Loading... Please wait...Tung-Sol 6550 - A current re-creation of the classic original 6550, now made in Russia. Super dependable, works well in most all applications. We burn them in for 72 hours, check for excessive current draw, all that good stuff, then match each tube in circuit at real voltages. We've been using these in a variety of amps here with fantastic results!
Because of it's superb test results, and modest price, the Tung-Sol 6550 is now our tube of choice for Audio Research, Jadis, VAC, VTL, Sonic Frontiers, and Rogue amplifiers that utilize 6550 or KT88 tubes.
Pricing above includes matching in any quantity you need at no extra charge.
All power tubes are Platinum Screened & Tested to the highest standards, including a 72-hour burn in process, and testing at real-world voltages.
Posted by david
Time to retube my Audio Research 130-SE, I went back to Upscale Audio because of their inhouse testing. I was advised to go with the Tung-Sol's over the Winged C's
and decided to buy the cryoed Tung-Sol's. To my ears this is a bit like a Kt-88 meets
an El-34 with the power of a 6550. Liquid midrange, controlled bass, a smidge of roll
off in the highs. I should add both the EH and Winged C's sounded a bit dry compared to the Tung-Sol's.
Posted by Drakester
I have been rolling tubes through my Cary V12i special edition mono blocks with Jensen oil capacitors for sometime now. So for Xmas I called Kevin Deal for a recommendation and he said give the TS6550 a try (24 - tubes). Man was he right on. Kevin, "Get down with your bad self ! " The balance is the best I've heard on my Maggie 3.6's. The bass is very defined, the midrange is absolutely true, and the top end is clear, but not bright. A definite and substantial improvement over the EH KT88's, Sovtek EL34,s. 1,2,3,4,5,6,7... now I sit in my room and hear heaven, or close to it.
Posted by Drakester
This is the best my system has ever sounded since I replaced the EH KT88 with the Tung-Sol 6550. The bass is more dynamic and controlled, the mid-range is true, but the highs are missing a little bit of sparkle. However the balance is perfect for my system. Kevin Deal assured me that he knew what he was doing when he recommended these tubes for the Cary V-12 mono blocks (24 tubes) to drive my Maggie 3.6's speakers.
Right now I'm tickled to death, and having an audiogasm. Thank you Kevin!
Most of you already know that Upscale Audio is the premier destination for expertise and availability of vacuum tubes for high-end audio equipment. So when we offer servies and options, you can be guaranteed that it represents a significant investment of research and capital, and that the end result will greatly enhance your listening experience.
Upscale has contracted with the foremost company involved in this technology, 300 Below, to treat our most popular tubes. Other tubes will be added as time allows, but it is a time consuming proccess. Our intention is to have most stocks Cryogenically treated before we even test them.

Of course, your first question is – and should be – why? In a nutshell, reducing an object’s temperature to -300ºF re-arranges its molecular structure, creating greater uniformity that results in longer life and better performance than when the product was initially designed.With vacuum tubes, this process has a profound impact on a tube’s ability to endure thermal shock. Therefore, tubes can last longer and their sound can been enhanced in ways that are simply exquisite.
After thoughtful and thorough research, Upscale Audio chose 300 Below because of their extensive experience in working with musical instruments as well as auto racing, metal tooling, and high-end sporting goods from rifle barrels to golf clubs. Expect nothing but the best from Upscale Audio.
Our charge for Cryogenically treating tubes is a fraction of what others charge, though we use the premier company. Count on Upscale to do the best job and not price gouge . Also available is cryogenic treatment for cables, along with our well-known Nordost Vidar cable treatment system. Call for details. Pricing is listed on each tube and cable page.
Vacuum tubes are warranted for 90 days against defects, except in cases of abuse, and replaced with like-item only.
Vacuum tubes are warranted for 90 days against defects, except in cases of abuse, and replaced with like-item only.
Exceptions to our warranty policy are as follows:
Upscale Audio is not liable for any damage or injury caused by the improper use of its tubes or the use of an incorrect/incompatible tube type. If you are unsure of what tube or tubes your equipment uses, consult the manufacturer before making a purchase. Using an incompatible tube type may cause severe damage to your equipment and will void your tube's warranty.
Vacuum tubes are electronic parts and are not refundable under any circumstances.