2. amps-preamps
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tube question for ARC Ref 3 users

Are you using a standard 6550 C tube in power stage or have you found other solutions? I'm using 6L6GC at the moment. My humble opinion is that sound is better with 6L6GC (better resolution with same musicality). Any other ideas?
mkilpi
broederen
22 posts
 
Interesting subject. Any thought on Frank's question on the 6H30 tube regarding the audible sonic differences of manufacturer/dating of the tubes? Also applicable to the 6550C?

I need to replace tubes later this year. Would be very interesting to know if a potential audible improvement on the already great (glorious) performance of the ref3 is possible!
vmk
41 posts
 
I replaced the stock 6550C tube with a NOS Tung-Sol
black plate (1950's) with wonderful results. Have not
replaced stock 6H30 tubes. NOS tube did take alittle
break-in to sound it's best. Nice improvement to an
already great line stage.
guidocorona
4,298 posts
 
VMK, I'm glad you had wonderful result. . . could you please elaborate with some comparative findings? Thanks, Guido
vmk
41 posts
 
Guido,
I compared the stock ARC 6550C, the Tung-Sol
6550C (current production), and NOS Tung-Sol black
plate 6550C in my ARC Ref 3. I was always happy with the
stock 6550C tube. Ultimately I found the NOS tube added alittle more warmth that I really found captivating. All the fantastic resolution was there in spades but with alittle "CJ" warmth. I did not care for the current production Tung-Sol. I found it uninvolving and sterile
sounding.
Vmk
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