6550 Power Tubes - Brand Question

[paulerip]

Looking to replace a quad set of power tubes in an Aguilar DB359. Right now it has the original stock tubes in it. Anyone have any recommendations for brands to check out? I found some great deals on matched tube sets at www.deepsurplus.com. Looking at either the Electro-Harmonix, Tung-Sol, or Sovtek.

Thanks

[rbonner]

Sovtek Winged C

BOB

[twinfallsbass]

I would rather you go to: thetubestore.com or tubedepot.com
I have had great experiences with both and they are competitive with anyone out there. From them you know that your tubes ARE matched pairs instead of being in the ballpark. As far as tube brands, SED Winged "C"'s are very good, also heard good things about the Tung-Sol Electro-Harmonix and Sovtek brands. Stay away from ebay tubes, you don't know what you are getting, unless they offer money back guarantee

[KramerBassFan]

Antique Electronic Supply is what i like.

[James Hart]

my preference is the Tung-Sol reissue from www.tubedepot.com

[twinfallsbass]

Originally Posted by KramerBassFan

Antique Electronic Supply is what i like.

Your right, forgot to include them. I have had GREAT experiences with them as well, and there local

[derridiandrift]

Winged C all the way.

[ItsMichaelYeah]

I'm using EHX Right Now They Work really well and I haven't had a problem (yet) and it's been over a year since I changed them.

I do want to Try some Winged C tubes soon.

[coreyfyfe]

Originally Posted by rbonner

Sovtek Winged C

BOB

SED (Svetlana Electron Devices) is winged C. They can't use the name Svetlana in north america because it is owned by sovtek. The Sovtek/Svetlana 6550Cs are not the same tubes as the SED Winged C 6500s.

For the OP - The Tung-Sol reissues, Svetlana (in the US/Canada), Sovtek, and Electro Harmonix tubes listed on that website are all made by New Sensor, most of them in the same factory. SED is an independent company and all their tubes are branded with the Winged C logo. Of the ones that the particular site you linked sells, I'd certainly advise against the Sovtek 6550WE. I bought an amp that was loaded with those, they sounded better suited to a guitar amp (which was what the I bought was being used for) than other 6550s in that amp.

[Seans]

There is of course the Genalex Gold Lion Reissue KT88, not tried them myself but worth a look for sure.

[derridiandrift]

Originally Posted by coreyfyfe

SED (Svetlana Electron Devices) is winged C. The Tung-Sol reissues, Svetlana (in the US/Canada), Sovtek, and Electro Harmonix tubes listed on that website are all made by New Sensor, most of them in the same factory.

...truth

and there's a noticeable difference in sound quality between Winged C and all the rest of those (Sovtek/EH/Tung-Sol) 6550 tubes. My tech tells me that when he gets batches of new tubes he tests all of them. Winged C tubes bury the needle on the tester, whereas brand new Sovteks typically show about 85%. Not sure what that means, aside from the fact that my ears tell my that Winged C 6550s are the bomb.