Posbwp555 - I think that the problem with Ref 3 - and all other components build around 6H30 tube for that matter - is the range of available alternatives is extremly limited. AFAIK there is only one NOS tube you can try - the mil spec 6H30 DR tube from the late 80s/early 90s.
There is a wider selection of NOS 6550s - you can get TungSol, GE - but that tube (single) is only used in Ref 3 power supply, so its impact may be somehow limited.
Yesterday, I have played with the quartet of DRs in my Ref 110 power amp. They improved HF extension, soundstage depth and allowed to hear more of the spatial clues. The improvement was not dramatic by any means - more like power cord upgrade, but it was worthwile nonetheless and I'm looking forward to try them in my Ref 3 as well (hopefully today).
There is a wider selection of NOS 6550s - you can get TungSol, GE - but that tube (single) is only used in Ref 3 power supply, so its impact may be somehow limited.
Yesterday, I have played with the quartet of DRs in my Ref 110 power amp. They improved HF extension, soundstage depth and allowed to hear more of the spatial clues. The improvement was not dramatic by any means - more like power cord upgrade, but it was worthwile nonetheless and I'm looking forward to try them in my Ref 3 as well (hopefully today).