ARC tube CD players - Burn in

Riparian mine did come with 6550 WE.

Been searching for your suggestion and I see (SED) or the same number without the SED notation. Both are the winged version. Does it matter which one I order?

Thanks

Yashu,
It can be confusing with Russian vacuum tube manufacturers. SED (Svetlana Eletron Devices)is another Russian company which bought the name, and makes a 6550C. If there is no Winged C, that isn't the one you want. The =C= SED (Winged C) logo is used by the company formerly known as Svetlana. The key is to get a 6550C with the Winged C logo (also says SED).

I don't believe the Winged C 6550C tubes are manufactured anymore, and that is a possible reason why ARC does not provide them with new electronics. Maybe someone from ARC could comment on that.

It is important to get a Winged C 6550C from a reputable tube dealer. Apparently (I cannot verify this) there are some substandard Winged C tubes in circulation.

Break in used to be 50 hrs, now 600? I have had my CD8 for over 3 years and frankly it's little different now as it was new. I have 200hr on my 5SE and cannot perceive any major change in sound. However, 600 hrs breakin is a good way to defer buyer expectations beyond the return period.

Djcxxx, Are you saying nothing else in your system has changed in three years? That must be some sort of record. I was under the distinct impression audiophiles generally changed things frequently, if not continuously.

UPDATE.......

Been running unit 24/7 just under two weeks and the difference is staggering! I now hear the vinyl like presentation with incredible detail. Not even fully broken in, and already exceeding my expectations. Sometimes I guess patience really is a virtue.

Can't even imagine how much better it will continue to sound. Will try the winged c 6550 a little further down the road, but am thrilled right now.

Thanks all, for the suggestions.