2. amps-preamps
  3. 192810-140513

Changing the 6550 power tube in a Audio Research Ref 6SE Preamp

Hi All,

I am rather new to tube gear, and have two 'novice-questions', especially for Audio Research Ref 6SE users. Thanks in advance for any insight...

 

Issue - it is now time to replace the Sovtek 6550 power tube in my ARC Ref 6SE preamp. 

 

Obviously, I must to be certain to not damage the preamp, so...

a.) Is it SAFE to use a 6550 from a  manufacturer other than Sovtek (i.e. JJ, GE Tung-Sol, etc.), or are there issues/incompatibilities that I need to keep in mind (e.g. "Stay away form Tung-Sol blue-plate tubes because they have...")?

 

b.) What was your SQ experience/impression after replacing the Sovtek 6550 tube with a different manufacturer's tube in a ARC Ref 6SE?

 

(If you are wondering... yes, I called ARC.  The recommend and sell only the Sovtek 6550.)

 

 

 

inagroove

Showing 1 response by ghdprentice

ghdprentice
7,496 posts
 

This is the preamp I have. While I have done tube rolling with other brands of equipment, I do not do it with Audio Research. Their  tube choice is very specific and designed to get a very specific sound. That is the sound I want and is compatible with the rest of my system (also, Audio Research).

While buying the tubes from Audio Research is more expensive I typically do. They do much more extensive testing than other tube suppliers. In addition, I want to support this great company.

 

I always keep and extra set of tubes around for each of my components. Then when swapping out tubes I’m all set... and if I needed to trouble shoot a tube I could. Since my Phonostage, Preamp and DAC/CD player all use the same 6550 tubes that are changed more frequently, I bought an extra quad from ARC.

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