.50 Caliber + (Are 6550/KT88's an option?)

[Sludgenutz]

I am very satisfied by my .50 Caliber + preamp section so far, yet I love my Sunn model T (early 1974 model) for its wide open headroom and powerful punch. I am not looking for a model-T clone, and cannot spend $$$ on various 6L6 sets.

How much is a basic bias pot install? I will drive to Mesa/Boogie in LA if have to, as I live in So Cal. Any amp guru suggestions in So Cal are welcome.

Are the components up to snuff to install a bias pot AND a set of 6550/KT88 tubes?

If 6550/KT88 are not an option, what are the punchiest readily available 6L6 tubes for the the cash? I have seen Groove Tubes 6L6CHP on their website. Anyone experience these:

http://www.groovetubes.com/product.cfm?Product_ID=2173

Thanks!

 

[johnny q]

Sludgenutz wrote:

"I have seen Groove Tubes 6L6CHP on their website. Anyone experience these:

http://www.groovetubes.com/product.cfm?Product_ID=2173"

Yep - I dont know what inspired me to buy them, I only had feedback from 5150 and JSX users who loved these, so I figured what the hell, perhaps they will sound good in my dual rec, which has been sounding like crap lately. I didnt expect much, because quite frankly the Rec's get most of thier charm from the pre-amp section. Anyways, I bought a quad from Mike at KCA, he made sure the set was in Mesa's bias range, and let me tell you, there was an immediate improvement in tone when I first fired it up, the sound is much rounder, the amp still retained that "deep" tone we all love, highs are smooth not harsh - the whole soundscape is better! They absolutely owned the Mesa 430's that were in there originally, and I like them better that the 454's as well.

JQ