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

@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

The SVETLANA Winged 6550C was definitively better for the aforementioned improvements heard over the stock Sovtek 6550WE.

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?