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

Dear all,

I became curious. I acquired 2 NOS Tung Sols Black Plate 1957. Can I exchange without any other "thing to take care off"?
Keep you posted.

Cheers,

Broederen

It all depends what Tung Sols Black Plate 1957tubes you purchased.

Hi Guidocorona,

The details of the Tungs are as follows:

Pair of 1957 Tung-Sol 6550 tubes. The tubes were " MADE IN U.S.A." by Tung-Sol and the matching production code is 3225711-3 . The construction is superb with smooth black plates, triple top mount rectangular getters, copper grid posts (killer) and tight metal bases with strong guide shafts. They were tested for gas, leakage and merit on my Eico 667 tester where the 60-80 range is somewhat acceptable. The tubes tested 136 and 136, very strong on the life test and matched.

Cheers,

Broederen

Broederen, if the tubes are 6550 types, one of them can probably be inserted in the single 6550-compatible socket in the power supply of the Ref 3. As Tung Sols seem to be fatter than SEDs, make sure that the lower portion of the glass does not touch the 6H30 tube beneath it. G.

Thanks Guidocorona

I have replaced the Svetlana 6550 with a 1957 Tung Sol. I'm surprised by the difference in sound. I'm not so good in describing but its seems tighter bass, increased resolution and more "punch". And the system is now playing only for a couple of hours.......................

I can imagine that for a company like ARC it is not possible to put these type of 6550's in simply because of costs and even more constraining: availability!

Cheers,

Broederen