Now I'm not bashing them at all I love them for their monster extended low end and extended highs but where they sound different vs KT88s is the mids 6550s have a "graininess" I really don't like as much while the KT88s are smoother in the mids. Opinions? What do you guys think?
And honestly I don't hear that same graininess in other tubes types the GE6550As and the Tungsols have it though, Its unique to the 6550 sound I think at least though.
They sound more "forward" too obviously, kt88s sound/feel more subtle/laid back but I think the kt88 mid range is far superior and much more musical and there is something about kt88 harmonics that I like more than 6550s. You could sum up 6550s as big 6l6 with extended highs/lows but a 6l6 doesn't have the grainy thing going on to me. Maybe I need to get me/try some kt66s lol always thought they had a interesting mid range unlike anything else too.
Another thing that is interesting is when you run them at lower voltages, they sound a lot different obviously.
Why do you ask Tony? Isn't the general idea/knowledge that the KT88 really was and had a more Hi-fi use/purpose while the 6550 was just derived from other stuff pretty much. I'm just saying not everyone hears the same things you know lol
Are any of the KT88's real KT88's; I read the all current production KT88's and 6550;s are the same??
Phil
Phil
no they are not the same at all, the Chinese/shuguangs are a kt88 for sure as well as the kt66s, some of the Russian variants do raise questions though. I wouldn't buy a current production 6550 at all, heard a lot bad **** about them lol. Now on the other hand the KT88s Chinese/shuguangs are actually pretty badass sounding for not too bad a price at all, good value at least.
I'm sure there is far better option going the kt88 route as far as current production, although I did kinda want try some and see for myself if the new 6550s are as bad as people say?
It there a newer KT88 that has a more forward low end like a 6550 but with the awesome mid-range like the kt88? lol, kt88 low end is no where near as forward to me as 6550s its still big don't get me wrong but I think its a bit tighter. Or better yet anyone know what current production 6550 that has good mids?
I'm looking at those Electro-harmonix KT90s too really hard though I tell ya lol, anyone have any experience with them? they look like a damn big EL34 lol
just want to confirm this thread is in the right forum.... 😀
as to how it sounds, that pretty subjective...
i made 2 guitar amps, one had el84 finals and the other 12w6, guess what the guitarman chose?
to me they sounded the same....
as to how it sounds, that pretty subjective...
i made 2 guitar amps, one had el84 finals and the other 12w6, guess what the guitarman chose?
to me they sounded the same....
you are wrong, the guy went for the 12w6, he liked it better than el84....what i am saying is that is is all about individual preference....
as much as the preference thing may be, I like a lot of different tube types just for what they are pretty much lol, but I like uniqueness too though and certain ones just don't sound like anything else.
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