2. tech-talk
  3. 1075315040

Changing EL-34's to 6550 or Kt-88's

Hello

I have a Conrad-Johnson Premier 4. It has 8 EL-34's with individual bias contols for each tube, It is a large amp that wieghs 82pounds and is 100wpc. I have seen adds of amps for sale and they say that the amp can take EL-34's, 6550's or kt-88 and soforth. So is it as simple as just switching the tubes and resetting the bias? What is the benifet of switching, more power? or better sound?

Thanks
Darin
darinkperih

Showing 1 response by artmaltman

artmaltman
769 posts
 
If the power of EL34 is adequate, you will find them to be a bit more pure sounding and musical than KT88 and 6550, or, at least I have in my experience. If the power is not adequate then EL34 will sound thin, and you'll need KT88 or 6550 powered amp. These can produce excellent sound as well.

Art
More to discover