The 6550 is a beam tetrode that’s similar and often interchangeable with the KT88 and KT90. It was introduced by Tung-Sol in 1964.
How long do KT88 tubes last?
about 2500 hours
Power tubes like EL34’s and KT88’s are good for about 2500 hours or more. But may go longer in an amplifier with a conservative design. Small signal tubes with numbers like 12AX7, 12AU7, and 6922, and rectifier tubes like 5AR4 may go 10,000 hours. So you get years and years of enjoyment.
Can a KT88 replace a 6550?
6550, KT88’s, and KT90 are interchangeable. The 6550 originated in the US and the KT88 is the European answer to the 6550.
Is it OK to touch vacuum tubes?
It is OK to handle ambient cooled vacuum tubes with bare hands, IF THEY ARE COOL, and skin oils will seldom cause a problem, even if it chars.
How many watts is a KT88?
42 W
| KT88 | |
|---|---|
| Heater current | 1.6 A |
| Anode | |
| Max dissipation Watts | 42 W |
| Max voltage | 800 |
Is it bad to leave a tube amp on for a long time?
Tubes deteriorate with use, so leaving a tube amp on shortens tube life. This heat can be drying and damaging to other parts of the amp. Tube amps can be hazardous when left on and unattended. On top of heat production, a blown tube can quickly become a fire hazard.
Do 12AX7 tubes need to be biased?
With preamp tubes, you don’t need to worry about things like biasing or using matched pairs as you do with power tubes. As long as your new tube is the same model as what you’re replacing (12AX7, 12AT7, 6SN7, etc.), you’re good.
Are kt-88 and 6550 tubes the same?
You may end up preferring different tubes in your amp than I prefer in mine – some amps need sweetening up, others toning down – but I am certain that you will experience the relative differences between tubes that I hear. 6550 and KT-88 are power pentodes used in a variety of applications. They are closely related.
What’s the difference between A KT88 and a KT90?
The basics. The KT 90 IS the same tube as the GA KT99A, thought to be a wonderful tube. The 90 provides about 15% more output power than a KT 88 (more headroom). It also seems to extend the bass down about an octave.
What is the difference between JJ E34L 6550 and KT88?
KT88 cost a bit more than 6550. KT90 a good bit more expensive than KT88. Note: JJ E34L and KT88 tubes are available in clear (standard), red, or blue glass, so you can even use them as mood lighting. I have tried all three tubes.
Are eat KT88 tubes reliable?
I recently got a quad of EAT kt88 tubes for my Mcintosh MC275. Those are supposedly revered as one of the best. However, less than 10 hours one of them had a spark of fireworks in it and shorted the fuse. I heard KT88s are in general not as reliable as 6550.
