2. amps-preamps
  3. 185513-7401

Reliable source for 6550WE tube - Audio Research Ref 6

Re-tubing an ARC Ref 6 and seems like the 6550WE tube is hard to come by these days. Upscale only sells to Primaluna owners, Tube Depot has it on backorder. 
The only other source for this tube that I was able to find is The Tube Store. Any comments on quality of their tubes?

Also, thinking to replace the Sovtek 6H30 with EH 6H30 Gold Pin tubes.
Thoughts?
 

Thanks in advance!

128x128audphile1
lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,076 posts
 

@audphile1 

I sourced my tubes from Tube Amp Doctor when I owned Ref 6. If you can swing it, try the ultra rare Reflector 6H30n-DP (made before end of 1992) tubes that includes gold grids. As far 6550, I highly recommend trying SVETLANA Winged "C" 6550C is an amazing rectifier. It has very controlled sound - nothing offensive can be found in any part of the frequency response. Also very consistent in detail and separation, with clean highs and exceptional balance throughout. 

https://www.tubeampdoctor.com/en/6n30p-dr/6h30n-dp

https://www.tubeampdoctor.com/en/sed-6550c-svetlana-c/russia?number=NN281

facten
2,746 posts
 

Check out VivaTubes , the website suggest that they have 6550s in stock

audphile1's avatar
audphile1 OP
4,308 posts
 

@lalitk thanks but that’s a bit higher than the budget for new tubes. Will keep this info in mind though just in case. Is there a difference between 6550WE and C?
 

@facten thanks! Have you had good experience with Viva Tubes?

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