Gold Lion 6550 tubes with Mc275 & Mc2000

[Dj_AmTraX]

Has anyone tried the Gold Lion 6550 tubes on a Mc275 or Mc2000? What are the audible differences between KT88 and 6550? Is one more desirable than the other?

[vintage_tube]

A 6550 tube is a US made tube designator whereas the KT88 is the European equivalent. Therefore, Gold Lion has never made a 6550.

From what I've heard & from friends who tried the 6550's vs KT88's -- it's a toss up depending on every variable of your system -- in other words, some McIntosh tube amp owners liked their 6550 brand (older Tung-sol, GE, etc) whereas others liked the European KT88. For what it's worth -- there are probably more folks running KT88's in McIntosh amps than 6550's.

IMO, there are very insignificant differences between the two in a McIntosh amp -- for me & to answer your question directly, the 6550's are a smidgen softer on the "slam" .

YMMV.

[Dj_AmTraX]

Thanks Vintage Tube for pointing out that Gold Lion doesn't make a 6550. I will edit the title.

I remember McIntosh used to send their Mc275 out with 6550 instead of KT88.