Is it time for 6550s?

[EWSEthan]

OK, so I know Eric loves them. I also still love the Tung Sol 5881s so Im not looking to change to find something better. Im just thinking of trying something different. Should it be Tung Sols or Svetlanas? Will I still get power tube distortion from 6550s or will they run too clean for my taste? I love it when the 5881s get driven hard and really add that power tube warm gain.

 

[aeroic]

OK, so I know Eric loves them. I also still love the Tung Sol 5881s so Im not looking to change to find something better. Im just thinking of trying something different. Should it be Tung Sols or Svetlanas? Will I still get power tube distortion from 6550s or will they run too clean for my taste? I love it when the 5881s get driven hard and really add that power tube warm gain.

One thing I love about 6550s is that they sound good at all volumes. I really like when they get pushed on my Mod50 on the lower output option, they really get warm and juicy in the mids. It really doesn't add "gain" because most of your tone is getting pushed at the preamp level, but they do get warmer and warmer, but not harsher like some power tubes do.

I have a set of Tung Sols and Svetlana's. I find the Svetlana's to be more warm and juicy in the mid-range, and be a bit tighter on the bottom end, and have a sparkle to the top end. I'm selling my set of Tung Sol 6550s, if that gives you an idea .

I have been using the Svetlana 6550s for YEARS, and I still have yet to find a better 6550. Be warned...you might not want to go back to your TS 5881s . I am still keeping the TS 5881s around for fun "every now and then" but the Svetlana 6550s have definitely found a home in my Mod50 . I am keeping JJ 6V6's, Svet 6550s, TS 5881s, and SED winged EL34's around for my tube selection w/ my Mod50. I need to get a set of Yellowjackets though for EL84 love!

The Mod50 is so damn cool that you can change out tubes so friggin easily!

Eric

 

[Gripp]

Eric, just to avoid any confusion, when you say Svetlana 6550 you mean "new reflektor Svetlana" and not "winged C, SED, former Svetlana" tubes right?
Thinking about a retube for my VHT 2/90/2 here.
Oh, what 12ax7 and 12au7's are you using in your 2/90/2?
/Pelle

 

[aeroic]

Eric, just to avoid any confusion, when you say Svetlana 6550 you mean "new reflektor Svetlana" and not "winged C, SED, former Svetlana" tubes right?
Thinking about a retube for my VHT 2/90/2 here.
Oh, what 12ax7 and 12au7's are you using in your 2/90/2?
/Pelle

Svetlana, not SED. I'm using Svetlana 6550c's.

Eric

 

[AdamB]

What's the difference tonally then between 6L6's and 6550's?

 

[Bantam Menace]

I just got some 6550's...looks like the tube retainers have to come out for 'em to fit? Anybody else deal with this?

 

[jkdsteve]

I just got some 6550's...looks like the tube retainers have to come out for 'em to fit? Anybody else deal with this?

Yup...two cross head screws to undo, remove the retainer..then put the screws back in...I think they secure the socket to the chassis.

 

[Hectic Watermelon]

one thing I love about 6550s is that they sound good at all volumes. I really like when they get pushed on my Mod50 on the lower output option, they really get warm and juicy in the mids. It really doesn't add "gain" because most of your tone is getting pushed at the preamp level, but they do get warmer and warmer, but not harsher like some power tubes do.

I have a set of Tung Sols and Svetlana's. I find the Svetlana's to be more warm and juicy in the mid-range, and be a bit tighter on the bottom end, and have a sparkle to the top end. I'm selling my set of Tung Sol 6550s, if that gives you an idea .

I have been using the Svetlana 6550s for YEARS, and I still have yet to find a better 6550. Be warned...you might not want to go back to your TS 5881s . I am still keeping the TS 5881s around for fun "every now and then" but the Svetlana 6550s have definitely found a home in my Mod50 . I am keeping JJ 6V6's, Svet 6550s, TS 5881s, and SED winged EL34's around for my tube selection w/ my Mod50. I need to get a set of Yellowjackets though for EL84 love!

The Mod50 is so damn cool that you can change out tubes so friggin easily!

Eric

Hey Eric, do you think I'd like the 6550's too? I need to replace my 5881's. Had 'em in for almost a year now!

 

[aeroic]

one thing I love about 6550s is that they sound good at all volumes. I really like when they get pushed on my Mod50 on the lower output option, they really get warm and juicy in the mids. It really doesn't add "gain" because most of your tone is getting pushed at the preamp level, but they do get warmer and warmer, but not harsher like some power tubes do.

I have a set of Tung Sols and Svetlana's. I find the Svetlana's to be more warm and juicy in the mid-range, and be a bit tighter on the bottom end, and have a sparkle to the top end. I'm selling my set of Tung Sol 6550s, if that gives you an idea .

I have been using the Svetlana 6550s for YEARS, and I still have yet to find a better 6550. Be warned...you might not want to go back to your TS 5881s . I am still keeping the TS 5881s around for fun "every now and then" but the Svetlana 6550s have definitely found a home in my Mod50 . I am keeping JJ 6V6's, Svet 6550s, TS 5881s, and SED winged EL34's around for my tube selection w/ my Mod50. I need to get a set of Yellowjackets though for EL84 love!

The Mod50 is so damn cool that you can change out tubes so friggin easily!

Eric

Hey Eric, do you think I'd like the 6550's too? I need to replace my 5881's. Had 'em in for almost a year now!

I think so man. Get a set of Svetlana 6550c's and try them out in your Mod50. I've been very happy with them over the years.

Eric