2. amps-preamps
  3. 185513-7401

Reliable source for 6550WE tube - Audio Research Ref 6

Re-tubing an ARC Ref 6 and seems like the 6550WE tube is hard to come by these days. Upscale only sells to Primaluna owners, Tube Depot has it on backorder. 
The only other source for this tube that I was able to find is The Tube Store. Any comments on quality of their tubes?

Also, thinking to replace the Sovtek 6H30 with EH 6H30 Gold Pin tubes.
Thoughts?
 

Thanks in advance!

128x128audphile1

Showing 6 responses by audphile1

audphile1's avatar
audphile1 OP
4,306 posts
 

@mulveling thanks! I’ll continue to research. 

audphile1's avatar
audphile1 OP
4,306 posts
 

@lalitk thanks but that’s a bit higher than the budget for new tubes. Will keep this info in mind though just in case. Is there a difference between 6550WE and C?
 

@facten thanks! Have you had good experience with Viva Tubes?

audphile1's avatar
audphile1 OP
4,306 posts
 

I’m going to give ARC a call tomorrow..but…

What is the difference between Sovtek 6550WE, Svetlana 6550C and the Electro-Harmonics 6550EH? Does anyone know if the 6550EH is compliant?

audphile1's avatar
audphile1 OP
4,306 posts
 

Thanks guys!!!

audphile1's avatar
audphile1 OP
4,306 posts
 

 

emergingsoul

628 posts

 

How is audio research doing?
 

What’s this got to do with tube recommendations?

audphile1's avatar
audphile1 OP
4,306 posts
 

Ended up ordering the EH 6550 from Upscale Audio. 
After 10 hours of “on” time, I like what I’m hearing so far and it’s an improvement over the stock Sovtek 6550. Now, that tube had about 2400 hrs on it and may be this is an improvement just because the Sovtek was at end of life, not sure, but I am hearing a more balanced presentation top to bottom, a but more air and more extended highs. Mids are a bit more relaxed. Slight improvement in bass definition and speed as well - it’s less loose now. Didn’t know what to expect but that’s what I’m hearing and it’s very nice!

Probably worth swapping the stock Sovtek 6H30 tubes for a fresh set of EHs as well. 

More to discover