ARC Ref 3: Tung-Sol 6550 in power supply?

Jmcgrogan2 ->

ARC uses Shunyata Anaconda Helix Alpha PCs at their factory.

Oneobgyn ->

99% of manufacturers stick to current production tubes. So even though, SED 6550 that is used in all ARC gear may well be the best current production tube available, there is also a broad selection of NOS tubes (various TungSol, GE), which very often, are far superior.

BTW - for those who wish to stick with current production tubes - there is a more expensive version of SED 6550, called Black Sable. It is made by the same manufacturer, but is twice as expensive. I was always wondering, what difference it may make.

i didn't ask re PC's but FWIW I use Valhalla throughout my system...nonetheless I think we are now talking apples and oranges (tubes with PC's)

i didn't ask re PC's

Jmcgrogan2 did.

Now returning in earnest to the main topic [grins!]. . . The 6550C Black Sable will make for an interesting experiment with my Ref 3 the coming Fall, when my music loft becomes once again 'tube friendly'. If it sounds even more linear and extended than the standard tube, I may very well like it. Conversely, if it sounded warmer to me, I probably won't.

Well I cannot say that I have heard the latest Shunyata Anaconda Helix Alpha p/c with my ARC Ref 3, I have heard many cords, including the older series Anaconda Matrix Alpha and Vx, as well as the Nordost Valhalla (amongst many others). I still feel that my favorite, in my system, to my ears is the Stealth Preamp Dream, FWIW.

Cheers,
John