[Freo-1]

OK, rather than just have another favorite 6550/KT88 thread, vote for what you are using, and explain why you prefer your choice.  There seems to be a varied opinion about what current tube is "best", not only in Sonics, but reliability as well.

[decal]

OK, rather than just have another favorite 6550/KT88 thread, vote for what you are using, and explain why you prefer your choice.  There seems to be a varied opinion about what current tube is "best", not only in Sonics, but reliability as well.

A voting poll is just another favorite thread.  Sure there's a varied opinion on what current tube is "best". "Best" is in the eye/ear of the beholder. There is no definitive "best" anything, it's all subjective. When you ask a question like this, the answers will always be what folks think is "best" to them in their system.Their suggestions may or may not be "best" for you.  Sorry if this isn't the answer you're looking for but it's the "best" one I can contribute.   

[Freo-1]

A voting poll is just another favorite thread.  Sure there's a varied opinion on what current tube is "best". "Best" is in the eye/ear of the beholder. There is no definitive "best" anything, it's all subjective. When you ask a question like this, the answers will always be what folks think is "best" to them in their system.Their suggestions may or may not be "best" for you.  Sorry if this isn't the answer you're looking for but it's the "best" one I can contribute.

Well, I hope it is a little more than that.  It should provide some idea of what people are using, and why they are using their chosen valve. 

Also looking for some feedback on longevity.  The Chinese and Russian tubes both have supporters and detractors.


 Sonic wise, it's a more difficult call.  What sounds good in one system may not pan out in another, which is one of your points I agree with.   

[Ericus Rex]

I'll play!  But I have to be honest.  I've only used two of the brands listed.  Not sure my opinion has any weight to it with so many choices.  Those tubes are too darned expensive to try them all!

[Freo-1]

They are a bit pricey compared to some output tubes, but there tubes that cost quite a bit more (300B, 811, 845). 

Also looking for feedback on longevity.  There are some posts on other sites that complain about longevity of some of the Russian 6550/KT88 tubes.  My own personal experience with the Russian tubes was not good.  I did like the sound from them, but got tired of blue light shows and cherry red plates (not to mention replacing resistors).  The Chinese tubes (which were fire bottles ten years ago) now seem to enjoy a distinct advantage on the reliability front (and they sound pretty good, to boot). 

I'm also curious about the JJ KT88.  It looks like it should be good, but the last time I tried it, was not impressed with the sound. 

The best sounding KT88 I've heard has been the Euro Audio Team (EAT) KT88.  The price of that tube is over the top, however.

[SteveFord]

I'm using Winged C 6550s in both the upstairs and downstairs systems because they came highly recommended from one of my buddies whose judgement I really trust. 
His picks were Shugaung Black Treasure, Ei (out of production) and then Winged C in that order.
I had two Winged Cs, out of two dozen, that wouldn't bias after a short while but thetubestore was great with the exchange.

[Freo-1]

I'm using Winged C 6550s in both the upstairs and downstairs systems because they came highly recommended from one of my buddies whose judgement I really trust. 
His picks were Shugaung Black Treasure, Ei (out of production) and then Winged C in that order.
I had two Winged Cs, out of two dozen, that wouldn't bias after a short while but thetubestore was great with the exchange.

I've used the Winged C 6550, and it's not a bad sounding tube.  My worry on the Winged C is recently, production and performance is being reported as spotty.   


The Penta KT88 is a better overall performer, IMHO.  It's pretty close to the Black Treasures, and it's a bit cheaper. 

[Freo-1]

Well, looks as if the rumors about the Winged C tubes are true.  The Winged C tubes (6650 and KT88) are not being made anymore. 

It's down to two primary manufacturers (Electro Harmonix and Shuguang). 

[DEV]

Shuguang KT88's are in my Vac Statement 450 mono blocks and I'm loven them, they sound marvelous.

[Freo-1]

Shuguang KT88's are in my Vac Statement 450 mono blocks and I'm loven them, they sound marvelous.

That's a sweet setup!   

[AnalogTubes]

I've tried most of the tubes listed. I prefer the Genalex KT88 and the Winged C 6550. I've found both to be excellent.

[HT cOz]

I have teh winged C 6550 in my amp but have a quad of Penta KT88sc's on the way.

[rpf]

That's a sweet setup!   

Sweet is an understatement.   

[Freo-1]

I've tried most of the tubes listed. I prefer the Genalex KT88 and the Winged C 6550. I've found both to be excellent.

Sadly, it appears the Winged C brand is not long for this world.

I'm going to try a quad of Psvanes, as I ws able to get a quad at a resonable price.

[50jess]

Penta KT88.  Great sounding tubes!

[drjjpdc]

I have the Quicksilver V4's with the JJ Tesla KT-88's from the Slovak Republic. Very good sound especially with voice and strings, easy to listen to. Kind of between an Audio Research amp and a Music Reference amp. Also with bias meter on top easy to check.

[SteveFord]

I just got an email from tubesandmore.com and the news of the Winged C 6550s demise has been greatly exaggerated - they're still in production which is good news.

[Freo-1]

I just got an email from tubesandmore.com and the news of the Winged C 6550s demise has been greatly exaggerated - they're still in production which is good news.

That is good news.  Looks like dealers are buying direct from Russia.  Upscale Audio has also been able to get quanity on hand.