Differences in tube sounds: 6550 / EL34

I would like opinions on amps that use these two types of tubes. In general, what charateristics do these tubes possess?

gretsch612011-08-2005 12:35am

sns Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 3,600 posts 11-08-2005 at 07:12pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete My experience with the 6550 tube is in agreement with those who find it flat and uninteresting, sure does have nice bass control, however. Hard to beat the sweet midrange of the EL34 although bass is a bit soft. I prefer the SED version of the EL34, this is the original Svetlana EL34. The new Svetlana tube is essentially a Sovtech design.