Re Tubing Audio Research VT200

Hi Dbarger,

What did the trace reapir cost, how long ago did you have it done. ARC wants almost $1800 for new tubes.

The repair was about $150 or so, if I remember correctly. The problem is shipping ($500 round trip), which must be on a common carrier. I had to take off work to meet it, and no carriers would insure it on the journey. The best bet is to have ARC arrange pickup and return. When I sold it, I had to use a Pack n Send type business because they would insure it, but no carriers would.

Recently I had the opportunity to listen to amplifiers using El34 and others using Kt90 ,...I notice they have the "same" signature : beatfull mid/high, lots of air and tonal equilibrium, mid/low attack , to be short : a lot of musicallity.

I have a VT200 MkII USING svet 6550 and it is time to retube it!

Many people told me to try KT88 , specially Tung Sol.

I have power enough to spare in exchange of even more quality and finesse( I think abou Jadis , wich uses Kt90) if I can find " ideal" tube.

I Love my " impractticall " VT200 monster.... Rsszz

NOS 6550 Winged C or GE 6550GA are known options....
But I wonder if KT90 would be what I am looking for?

I wrote to Arc and to Upscale , asking if Kt90 is a drop in substitute to 6550 or KT88 in VT200 MKII.

Both of them answared that thay have no experience with KT 90 in VT200 MKII.

Do you have any comment or knowledge that can help me if I can or cannot use KT90 in my VT200 Mkii ? And do you thing I am going to obtain the " the finesse" I am looking for?

Thank you for your comments