Mattfig
Well-known member
I'm testing it out tonight and can't blast away to really tell...Just curious what others have tried in this area...Smallest glass to biggest should be interesting as a combo....
Anyone using EL34Ls and 6550s in an RM100?
- Thread starter Mattfig
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I have been using Svetlana EL34s with Gold Lion KT88's for about a year. I think its amazing in that I am getting the best of both worlds - the huge sound stage of KT88s with the midrange bite of the EL34s. Some early break up but not too much.
I tried going back to all EL34s just to see what it was like. It still sounded good but the tone was much smaller than I have gotten used to with the KT88's mixed n.
I tried going back to all EL34s just to see what it was like. It still sounded good but the tone was much smaller than I have gotten used to with the KT88's mixed n.
Jaded Faith
Well-known member
My all-time favorite power tube combo in an RM100 was Tung Sol EL34B's inside, EH KT-88's outside. I imagine you will be pleased.
wyd-open
Active member
When you mix and match tubes like this, do you also mix and match the bias as well? You would run the KT88 at say 50mv and the el34 at around 40mv?
eyeball987
Well-known member
I have run that combo before. At the end of the day, the 6550's were just too clean / hi-fi / or something I can't really put my tone finger on for me.
It's been a while though. I might try pulling a set of Winged C 34's and dropping in the 6550's again tonight.
It's been a while though. I might try pulling a set of Winged C 34's and dropping in the 6550's again tonight.
gag halfrunt
Well-known member
I like this idea. I think I will try it.KillTone said:
nikki-k
Well-known member
RM4 owner/user here, but I do have my Legacy head that I run a *matched* mixed quad of 2xEL34 + 2x6L6 (Eurotubes sells this set, as closely matched as they can get). I bias EL34s higher than Carvin *suggests* to begin with, and stay right in that area for the mixed quad as well (the 6L6s seem to do just fine). I also have matched quads of each type (the Legacy is built for either), but usually prefer the mixed quad. (BTW- home studio use only, no live playing anymore).
eyeball987
Well-known member
Any word on the results?
Mattfig
Well-known member
I don't like it....Something about 6550 sound too clean to me....They don't color the tone at all and thus makes it harsh or brittle...I know a 6L6 (especially GC) is close in some ways but I can tolerate them..6550s need to stay in SVTs...I can't believe the Marshall Slash amps that came loaded with 6550s...That always blows my mind...At the end of the day I have two EL34Ls (JJ) and two EH6CA7s...It's excellent...I guess I just like early breakup....The 6CA7s are as much headroom as I'll ever need...I have 4 but have never tried them together....That's next.... 
eyeball987
Well-known member
Good to know! That has been my thought as well. I used to think I liked the 6550's until I went back to 34's. I still need to try the 6CA7's though.
eyeball987
Well-known member
Went 6L6 and 34's last night. All 34's going back in tonight.
Mattfig
Well-known member
eyeball987 said:
FWIW, the "Winged C" 6L6s sound pretty nice in the RM100 coupled with some EL34Ls...Although I have a hunch 6CA7 is as far as you are willing to stray...
eyeball987
Well-known member
Mattfig said:
Could be. The 6's I have are GC's so maybe they are just too close to 6550's.
Mattfig
Well-known member
Got some JJ KT88 to try out...Will be back with results..
Mattfig
Well-known member
drewiv said:
Dialing what?
Mattfig said:
I'm just messing with you. Dialing your knob(s).
It's all personal preference. I like the dry/clean mix of the KT88. Yes, they don't add a lot of color, but I like that coupled with the preamps of MTS. Everyone has a preference and there is no "right" tone.
Mattfig
Well-known member
Results are in:
It's kinda weird to admit this as I have expressed my dislike of 6550s in the past for most applications...But the KT88s sound awesome...There is more detail and it doesn't feel like the brute strength of 6550s though they are close to the same thing..
I know I'm not "hearing what I want to hear" because I was quite pleasantly surprised..I expected a bag of suck...
My MarkUS has an even better tone...
I have found them to be best paired with my =C= EL34s...Yum!
It's kinda weird to admit this as I have expressed my dislike of 6550s in the past for most applications...But the KT88s sound awesome...There is more detail and it doesn't feel like the brute strength of 6550s though they are close to the same thing..
I know I'm not "hearing what I want to hear" because I was quite pleasantly surprised..I expected a bag of suck...
My MarkUS has an even better tone...
I have found them to be best paired with my =C= EL34s...Yum!
