time to replace 6550c on my Ref40

[TOGA]

Hi,
Breaking-in my Magico Q3 make tube life of Ref40 running out fast.Now approaching 1800 hours.
So.. is there any other premium grade 6550c out there that may outperform
ARC's selected tubes ? My cousin is in USA and I can ask her to bring replacement tubes back for me in July.
Thanks

TOGa

[bakerman]

Your Ref. 40 pre uses 6550's?

[cmalak]

Originally Posted by bakerman

Your Ref. 40 pre uses 6550's?

In the power supply section of the pre not as a signal tube

[bakerman]

Originally Posted by cmalak

In the power supply section of the pre not as a signal tube

Gotcha. It just sounded strange to me for some reason.

In that case, I like the new production Tung-Sol tubes. While I haven't heard the 6550 version I did use their EL34's in an amp of mine.
They had a real nice overall balance with sparkly highs. The price is reasonable too. It's a great looking tube as well, too bad you wouldn't see them in the Ref40.

[Dafos]

I'd probably stick to ARC factory replacement tubes. The tubes installed in your ref 40 has values written on them and if you opt to get after market supplied tubes, make sure that the supplier can provide tubes with exact readings as the ones you are replacing.

[TOGA]

Thanks, but Dafos, what is the value you talked about ? the one like hand writing using black ink ? For Tun Sol, it is 6550, so where is the "c" ? Do we need 6550c rather than 6550 ? I don't have much knowledge on tube stuff..

Toga

[Maxflo]

Hi take into considertion replacement with older NOS 6550 made in USA - I did it with my Ref5 and it works. I heard the best are black plate for tung sol 60". Maybe for your Ref40 would works as well.

[Whart]

isn't the kt 120 now being substituted<subject to verification with ARC> for the 6550?

[Maxflo]

rather not in the power section. it is better to keep 6550 KT 120 would be too big (1st)

[Dafos]

Originally Posted by TOGA

Thanks, but Dafos, what is the value you talked about ? the one like hand writing using black ink ? For Tun Sol, it is 6550, so where is the "c" ? Do we need 6550c rather than 6550 ? I don't have much knowledge on tube stuff..

Toga

Yes, the handwritten values in black ink found at the tube's metal base that I believe refers to certain measurements made by ARC on all it's power tubes. Mine reads "348 121" for both power supply tubes, indicating a precise match. Your ARC dealer should give you the proper information on what these measured values represent.

Yes, any 6550 tube can be used, whether it be a 6550a, 6550c, 6550we or whatever else is available in the market. Again, what I would pay particular attention to are the handwritten values on the tubes you will be replacing.