Kt88 or 6550 tube for McIntosh MC275


Hi,  

I have a MC275 comes with original McIntosh KT88 tubes.  I am wondering if it is worthwhile to try other and what to try.  First question is, do I need a match quad?  Or I can get away with two matches pairs?  If I need matched quad, then it seems my only option is to get new production tubes as the NOS matched quads are very expensive.

For new production, I did some research.  It seems people prefer KT88 over 6550.  And the two brands for recommended are SED and Genalex Gold Lion reissue.  Are they better than the stock McIntosh tube?  Or should I save money and upgrade my other component such as my DAC or adding a preamp first?

thanks.
gte357s

Showing 1 response by rodman99999

There are no new SED, Winged =C=, Svetlana tubes in production. I really liked them, but- the St Petersburg plant burned down, years ago and SED closed the doors.     Some info from a reputable dealer: https://www.thetubestore.com/winged-c-sed-6550c           and: https://www.thetubestore.com/tube-brands/sed-winged-c (read the bottom of that last page)      Try contacting known to be honest tube mongers, like the above, Brent Jessee Recording, TC Tubes or Upscale Audio, for knowledgeable advice.