6550 vs KT88 vs KT90


From what I hear, these tubes are interchangable on most amps it seems that the 6550 is the least loved tube of the bunch. What are the sonic differences of these tubes? Thanks in advance for your reply.
jman

Showing 3 responses by garfish

Great thread Jman-- and so CIVIL. Hi Trelja and Greysquirrel. As a (sometimes) tube amp wannabe, I'm afraid I have nothing to contribute-- except questions. I have a SF Line 2 pre-amp and have done a little tube rolling with it, and I'm considering a SF Power 2 amp (I'm not really set up for mono-blocs). Is the amp design or the tube type more important, re: the comment Greysquirrel made on amp design? I read the Stph review of the Power 2, but don't remember what tube type is standard, just that it is quite neutral as opposed to tubey, but I've assumed that this can be changed with a simple tube change? Any comments on the Power 2 and its tubes? I especially appreciate peoples assessments of bass quality of the various tube types because I have a big SS amp with excellent bass (McCormack DNA-2DX). Hope this post isn't stepping on your thread. Thanks. Craig.
Trelja; thanks much for the specific info. on the big amp tubes. Jordan, it was particularly good to hear your comparison of the DNA-2 with some good tube amps-- and glad to hear that tubes can be competitive in the bass. Thanks, and Cheers. Craig.
There is so much good information on this thread that I made a hard copy of it-- thanks everyone. Craig.