tube question for ARC Ref 3 users

Mkilpi. I've been wondering the same thing. Hopefully you'll get some response. Also would like to know if the NOS 6H30's make a difference.

Frank

Why not use 6C33Bs for outputs?

If the 6l6GC is the stock tube that ARC used to ship with all REF3's, than I prefer the sound of the 6550C.

ARC initially shipped Ref 3 with 6L6G in power supply. They soon switched to 6550C. They apparently found it to be more extended/resolving and to controll bass better.

Trying to outdo the pros at ARC are we?

PBB, actually I had heard that the pros at ARC switched to 6550C because of non-pro customer findings.

I will try tung-sol 6550 in power supply tomorrow.

Mkilpi, what do you think of the Tung-Sol 6550? Is it a Tung-Sol original (50-60's version) or a recent version?
I've heard some say that a original Tung-Sol 6550 from the 60's is the way to go, though I haven't experimented yet on my own.

Cheers,
John

I agree with Guido

Stick with the 6550C

Interesting subject. Any thought on Frank's question on the 6H30 tube regarding the audible sonic differences of manufacturer/dating of the tubes? Also applicable to the 6550C?

I need to replace tubes later this year. Would be very interesting to know if a potential audible improvement on the already great (glorious) performance of the ref3 is possible!

I replaced the stock 6550C tube with a NOS Tung-Sol
black plate (1950's) with wonderful results. Have not
replaced stock 6H30 tubes. NOS tube did take alittle
break-in to sound it's best. Nice improvement to an
already great line stage.

VMK, I'm glad you had wonderful result. . . could you please elaborate with some comparative findings? Thanks, Guido

Guido,
I compared the stock ARC 6550C, the Tung-Sol
6550C (current production), and NOS Tung-Sol black
plate 6550C in my ARC Ref 3. I was always happy with the
stock 6550C tube. Ultimately I found the NOS tube added alittle more warmth that I really found captivating. All the fantastic resolution was there in spades but with alittle "CJ" warmth. I did not care for the current production Tung-Sol. I found it uninvolving and sterile
sounding.
Vmk