|
|
Post by nuff on Dec 19, 2021 8:35:58 GMT
Good morning, I'm after a little advice about the 6550 valves in my A30. Last night whilst listening the sound dropped from 1 channel then came back popping and sounding like static. I quickly switched the amp off but as I was doing this the left 6550 valve was flashing slightly. I'm a bit to frightened to switch it back on to be honest in case it damages my speakers or the valve explodes  I'm thinking the valve or valves have blown and I've been looking around for a new quad. I read the 6550 valves can be replaced with KT88, Can anyone confirm this form me please. The reason I'm asking is that I have found a quad of gold lions for £160 delivered from hotrox. The reason I'm asking is I've had these before in my PrimaLuna amp which sounded great to my ears. Any advice would be appreciated. PS: I may not reply quickly today as I have a busy day ahead. |
|
|
|
Post by gninnam on Dec 19, 2021 9:14:07 GMT
Yep - you can use KT88's
|
|
|
|
Post by rexton on Dec 19, 2021 9:41:39 GMT
Goldrox KT88, great valves, they get my thumbs up! I've tried a few and also gone back to them.
|
|
|
|
Post by gninnam on Dec 19, 2021 9:51:31 GMT
A few people who have replaced the 6550's for 88's report that the SQ changes for the worse (harder bass and a bit edgy higher up)
Recommendation is to stick to 6550's (GE's are the flavour).
|
|
|
|
Post by rexton on Dec 19, 2021 9:59:59 GMT
It's horses for courses, honestly, and the usual advice is to listen with your own ears. I read American forums which state 6550 being the best, bias playing a part? I read UK forums stating KT88's are the best, more bias! Vintage KT88's seem to sell for less than 6550, vintage 6550 over from ebay.com and various valve retailers in the USA are going sky high. Personally, I prefer a more defined, edgy top end, but that's just me.
|
|
|
|
Post by rexton on Dec 19, 2021 10:00:49 GMT
Gold Lion KT88's have a well defind top end with edge.
|
|
|
|
Post by gninnam on Dec 19, 2021 10:08:06 GMT
It's horses for courses, honestly, and the usual advice is to listen with your own ears. I read American forums which state 6550 being the best, bias playing a part? I read UK forums stating KT88's are the best, more bias! Vintage KT88's seem to sell for less than 6550, vintage 6550 over from ebay.com and various valve retailers in the USA are going sky high. Personally, I prefer a more defined, edgy top end, but that's just me. True  |
|
|
|
Post by nuff on Dec 19, 2021 14:00:48 GMT
Thanks for the advice. Much appreciated.
I think I’ll get the Gold Lion KT88s ordered.
|
|
|
|
Post by nuff on Dec 19, 2021 15:35:26 GMT
Well that’s annoying. There now closed until January 5th. I wanted these for over Christmas as I have 11 days off work.
Just found Brimar KT88 £152 delivered. Any thoughts on these.
|
|
|
|
Post by nuff on Dec 19, 2021 15:36:27 GMT
Or! Has anyone got a set they can sell me?
|
|
|
|
Post by rexton on Dec 19, 2021 15:38:21 GMT
Or! Has anyone got a set they can sell me? I'll have a look |
|
|
|
Post by antonio on Dec 19, 2021 15:48:41 GMT
I ordered a quad of Sovtek 6550WE's for my amp, replacing the stock Chinese KT88's, still waiting on delivery.
|
|
|
|
Post by nuff on Dec 19, 2021 15:55:14 GMT
I ordered a quad of Sovtek 6550WE's for my amp, replacing the stock Chinese KT88's, still waiting on delivery. It’s so annoying. The first time in years have Christmas off and planning to chill with some tunes and a valve decides to go pop a week before 🙄 |
|
|
|
Post by antonio on Dec 19, 2021 15:55:26 GMT
|
|
|
|
Post by macca on Dec 19, 2021 15:57:21 GMT
I ordered a quad of Sovtek 6550WE's for my amp, replacing the stock Chinese KT88's, still waiting on delivery. It’s so annoying. The first time in years have Christmas off and planning to chill with some tunes and a valve decides to go pop a week before 🙄 I don't know where you are but if you are in striking distance I can lend you some decent amplification. |
|
|
|
Post by nuff on Dec 19, 2021 15:58:08 GMT
This was the site that’s closed until January 5th. I got it mixed up with Hotrox.
|
|
|
|
Post by nuff on Dec 19, 2021 15:59:25 GMT
Double post.
|
|
|
|
Post by nuff on Dec 19, 2021 16:00:17 GMT
It’s so annoying. The first time in years have Christmas off and planning to chill with some tunes and a valve decides to go pop a week before 🙄 I don't know where you are but if you are in striking distance I can lend you some decent amplification. That’s very decent of you but I’m in Bristol. I do have other amps. It’s just the Pure Sound is the go to amp for me. Thanks again. 👍🏻🎄 |
|
|
|
Post by antonio on Dec 19, 2021 16:02:03 GMT
I think my brother may have a unused pair of Gold Lion KT88's he could sell you, unsure how important it is for a matched quad.
|
|
|
|
Post by nuff on Dec 19, 2021 16:06:47 GMT
I think my brother may have a unused pair of Gold Lion KT88's he could sell you, unsure how important it is for a matched quad. I think I’d be better off buying them in a quad. Just to keep everything balanced. Thank you anyway. |
|
|
|
Post by nuff on Dec 19, 2021 16:24:55 GMT
Or! Has anyone got a set they can sell me? I'll have a look Any luck? Sorry to rush you. I wanted to get some ordered pronto so they would arrive in time for Christmas. |
|
|
|
Post by nuff on Dec 19, 2021 18:09:27 GMT
KT88 now ordered.
Thanks to everyone who help me! Much appreciated.
Have a great Christmas 🤶🎄
|
|
|
|
Post by antonio on Dec 19, 2021 18:26:42 GMT
Hope you enjoy them, just out of curiosity, where did you order from and did you get GL KT88's.
You too, have a great Christmas.
|
|
|
|
Post by nuff on Dec 19, 2021 18:36:55 GMT
Hope you enjoy them, just out of curiosity, where did you order from and did you get GL KT88's. You too, have a great Christmas. I didn’t go for the GL in the end. I couldn’t find them for the same price as on Watford valves so I decided to buy Brimar KT88 in the end. More within my budget too so I’m happy. |
|
|
|
Post by rexton on Dec 19, 2021 20:46:05 GMT
I only had x2 gold lions, so probably best you try the Brimars.
|
|
|
|
Post by nuff on Dec 19, 2021 22:03:19 GMT
I only had x2 gold lions, so probably best you try the Brimars. Thanks for looking. 👍🏻 |
|
|
|
Post by antonio on Dec 19, 2021 22:11:42 GMT
You confused me with your opening post, it's Watford valves that are closed for Christmas, not Hotrox, I would have suggested EH KT90's from Hotrox at £39 each, these were recommended for me, but ordered 6550's due to cost and of course shipping to Cambodia. You maybe better with Brimar's since I've read the Gold Lions are excellent sounding but on a few reviews and comments do have reliability problems.
|
|
|
|
Post by nuff on Dec 20, 2021 14:51:53 GMT
You confused me with your opening post, it's Watford valves that are closed for Christmas, not Hotrox, I would have suggested EH KT90's from Hotrox at £39 each, these were recommended for me, but ordered 6550's due to cost and of course shipping to Cambodia. You maybe better with Brimar's since I've read the Gold Lions are excellent sounding but on a few reviews and comments do have reliability problems. Yeah I got a little confused myself after spending hours searching around. I’m hoping the Brimar’s will be fine, I’m sure they will be. |
|
|
|
Post by misterc on Dec 20, 2021 15:53:33 GMT
A few people who have replaced the 6550's for 88's report that the SQ changes for the worse (harder bass and a bit edgy higher up) Recommendation is to stick to 6550's (GE's are the flavour). Perdsonally II prefer 6550 a far more even handed sounds, yes 88's are more dynamic and have slightly tighter bass but they really are more boom and tizz (My marshalls are stacked full of them  ) the 120's are really pipe and slippers (although a socket reconfiguration is required I BELEIEVE?
The 150's whch are audio UN-researched own model I beliee these can be good,but at a premium cost.
|
|
|
|
Post by rexton on Dec 20, 2021 18:34:19 GMT
I can't stick "even handed" presentation, KT88 for me all the way.
|
|
) the 120's are really pipe and slippers (although a socket reconfiguration is required I BELEIEVE?