Rolling Tubes - Power Tubes
Oh yes the power tubes! The tubes that give us the main glow in our amps. While the preamp tubes do offer some tube glow satisfaction they just don’t offer the sexy mood that’s created by a great set of power tubes. Geez enough about the glow already.
Power tubes, often called output tubes, can give an indication of the amount of power an amp can produce. I know most of us have amps that come from a factory that has predefined tubes that can be used. In my main amp I have the ability to roll in El34, 6550, KT88 and a few other variations.
EL34 PHILLIPS HOLLAND BROWN BASE
The preamp tubes may shape the sound the most but the power tubes really give that final touch to the sound. Power tubes offer plenty of options when it is time to roll new tubes in. There are “reissues”, term used lightly, and NOS. The latter are the way to go if you are really after a certain sound and are after a tube that can last and can take longer listing times. The task to find good / quality NOS power tubes can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. If you are after a certain sound or want to add something you feel is missing in your system an email to a reputable company can easily steer you in the right direction.
2A3-RCA-black-plate
In my listening room I like to change the tubes depending on the speakers and music I want to listen to. I am partial to EL34 for their midrange warmth and KT88 for their low end slam. Classic rock sounds best in my system with KT88 tubes, but blues has an amazing sound with EL34 tubes.
Tungsol 5881 Brown Base 1961
A tube I haven’t tried yet is the 6550. I’ve got a quad on their way. They should be here in 2 days and I can’t wait. I’ve read that the 6550 is supposed to be the best of both worlds. It is supposed to have the musical warmth of the EL34 with the punch and slam of the KT88. Here is a picture of a friend of mine running them in his Primaluna amp.
Getting some NOS tubes is a great experience. I really enjoy putting on albums that I am very familiar with and then rolling the tubes in. Getting to rediscover an album because of new tubes never gets old.