Tube replacement
 

Hi all I need to replace the output tube in my Ref5se but can no longer get hold of a General Electric 6550A in the UK.

I had a look at the US sites and thetubestore.com have stock. Have any of you guys had experience with them or could recommend an alternative source who can ship overseas ?

The 6550 in a Ref5 is a power supply tube, not an output tube. I do not think ARC recommends the GE 6550A, but a 6550C WE. You might want to check with your ARC importer or ARC directly.

This is what I'm using, but they ship to the US only.

I would think obtaining the entire replacement tube set from ARC is the surest bet, and in the long run the most economic.

Thanks guys any comments on that supplier anyone ?

The Tube Store sells complete tube sets for the Ref 5SE for a package price. I have purchased tubes from them for several years with total satisfaction. There are three option levels of quality for the Ref 5SE, ranging from about USD199 for a basic tube set to USD1547 for their "Ultimate" set containing DR Reflector 6H30s. The middle grade is probably the best choice, at USD237. You can look over their offerings at:https://www.thetubestore.com/shop-by...e-stage-preamp There is an uncharge for matching.

Another well regarded tube vendor for ARC products is UpScale Audio, at https://upscaleaudio.com/collections/vacuum-tubes Call or email Kevin Deal for package pricing. He also offers different quality options.

Of course, you can't go wrong to buy from ARC, but you will pay a bit more than either of the middle options from The Tube Store or UpScale

The Tube Store is a solid vendor. I have bought from them many times over the years.

^^^
:thumbsup:

:yes:

Great many thanks

IMO, the replacement tubes sourced from Audio Research are probably the gold standard in that they extensively test and match their tubes to work with specific models. However, you may end up paying more than 2x the price other vendors are charging for the same tube. Pick your poison.

Old stock Russian Winged 6650c or WE version ( not Sovtek ) is correct tube.

Personally, I am using a late 50s TungSol 6650 Black Plate.

Tube runs very hot in this application, newer tubes tend to fail due to heat/stress.

Just my 2 cents.