Quote:
Originally Posted by birdland
Hi Tim - I figured as much. Has anyone had problems using Upscale Audio's or any other non-ARC source for their tubes in either ARC amps and pre-amps? I have never used any tubes other than ARC tubes for my VT100s when I had them.
Now, that I have a REF150, I am wondering about other sources.
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In one sense, not the one you're asking about, 6H30s and 6550WEs offered by any dealer all come the same Russian sources. Electrically the Sovtek 6H30 and the Electroharmonix 6H30 are identical and both come from the same factory. Some dealers/distributors buy in bulk. The difference is the degree of testing, burn-in. marketing, warranty, and customer service from individual dealers. Price is largely a function of those items, and as you see, prices do vary.
ARC takes the most care with the tubes they sell, to the extent of position marking individual tubes for the exact equipment you will use them in. And because of that their prices tend to be higher. You will hear from others "I bought tubes from so-and-so and had no problems." Fwiw, I've used both tubes from both ARC and Upscale and had no problems. I do believe, for the most part, you'll get what you pay for. If you do have a problem tube its a question of whether the dollars you saved are worth what you go through to replace it. It's your gear and your choice.
I saw you asking about alternative power supply tubes. You hear folks who speak well of the GE6550A for sonic differences. They do have slightly different electrical characteristics over stock. Here's the way I think about that: if you ever (hopefully not) have a problem with the unit and go back to ARC for help, they will go through diagnostics with you before any consideration of accepting the unit for service. They will not accept diagnostics based on tubes outside those they specify. You will want to have, eg, a known good 6550WE or NOS 6550C on hand for that (as well as a quad of 6H30s.) Fwiw, currently sold 6550Cs are *not* recommended.
From another angle, since the REF 5SE is new to you and your system I suggest you first discover and learn about it with the tubes it was designed to use. Gain familiarity that way to appreciate what you've bought. That's my perspective. Have fun.