ARC Ref 3: Tung-Sol 6550 in power supply?

In Ref 3, the SED Winged C 6550 from ARC takes almost 500 hours to break in fully... Sonic evolution is very significant during this period. What I herd from a brand new tube was not indicative of its capabilities post break-in. G.

Forgot to come back with comments. But I'm back.

Ok, I swapped the ARC 6550 WE tube into my PH-8 and pulled the Tung Sol 6550. Maybe the 6550 isn't as critical in the PH-8 because I am not hearing a world of difference.

I have 3 ARC components that use the 6550 as a regulator tube in the power supply. Hopefully, Kevin will source a more reliable batch of SED Winged Cs when I am ready for a retube.

@Guido -- 500 hours seems kind of a long time for break-in. Can't say that I have had such an experience.

@Elberoth -- gotta say I am a believer about ARC sourced KT-120s. Maybe it's just bad luck, but for some reason, some of Kevin's KT-120s just don't bias as closely in my Ref 150 as those sourced from ARC. Can't say why.

Most interesting Ptcl99 , my regards for your spirit in pursuing your experimentation, especially with your utilization of non NOS valves.