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Genelex KT-88 or Tung-sol 6550?

Yamaha B-2

Yamaha B-2

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Going to order a set of back-up tubes to have on the shelf for my new MC275 75wpc power amp. Am thinking a set of the Sensor re-issue Tung-sol 6550 or re-issue Genelex KT-88. The amp comes from the factory with a decent set of Chinese KT-88 tubes which provide a nice sound. However, I have not yet run a set of 6550 tubes in any amp and am wondering what I should expect. What do you think? Other than a bit more power with the KT-88s, what other difference will I hear? Which would you pick and why?
 
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In my opinion, if you like the way the KT88's sound I would stick with those. If you buy the 6550's and decide that you do not like them as much, you're stuck with them. I have Rogue 150 mono's, they come with KT88's. They can also use 6550's. When I spoke with Mark O'Brien of Rogue and told him that I was thinking about using 6550's he seemed to think that the amp was better with the KT88's. In other words, The Rogue is optimized for KT88's. So when I bought my back up set, I bought KT88's (EH). Maybe the Mac is the same way (optimized for KT88's). Besides, getting as much power as possible is what it is all about when your dealing with music. (just my opinion) Hey, do you have any friends that can let you borrow some 6550's just for a listen?
(what are friends for?)
Just a thought. Take care.

AF
 
Just put in a set of Tung-sol 6550 re-issues (Sensor) that I got from Doug's (at his recommendation when compared to the Genelex KT88 re-issue) and to my ears there was an immediate opening up of the top end compared to the stock McIntosh MC275 KT88s. Hope that it is even better once they are broken-in.

EDIT - BTW - The Tung-sol 6550 re-issue is not as large a tube as is the stock McIntosh KT88. Same shape, just smaller. But, as I continue to listen, it is, for me, certainly a good choice.
 
That is interesting that the 6550's opened things up in your Mac amp. Please keep me posted, I might change my conservative ways...

AF
 
I just purchased two mono block push/pull 6550 amps that came out of storage from 1959 all NOS amps in orginal boxes tubes from great britian, mullard, Tung-Sol 6550 Black plate 3 getters 2 on one side 1 on top 3225904. I got a quad of EH KT-88 and all other tubes to use while working on them if all goes well I can try 6550 1959 tubes or EH KT-88.
 
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Ha, ha.............. $125/quad versus $149/pair (or less), today. That's some inflation (17 years and Putin's war in Ukraine).
My experience is 6550's for mid-range liquidity and KT88's for authority below the mid-range.
 
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With my 6v6gta's I get about 12-15 watts a side & at a low volume still the bass is outstanding although they are 1973-74 alnico magnet speakers. very large cabs at 10' cubic foot loaded 150 lbs. sound is effortless
 
Yamaha B-2 said:
Going to order a set of back-up tubes to have on the shelf for my new MC275 75wpc power amp. Am thinking a set of the Sensor re-issue Tung-sol 6550 or re-issue Genelex KT-88. The amp comes from the factory with a decent set of Chinese KT-88 tubes which provide a nice sound. However, I have not yet run a set of 6550 tubes in any amp and am wondering what I should expect. What do you think? Other than a bit more power with the KT-88s, what other difference will I hear? Which would you pick and why?
Click to expand...

would opt for the KT88s. The EH and Mullard KT88s are also quite good. Mullards are a bit warmer sounding.
 
KT88EH all the way.
Cheaper then the Gold Lions-with deeper cleared bass-and not as tubes as 6550's.
With some amps-the Gold Lions can sound bright.
Not so with the EH-after breakin.
I get my from Upscale. They need 100 hrs break-in, so this helps for sure.
I have bought them from other sources.
The break-in can be fun-but it's more fun with 20-25 hours or so.
These are very detailed-but not bright/harsh tubes.
If you want the warm and fuzzy's go with the Mullard, or 6550's.
 
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