Confusing about matching tubes in ref40, pls advice.

[tima]

I doubt it. The 6550 does not tend to be micro-phonic but every tube is different.
The ARC dampers that came with your linestage for the 6H30 are silicon. If they remain pliable they don't need replacement.
The best dampers I've used are Herbies.

[TOGA]

Originally Posted by tima

I doubt it. The 6550 does not tend to be micro-phonic but every tube is different. The ARC dampers that came with your linestage for the 6H30 are silicon. If they remain pliable they don't need replacement. The best dampers I've used are Herbies.

Yes, I mean Herbies, they have sizes for 6550C and 6H30. There are RX and Hal-o that are heat resistant.
10-12 of them will cost a lot, though.

Toga

[analog brother]

how many brands of 6h30's are out there?>
i only see sovteks?

[Barry1]

Tried 6H30P-DR Tubes in the power supply of Ref 40 last night. First confirmed they were not fakes (size of getter, plate flaps,etc.). Was purchased from Upscale Audio a reliable US source. Measured matching between tube sections and between each tube. Section Mu ~15, gm about 17000, Rp .900k (eP 80v,bias2v,iP 40mA). All within 4%, mostly 2%. Nice sound stage, a little bigger maybe than the standard Sovteks. Unacceptable loss of presence and a little bit more dull high frequencies. Of course one pr might not be representative. I'm really happy with sound of this preamp! As always YMMV but I'll be saving some $$$ not trying to buy these more expensive tubes which are now very scarce.

[TOGA]

I just installed fresh ARC sourced SED Winged C 6550c in power supply.
Have one more pair of these ARC tubes as a spare and two more pairs from Upscale Audio are coming.
I should have at least 7 years of service from these four new SED tubes. By then I hope I will find new SS preamp
That is just as musical.
Also 10 of cryo'ed EH 6H30 from Cryoset are in transit. Let's see if these gold pin Cryo. Tubes really work.
Hope all of them will survive half the world distant transportation.
Toga

[Barry1]

Oh no. By your calculation, Toga I only have 25 years of supply left of SED Winged =C=s! Don't buy all of Upscale Audio's Entire stock. I'm not done yet. I'm holding on to mine forever. How many tubes is that I wonder?

[TOGA]

I averaged my usage of Ref40 as 105 hours a month Barry. And will be less from now on.
Toga

[TOGA]

6H30 have arrived . Ref40 is a preamp that use so many tubes.. And done! A new life and new sound to my preamp.
Before I collect more Winged c 650C there is one thing I have to do first, I will have to bring Pass Labs Xs pre to try.
If it sound similar I getter go SS route.
Toga