how much $$ you have wrapped up that drawer full of tubes that you don't use...

Man...too much to count . I haven't tried the GT E34L's...so I can't compare to that. I'm usually not a EL34 guy...so for me to like EL34s...that's rare . I am with you on the Svet 6550s though. I've been using the Svet 6550s for about 7-8 years now. I try other 6550s...then go back to the Svets. There is just something about them that I just love. Very balanced, very punchy lows, great growly low mids...smooth and butter upper mids...and a sparkle to the top end that just strikes my fancy!

I have the TS EL34b's in my Mod50 right now, just to futz around with..but the mainstay has always been my Svet 6550s.

On a "big drawer of tubes note" I do need to do some housecleaning on that though. I have too man tubes . Preamp tubes, power amp tubes...just too many. I've really started honing in on what sounds best with Eggie gear though... at least for me. I'm glad...and my wallet is glad!

Only gear I really have gas for right now is that Renegade 50 head. That's a killer head. I'm curious to know if any 5881 / 6L6 and EL34 can go into there. If I get one, I might have to get a set of E34Ls and a set of TS 5881s to put in there. That digital reverb option is just so damn cool . Would be a killer "small gig rig" or a bad ass practice amp!!! But I also have a Mod50 1x12 combo too .

Eric

 

[aeroic]

Tungsol EL34B - I think the most important feature of the Tungsol EL34-B is the fact that it is every bit as good as the Winged “C” / SED EL34 and costs $20 less per pair.

I also read this review.....but from what I can see on the tubestore site, the TS is only $2.00 less per pair?? Guess I must be missing something.

I would like to try the TS EL34b's but the last two pair I got from Tube depot were bad.[/quote]

You can borrow mine if you want to try out. On that review, I think when they wrote it the SED's were more expensive, but have come down in price once the TS EL34B's started gaining traction.

 

[Buckeyedog]

You can borrow mine if you want to try out. On that review, I think when they wrote it the SED's were more expensive, but have come down in price once the TS EL34B's started gaining traction.

Gotcha, that makes total sense. Hey, I may take you up on that offer.......

Just what I need.....more temptation for more power tubes!! Damn these amps!!

 

[aeroic]

I'd be interested in how much $$ you have wrapped up that drawer full of tubes that you don't use...

So ...I just did a look to see what I have in my drawer....

8 - Electro Harmonix 12ax7EH's
5- Tung Sol 12ax7's
8 - Chinese 12ax7a's
2 - Ruby 12ax7a's
5 - Jan Philips 12AT7s
7 - Jan Philips 5751's
5 - Sovtek 12ax7wa's

6 - Svetlana 6550s (2 are on loan to EWSEthan)
6 - Tung Sol 6550s (2 are on loan to EWSEthan)
2 - Sovtek 6550s
2 - SED =C= 6550s
2 - SED =C= EL34's
2 - JJ 6V6's
2 - Tung Sol 5881s
2 - JJ 6V6's
2 - Tube Amp Dr EL84's
2 - EH EL84s
2 - JJ EL84s

I know I am going to sell a few of these. Most importantly the TS 6550 quad. The rest I'll probably keep. I do some recording sessions where I want some variability in power and preamp tubes .

Eric

 

[jmgman69]

The GT EL34Ms were Damn nice,I gave a new set to Richie and he burned them up They did sound nice tho!!!

 

[jkdsteve]

I'd be interested in how much $$ you have wrapped up that drawer full of tubes that you don't use...

So ...I just did a look to see what I have in my drawer....

8 - Electro Harmonix 12ax7EH's
5- Tung Sol 12ax7's
8 - Chinese 12ax7a's
2 - Ruby 12ax7a's
5 - Jan Philips 12AT7s
7 - Jan Philips 5751's
5 - Sovtek 12ax7wa's

6 - Svetlana 6550s (2 are on loan to EWSEthan)
6 - Tung Sol 6550s (2 are on loan to EWSEthan)
2 - Sovtek 6550s
2 - SED =C= 6550s
2 - SED =C= EL34's
2 - JJ 6V6's
2 - Tung Sol 5881s
2 - JJ 6V6's
2 - Tube Amp Dr EL84's
2 - EH EL84s
2 - JJ EL84s

I know I am going to sell a few of these. Most importantly the TS 6550 quad. The rest I'll probably keep. I do some recording sessions where I want some variability in power and preamp tubes .

Eric

Looks kinda like my new tube collection only 2x on the pre-amp tubes...heh

Darn, I just paid for some new TS 6550s :-/

 

[richedie]

Hi Eric, I agree with you. As I started getting back into playing recently I bought some TS EL34Bs. I am blown away, They are so much better than others I tried. My amp got thicker and ballsier with these over other EL34s, thicker, better mids.

 

[Buckeyedog]

What are you guys biasing the 6550's?? I think mine are around 41 or 42. the manual says between 35 and 45. You think hotter the better??

Man, you guys got me excited to try the TS EL34B.........

 

[aeroic]

I'd be interested in how much $$ you have wrapped up that drawer full of tubes that you don't use...

So ...I just did a look to see what I have in my drawer....

8 - Electro Harmonix 12ax7EH's
5- Tung Sol 12ax7's
8 - Chinese 12ax7a's
2 - Ruby 12ax7a's
5 - Jan Philips 12AT7s
7 - Jan Philips 5751's
5 - Sovtek 12ax7wa's

6 - Svetlana 6550s (2 are on loan to EWSEthan)
6 - Tung Sol 6550s (2 are on loan to EWSEthan)
2 - Sovtek 6550s
2 - SED =C= 6550s
2 - SED =C= EL34's
2 - JJ 6V6's
2 - Tung Sol 5881s
2 - JJ 6V6's
2 - Tube Amp Dr EL84's
2 - EH EL84s
2 - JJ EL84s

I know I am going to sell a few of these. Most importantly the TS 6550 quad. The rest I'll probably keep. I do some recording sessions where I want some variability in power and preamp tubes .

Eric

Looks kinda like my new tube collection only 2x on the pre-amp tubes...heh

Darn, I just paid for some new TS 6550s :-/

That sucks man. The quad I have was not even used (I have 6 of them). I'm keeping two.

 

[aeroic]

Hi Eric, I agree with you. As I started getting back into playing recently I bought some TS EL34Bs. I am blown away, They are so much better than others I tried. My amp got thicker and ballsier with these over other EL34s, thicker, better mids.

That's good man! I'm super impressed with the TS EL34B's. Hope you get feeling better man

 

[aeroic]

What are you guys biasing the 6550's?? I think mine are around 41 or 42. the manual says between 35 and 45. You think hotter the better??

Man, you guys got me excited to try the TS EL34B.........

I do mine in between 45-48ish. I like mine just a bit hotter.

Eric

 

[destratification]

I just wanted to confirm with anyone that owns an RT2/50 whether the 6550's work in that amp without any modifications? From the great reviews here I'd like to try them out in my amp and I've read some differing opinions on whether they fit or not.

I love the tones I heard in Eric's COD clip and I'm just not achieving that 'openness' and articulation that he's getting. My COD sounds kind of compressed (right now I'm using Ruby 6L6s).

thanks

 

[aeroic]

I just wanted to confirm with anyone that owns an RT2/50 whether the 6550's work in that amp without any modifications? From the great reviews here I'd like to try them out in my amp and I've read some differing opinions on whether they fit or not.

I love the tones I heard in Eric's COD clip and I'm just not achieving that 'openness' and articulation that he's getting. My COD sounds kind of compressed (right now I'm using Ruby 6L6s).

thanks

I know Jason is using Svetlana 6550s with no problem at all!