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Do all 6550 based tube amps sound the same?

I am looking to add a tube amp to my system. Both of the amps I am interested in, Conrad Johnson Premier 12 and Audio Research VT100 MK 11 or 111 use the 6550 output tube. In your experience do they all (6550 tubes) share a similar sonic signature? Thanks for your help.
rec
elevick
2,636 posts
 
No they don't sound the same. I like AR sound much better than CJ. I would like and old HK Citation even better!
creeper
251 posts
 
I'll second Elevick's statement, they don't sound the same. Even 6550 tubes themselves from different manufacturers have different sonics. Plus, any amp utilizing 6550's in the output stage probably has tubes in the input and driver stages as well - further factors in sonic signature. There are SO many variables in the sonics of tube amps...
artmaltman
769 posts
 
The CJ premier twelves have a naturally warmer, more easy going sound than ARC amps and more than most amps actually. My choice would depend on other gear in the system.
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