Tubes for VTL MB-450 Series II


Good afternoon,

I bought a pair of used VTL MB-450 Series II Signature monoblocks. They use 6550 "Winged C" power tubes. I need to re-valve them. Can I use KT88 Gold Lions or should I expect autobias issues? Thanks to anyone who can give me their opinion.

raimondodibella

Showing 1 response by trivema

+1 email VTL to confirm but 6550 and KT-88 have “similar” bias requirements.  The Series III can run either per website. Beast of an amp, btw.  If KT-88 equivalent, consider looking at Shuguang Nature KT-88-T (not -Z).

I have a Dennis Had Inspire KT-88 that is designed to run 6L6, 6550, KT-88, etc.  Stock tube was GL KT-88, good tube, clean, transparent, linear, up and down frequencies. The Shuguang KT88-T has a bit more heft in bass and depth in mid-range. Treble extension is equivalent. Kind of like the difference between a Porsche  Carrera and Carrera S.  The S has a little more grrr at every turn.