Are KT88 and 6550 interchangeable?
The 6550 is a beam tetrode that’s similar and often interchangeable with the KT88 and KT90.
What tubes are interchangeable with a KT88?
The transmitting tubes TT21 and TT22 have almost identical transfer characteristics to KT88 but a different pinout, and by virtue of their anode being connected to the top cap have a higher plate voltage rating (1.25 kilovolt) and a higher power output capability of 200 watts in class AB1 push–pull.
What is the difference between 6550 and KT88 tubes?
Re: Differences between 6550 and KT88
tone is subjective because each brand / model has a different sound. both are great tubes if you buy the right brand. usually KT88 can handle a bit more voltage. for the most part they are interchangable.
Are 6550 and EL34 tubes interchangeable?
the 6550 are not interchangeable with el34, the kt88 can be tho, a replacement for the 34 would be kt77.
Are 6L6 and 6550 the same?
The beam tetrode 6550, the standard tube in the Marshall AFD100, is similar to the 6L6 and came to life in 1955. Simply put, the 6550 can be used to create an amp that has a bit more power than with either the 6L6 or EL34. Tonally, it’s in the same vain as the 6L6: clean, little distortion and an almost ‘glassy’ feel.
Can I replace 6L6 with KT88?
You really ought to increase the power of your output transformer if you’re going to move from 6L6 to KT88. a pair of 6L6 generally puts out about 35-45w. a pair of KT88 is about double that. that’s great if you want to increase the wattage of your amp, but be sure your output transformer can handle it.
What do KT88 tubes sound like?
Somewhere in between the soft, glassy tone of an EL34 and the raw, edgy tone of a 6550 lies the KT88. I’ve found them to have a similar glassiness and upper midrange sparkle to an EL34. They tend toward having rich harmonic response as well as a tighter, more defined low end, much akin to the 6550.
Are 5881 and 6L6 the same?
You can immediately notice that the 6L6 and 5881 are in the same family of valves. They are part of the general evolutionary process for this particular valve. So they are similar, but not identical tubes. In other words, there are no 6L6 tubes which are identical to the 5881 tube.
Can I replace KT88 with EL34?
No, not if the circuit uses typical 6550/kt88 voltages and currents.
What tubes can replace 6L6?
5581 tubes, for example, usually have a lower plate voltage tolerance than 6L6 tubes. In many cases, 6L6s can be safely substituted for 5881s, but not vice versa. In a few cases, where the plate voltage tolerance is high enough, 5881s can be used in amps designed for 6L6s.
Is a 5881 tube the same as an 6L6?
Is KT88 same as EL34?
EL34 and KT88 share the same pinout and are interchangeable in some circuits.
What bass amps use KT88 tubes?
KT88 tubes are currently made by New Sensor, JJ and Shuguang. Marshall used them in their 200 watt Marshall Major amps. KT88’s were also used in Hiwatt Custom 200 and 400 bass amps. They can be used as a substitute for 6550 or even EL34 tubes, if you’re looking for tighter, cleaner tone with less distortion.
Can you use 6L6 in place of 5881?
In many cases, 6L6s can be safely substituted for 5881s, but not vice versa. In a few cases, where the plate voltage tolerance is high enough, 5881s can be used in amps designed for 6L6s.
What is the difference between 6L6 and 6L6GC?
These original metal-envelope 6L6’s were good for around 19w, whereas the later 6L6GC (the most popular 6L6 design) were good for a staggering 30w. The popularity of this tube, of course, pushed the evolution of the 6L6 to have more ruggedness, clarity, and fairly rapid power dissipation.
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.
What is the difference between EL34 and EL84?
In general, EL34 and 6L6 tubes are typically used in higher wattage applications, usually amps that are over 50 watts. EL84 tubes are used for lower wattage amps, typically in the 15 to 30 watt range, but have essentially the same sonic “flavor” as EL34 tubes.
Can I use KT66 instead of 6L6?
6L6 and KT66 are essentially the same tube, but depending on the 6L6GC and KT66 being compared, the 6L6GC might be smoother, while the KT66 might be a tad more aggressive.
Can I swap EL34 for KT88?
Are all 6L6 tubes interchangeable?
The general answer is no, for the most part, 6L6 and 6v6 tubes are not interchangeable as they don’t bias close enough. Amps are calibrated to use specific valves (6v6, 6L6, EL84, etc.) and are not always well suited to multiple valve usage without circuit modifications.
Is 5881 same as 6L6?
Why do vacuum tubes wear out?
The effect the tubes have on your amp is much like the effect that strings have on your guitar. The more often you play and the more aggressive you play, the faster the tubes/strings will wear out. Playing loud and hard will cause your tubes to lose power and tone long before they finally die.
Is it OK to touch vacuum tubes?
Think of a vacuum tube as a light bulb. It is a glass envelope that generates heat as it is working. You shouldn’t be handling them all the time but occasionally touching them will not hurt. Let it cool off first though, they can get mighty toasty.
Can I replace EL84 with EL34?
In the specific case of swapping an EL34 for an EL84, you actually can’t swap them because the two different tubes have a different number of pins on their sockets.
Can you use 5881 with 6L6?
You’re fine to swap out 5881s and replace them with 6L6GCs – that’s an upgrade in valve power rating and plate voltage. I’d be careful putting 5881 in an amp designed for 6L6GC as you are downgrading the valve – putting in a weaker component if you like.