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Kt88 or 6550 tube for McIntosh MC275

Hi,  

I have a MC275 comes with original McIntosh KT88 tubes.  I am wondering if it is worthwhile to try other and what to try.  First question is, do I need a match quad?  Or I can get away with two matches pairs?  If I need matched quad, then it seems my only option is to get new production tubes as the NOS matched quads are very expensive.

For new production, I did some research.  It seems people prefer KT88 over 6550.  And the two brands for recommended are SED and Genalex Gold Lion reissue.  Are they better than the stock McIntosh tube?  Or should I save money and upgrade my other component such as my DAC or adding a preamp first?

thanks.
gte357s
mozartfan
2,143 posts
 
KT90 is quite dif,, has some points over the 6550/88, but for open-ness soundstage, go 6550/88. 
 Here you go makea  compare, 
'all 88/6550 ever made, the specs are so close = makes no difference, 
like twin brothers.
Not 1 audiophile in the world could detect a  blind test A/B twix 6550 vs KT88.
Impossible, as they voice near identical. 
Sure there may bea  mini-scule dif twix every lab's 6550/KY88, even there it will be tiny. 
So to sum up
6550 vs KT88, mini-scule dif
Brand X vs Brand Y KT88 miniscule dif.
Thats said, I am in agreement with another audiophiles opinions of the GL's, He did not like their voice, and neither did I./ 
These Svet voice beautiful and are made like tanks = Gold Winner in my book

https://frank.pocnet.net/sheets/049/6/6550.pdf

https://frank.pocnet.net/sheets/164/k/KT88spec.pdf

rodman99999
6,188 posts
 
There are no new SED, Winged =C=, Svetlana tubes in production. I really liked them, but- the St Petersburg plant burned down, years ago and SED closed the doors.     Some info from a reputable dealer: https://www.thetubestore.com/winged-c-sed-6550c           and: https://www.thetubestore.com/tube-brands/sed-winged-c (read the bottom of that last page)      Try contacting known to be honest tube mongers, like the above, Brent Jessee Recording, TC Tubes or Upscale Audio, for knowledgeable advice.
jjss49's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
jjss49
6,612 posts
 
painful ignorance on display in this thread, coupled with bravado and confidence

oldhyvme - don't waste your breath

ugh
stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,476 posts
 
The McIntosh branded tubes in the MC275 IV, are JJ tubes with McIntosh name on them. They are nothing special.  Most of the Mac owners get the Gold Lion KT88 as replacements.  There seems to be a consensus that the GL tubes are the best sounding in the Mac. 
oldhvymec
5,101 posts
 
oldhyvmec - don’t waste your breath!

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Well OP is getting 2 cents worth. I was glad to help, If I did, or not, I’m not sure. Golden Lyons? WOW. I picked up two matched sets of KT77 (sixtets), I had a set of NOS Volvo, Red Rubies, and EH fat bottle and Slim Jims EVERYONE outperformed the Golden Lyons.  I had failure to top it off, with the GL.

Golden Lyon are within 10%, the Red Rubies and both EH types were within 5%.. The GLs were 30-100% more expensive... ????

Solvex are great for the ol 275s, Better than JJs sonicly.

You know I noticed the post number 1000.
Quit the little chatterbox aren't I...
Now I need a raise, this job has some serious wage issues. :-)

Regards
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