6550 tube vs KT88

>> I found zero bass with the 2 88 tubes I tested
agree w/ commercial member "Audiofeil". The KT88 tubes are anything but bass shy! I'm using EH KT88 in my JoLida 502A to very good effect. They sound better (more balanced over the entire audio spectrum) than the original winged-C Svetlana 6550 tubes.

One thing that you *need* to realize is that different amps take to different tubes.
By this I mean, for example, just because KT88 sound great in my JoLida does not mean that they'll sound as great in your CJ 11a or some other amp.

For the particular amp that you have several people have tube-rolled before & probably catalogued somewhere in these archives which output tube sounds best, better, good & fair. Same deal w/ my JoLida - the EH KT88 is reputed to work really well in this amp & I can 2nd this from my experience.
You probably need to search these archives; it'll be worth your while.
The EH KT88 is a bit bass heavy (you are correct) but it's soundscape is not flat like KS!

Thanks Tvad I'll order that issue. I think the issue here is that my Seas speakers area MTM design rated at 87db, so its just not a match for the KT88 I demoed nor the EH88's that I rolloed in my JOR.
db rating must be 90+ to be effective.
This is the one drawback with Seas speakers, few tube amps can bring out the dynamics. The Jadis is one that can meet these demands, as their web site says, "our amps can drive any speaker" and they can. I've put their smallest amp to the test.
Not sure how the Jadis 88 tubes image? vs the 90's I'm using.
The thing is, if I order a Jadis amp in the future, I may just stay with the 90, as I like the sound. And may not be willing to give up the characteristics of the 90 in order to gain some benifits of the 88's or 6550's.
Trade off's are a part of this audio realm. But if it isn't broke, don't fix it.

Bartokfan,

>> I think the issue here is that my Seas speakers area
>> MTM design rated at 87db, so its just not a match for
>> the KT88
I do not understand this convoluted logic! what does 87dB SPL/W/m have to do with compatibility with KT88 output tubes?

what is the bias voltage set at for the KT88 tubes?
(for example, in my 502A the recommended bias voltage for 6550 tubes is 50mV. However, KT88 work better in this amp when their bias is set at 55mV i.e. driven slightly harder).

As far as I can tell: you do not have sufficient power amp output wattage to drive is mid-low efficiency speaker. Correct?
If so, please do not blame your lack of output power wattage on the sonics of the KT88!