Replacing 6550s with KT 88s

I had been purchasing NOS Sylvania 6550's, from Upscale, until his supply ran out. Went to the =C= and felt I was missing nothing(at that point). Those had over four years on them when replaced with the NOS GE 6550A octet. Thus- I can't offer a valid, direct comparison. It's my impression, however, that the GE's are a more dynamic, open & cleaner tube, than either the Sylvania or =C=(at the same bias setting). Once you have listened to your rig with the new compliment of tubes for a time: Try some NOS Siemens E188CC's or 7308's(direct replacement, identical in every parameter to the 6DJ8/6922), in your phase splitter and driver slots.

Rodman
Thanks that seems a sensible way to go as the price differential between NOS and current production for phase splitter and driver tubes, at least in Singapore , is much lower than the 6550 power tubes.
Will post my impressions post makeover.
Cheers
Pradeep

WOW- Singapore! I'll bet tubes ARE expensive over there. I've purchased quite a few Siemens tubes(in the past 12 years), from this vendor in West Germany. He's very reliable and sells excellent tubes: (http://myworld.ebay.com/audiotubes_de&ssPageName=STRK:MEFSX:SELLERID&_trksid=p3984.m1543.l2533) I started dealing with him long before he sold on eBay. Yes- Rolling preamp, driver and splitters is less expensive, UNLESS your tastes lean toward the pre-1966 Siemens CCa(I use six in my system), Tung-Sol CTL/6SN7GT round plates(two) and Sylvania CHS/6SN7W tall bottles(two). The sound staging, extension, air and liquidity of these tubes is addictive(and, YEAH- I'm hooked). I'm getting sick, just thinking of what will happen, when my personal stash runs out(OUCH). Looking forward to your impressions, post-swap. Happy listening!

Sunnyboy, my amp is an ARC VS-115 which originally came stock with 6550C tubes. Since then ARC switched out to the KT-120s, which is what I used now. Bought the KT-120s from Upscale Audio. In my opinion, the KT-120s better the 6550C tubes in pretty much every way. If your amp can handle the extra current demands, consider the KT-120s. But check with the factory first!

Rodman
Check out the Well Audio Labs (Singapore)site. I reckon the prices are competitive vis a vis some other online sites.
Bifwynne
Many thanks for the tip. Will contact CJ and hopefully get a response before I set out on my travels .
Happy listening
Pradeep