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Sovtek 6550 - Can they really be THIS bad???

Hello.

Just picked up a new Jadis today, and I'm none too pleased with the sound. As I have had blissful sonic experiences with two of the models lower on the Totem Pole from this manufacturer, the only thing I can trace it to is the Sovtek 6550. Can they really be THIS bad???

I already switched out the JAN Philips 12AX7 and Golden Dragon 12AU7 for Mullard Blackburn and Ei respectively. The improvement has been subtle, but it still ain't working for me...

I have used ElectroHarmonix 6550 in the past, and while they didn't float my boat, I'm told that EH represents a signficant step up from the regular old Sovteks. JJ E34L and KT88 just have sounded really splendid to me. So, now I'm looking at picking up 8 new output tubes if I don't wish to live with such uninspired sound.
trelja

Showing 3 responses by ubglub

ubglub
76 posts
 
Joe (Trelja),
My CAT JL-2 uses 16 6550s and sounds great. I don't know which 6550s are in it b/c its away right now. When it comes back, you're welcome to come over and have a listen.
Bob
ubglub
76 posts
 
Joe, I might forget about this. Send me an email message in a week or two. If the amp isn't back I should at least have an ETA. Bob
ubglub
76 posts
 
Joe,
I need to make a correction. I think the stock tubes for my CAT JL-2 are 6922--and I haven't changed them.
You're still welcome to come over and have a listen of course.
Bob
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