6550 amplifiers?

[cream123]

I really want to at least try out an amplifier that uses 6550s. Any suggestions for amps that come stock w/ 6550s? I've also been looking at the Bivalve, which can use 6550s (along with a plethora of other tubes).


also, I forget, what are some characteristics of amps that use 6550s? just in general. I'm pretty sure Golden Boy can chime in on this one. I believe he has a JMP modded for 6550s....

 

[jerryjg]

Re: 6550 amplifiers?

weel, this is from a hi-fi perspective, not guitar amp, but it probably still is true;
...." in general, the EL34s tend to be a little warmer with a little more lush midrange. The 6550/KT88 power tubes tend to have a bit more dynamic punch. So, your choice may, in part, depend upon your listening preferences "... I think the 6550's are going to be cleaner and less gritty,less sag(/) for a dry crisp sound is a guess on my part. I know the fenders using 6550's are crisp , clean and dynamic as opposed to a hgrainey warm spongy bass.

 

[The Golden Boy]

Re: 6550 amplifiers?

The late 70s/early 80s Marshalls made for the US came stock with 6550s.

There's a different tonal characteristic within the same basic circuit. I'm fortunate enough to have a 78 Marshall with 6550s and an 81 Park with EL-34s- they're both basically the same amp, with minor part differences- but the major difference is in the power tubes.

With the 6550 being more... "transparent" you'd expect the Marshall to be more preamp dependent than the Park- but the Park is much more sensitive to preamp tube changes than the Marshall.

Everybody and their mom tells me to get the Marshall changed over to EL-34s- but I love that amp the way it is.

 

[ksmith63]

Re: 6550 amplifiers?

engl savage is the only current one i can think of

 

[the guy who invented fire]

Re: 6550 amplifiers?

Look for late 70's and early 80's US Marshalls, look for old Sunn amps and other than that keep looking...6550's are not known for a warm tone, they are not known for breakup so most guitar amp makers don't use them...thats not at all to say that they can't produce a warm break up tone but they are not know for it. George Allesrando builds a few amps that use 6550's and IMO they are amazing sounding amps