So has anyone replaced the 6550s in their Ref 10 with KT88s?

In the REF 10 Phono, I much prefer the Shuguang Treasure KT88 Zs over both the SED "C" and the Sovteks.

Of couse YMMV, but may be worth trying.
 
Honestly, there’s nothing I don’t like about it. I absolutely love it. Mike said ARC recommended the change to him. I’m not even sure what the difference will sound like.

I am trying to find it again, but somewhere I read that the 6550 tubes ARC preamps should be changed at 2K hours, not at the 4K hours like the rest in the preamps. I can’t remember where I saw that.

ps. Don’t tell me GAT owners never roll their tubes ;)

XV-1 said:
didn't take long Joe :D what are you not liking in the Ref10 in order to look at changing tubes?
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:lol:

As a former GAT owner x 2, I realize we all can’t leave well enough alone. I know someone who uses 2 different tubes in his GAT so that the “mix” of the music finally hitting him sort of blends into a custom signature. Very interesting concept.


Harlequin said:
Cannot see that helping Joe ;)
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I think they are running the tube hard in whatever capacity it is being used in the POWER SUPPLY!!!

joeinid said:
Honestly, there’s nothing I don’t like about it. I absolutely love it. Mike said ARC recommended the change to him. I’m not even sure what the difference will sound like.

I am trying to find it again, but somewhere I read that the 6550 tubes ARC preamps should be changed at 2K hours, not at the 4K hours like the rest in the preamps. I can’t remember where I saw that.

ps. Don’t tell me GAT owners never roll their tubes ;)
Click to expand...
 
Barry said:
Ah... in the Owners Manual....
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The vacuum tubes inside your Reference 10 are quality tubes and with
normal use should not need to be changed for approximately 4,000 hours
of use.


That's from the manual but I don't remember where I saw that the 6550s needed changing at 2,000 hours. Still looking ...
 
http://www.tonepublications.com/review/the-audio-research-ref-6-linestage/

To get the most from the REF 6 tube complement, one menu option allows the user to see the number of hours on the current tubes. According to AR, new 6550WE tubes should serve their owner for about 2,000 hours, and the 6H30 tubes offer roughly twice that life span. When the tubes eventually wear out, ARC offers carefully matched replacement tubes. As there are not a lot of variations on the 6H30 tube, just giving the factory a call is the easiest way to roll. To maximize tube life, owners will delight in another REF 6 feature. The owner can set an automatic preamp shutdown to engage at a one to eight-hour interval. This feature can be disabled if you prefer fully manual control.
 
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https://soundstageultra.com/index.php/equipment-menu/567-audio-research-reference-10-preamplifier

The 6H30 tubes ARC supplies with the Ref 10 have an estimated life of 4000 hours, though word on the street recommends that they be replaced after 3000 hours (2000 hours for the two 6550s).



http://www.theaudiobeat.com/equipment/audio_research_reference_10.htm

The 6H30s are spec'd for 4000 hours of use and the 6550s for 2000 hours. A built-in time counter makes it easy to follow tube usage and know when replacement is nigh.
 
joeinid said:
The vacuum tubes inside your Reference 10 are quality tubes and with
normal use should not need to be changed for approximately 4,000 hours
of use.
Click to expand...

That's interesting. I checked the Ref10 preamp manual too & it's not in there. It is in the REF40 and Ref 10 Phono manuals under the "Servicing" section (the 2 units I have).

Another tube to try in the PS besides the Psvanes are the newer Shuguang Treasure KT-88 Z CBs. They are supposed to have an extended top and bottom end v. the earlier KT-88 Zs.

In my system, the Ref10 Phono seems to respond a little more positively to tube rolling KT-88s than the Preamp where I was completely happy with the SED Winged Cs. I liked the Sovtek in the Phono better than the SED Cs as there was a little more clarity and immediacy. Dropping in the Shuguang Zs removed a bit of mist/fine grain evident with either of the 6550Cs.

They're all different sonically so YMMV of course.
 
Hey guys - I got a box of these gems today:

f12921cf2fbe70d8e2488bfd79036a07.jpg



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
b6dcd9868b7dd1244f05539fa5cb82a3.jpg


The test system.

Tried a NOS 1960’s GoldLion KT88.

56fb22154ffcfbc7403e84819af22b7a.jpg


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Results:

More body.
Sweeter on top.
Overall, muddier, less transparent sound.

Conclusion:

The stock 6550 was preferred in this shootout.

Will try a Winged C, current GL KT88 and the new KR Audio later.


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How did your Ref6 fare with the " Winged C, current GL KT88 and the new KR Audio later " Mike
 
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