B_limo - what tubes are in your amp now? What change would you like to hear? Are your current tubes new or pre owned? If used give them 25 hrs before making a judgement. If new they could take 100 - 200 - 350hrs before they settle down which is why I asked what tube are in there now.
Tubes 101
I'm very new to tubes. Is there a sonic signature to different tubes? For instance, do Kt-88's have more highs and bass? Do 6550's have better midrange?
It seems like KT-88's, 6550's, EL-34's are the most common, or at least those are the ones that I keep seeing pop up.
I can use KT-88, 6550, KT-90, EL-34, 6L6GC, 7581A, KT66...
In terms of sound, I want it all, and why save $100-$200 on tubes when I'm already this deep in the rabbit hole?
To further complicate things, which brands are better? I'm thinking a matched quad set of Cyro'ed Gold Lion Kt-88's might look pretty sitting in my PrimaLuna Prologue 5....
It seems like KT-88's, 6550's, EL-34's are the most common, or at least those are the ones that I keep seeing pop up.
I can use KT-88, 6550, KT-90, EL-34, 6L6GC, 7581A, KT66...
In terms of sound, I want it all, and why save $100-$200 on tubes when I'm already this deep in the rabbit hole?
To further complicate things, which brands are better? I'm thinking a matched quad set of Cyro'ed Gold Lion Kt-88's might look pretty sitting in my PrimaLuna Prologue 5....
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- 13 posts total
I have been switching between some svetlanna 6550's and electro harmonix el88's. I prefer the el88's bass and highs. The svetlanna 6550's can make some vocals sound really nice, and possibly image better, but they make some rock music sound awful. My input tubes are a mix of g.e. and others with no names... I have the regular input tubes that came with the prima luna but prefer these others. I'm thinking that some bugle boy input tubes with some golden lion kt88's might be good... Ultimately, I'd like extension at both ends; sparkling highs, tight bass and good imaging are probably my priorities. |
B limo I have SED 6550 and KT88's. Not sure how close the Svetlana sounds compared to SED. But from what you are describing I would suggest Ei KT90's (type 2 or 3). Besides great extension at both ends it has great mids too not to mention a huge soundstage. They are a little pricey but nothing like original vintage 6550's or KT88's. I also have no experience with EH but a local tube seller prefers the Ei KT90 over the Eh KT90 by a long shot. Finding Ei KT90's can be a little difficult since production was halted in the early 90's. Ending in a few hrs - no affiliation http://app.audiogon.com/listings/tubes-kt90-ei-nos-amazing-sound-kt-version-ei-kt90-second-generation-quad-2-spares-new-in-2014-01-04-accessories-33441-deerfield-beach-fl |
Jburidan - Per Jim McShane (one of two local tube sellers) the type 3 is a wonderful tube as long as you didn't get the last from the factory. The last ones had mis-aligned heaters which caused the anodes to get cherry red (typically in a few hrs) before arcing over resulting in premature failures. Probably not many left. I have 2 quads of type3 and 3 quads of type2. Except for the type3's being slightly lighter (thinner glass) and the lack of spot welds on the anodes they sound the same to me. So I do agree there may be a handful of bad type3's still out there there are a lot more good ones left. The type1's were the worst by far. |
- 13 posts total