[Demsy]

Hi Guys,
I'm new to this forum. I'd like your opinions on the favourite 6550, new but not the NOS ones. I am in the market for quad 6550 to replace the aging GE tubes on my Kebschull 35/70 monoblocks. I like those GE's a lot, but they're hard to get nowadays. So what would be the best replacement?
Cheers,
D

[boycephoto]

At this point the Winged-C 6550 works really great for me, I have used NOS GE and Sylvania but you will spend really big $$$ to go that route and I am not really sure they are that much better once the Winged-C has broke in.  I have also considered re-issue Genalex KT88's.

Dave

[Ericus Rex]

Nearly everyone has given the Genelex Gold Lion KT88 reissue their thumbs up.  To the best of my knowledge it will work in place of the 6550 in any amp.

[richidoo]

Check out Shuguang Treasure KT-88 from Grant Fidelity. All these Treasure tubes are quickly gaining an impressive reputation. They are very expensive, so watch for occasional promotional discounts from Grant. 

http://grantfidelity.com/site/Shuguang_Treasure_KT88-Z

[bigjppop]

I've got some of the Winged-C tubes as well.  I am still building the amp that will run them so I haven't fired them up yet, but every tube forum I checked spoke very highly of them.  Check AES for the best prices.

[Demsy]

Thanks for the inputs guys, very useful. I gues I have information regarding the newly manufactured 6550's.
I have matched quad Shuguang Gold Lions, but I find the sound compared to the original 6550, a bit hard. That quad dated from 6 years ago, maybe the new ones are improved.

[Demsy]

Hi Dave,
Could you tell me how much you paid for the Winged C 6550 tubes, and where you bought it.
I bid for NOS Sylvania on eBay, pack of 5, $300,- still got outbid. Couldn't follow the bidding till the end, as on this side of the world we sleep.
Thanks,
D

At this point the Winged-C 6550 works really great for me, I have used NOS GE and Sylvania but you will spend really big $$$ to go that route and I am not really sure they are that much better once the Winged-C has broke in.  I have also considered re-issue Genalex KT88's.

Dave