(14 votes, average: 4.29 out of 5)
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This is a legendary tube that started the whole line of 6550/KT88 tubes in February 1955. This was one of a few tubes that were invented by Tung-Sol instead of RCA or GE. Fun fact, Tung-Sol also invented the flashing turn signals for cars 🙂
This tube comes in 3 flavors – black carbonized plates, gray solid plates, and this, later version with 3 holes in the plate. I tried all 3 types and couldn’t detect significant sonic differences, although the black plates version is more expensive due to its rarity.
To me, this tube sounded very musical and detailed with great even tonal balance. The bass was not as strong as Genalex UK or Svetlana Winged C. Top end was extended, but not as clean as Genalex UK, but better and more nuanced than Genalex Russia. Overall this is very reliable and sonically pleasing tubes, which doesn’t have the dryness and in some cases mushiness of new production 6550.