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6550 GE NOS NIB Vintage Matched Pair - Second Version - Stamped and swaged Plates MADE IN USA

6550 GE NOS NIB Vintage Matched Pair - Second Version - Stamped and swaged Plates MADE IN USA

Regular price $707.00 AUD
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6550 GE NOS NIB Vintage Matched Pair - Second Version - Stamped and swaged Plates MADE IN USA

Sound Description:

The 6550 GE NOS NIB , in this second version dating back to the late 1970s, represents one of the pinnacles of American tube production. They are recognizable by their straight-bottle structure , folded gray plates , triple O getters (two on the top and one on the side), and the three cooling holes on each plate — distinctive elements of the series' mature technical design.

The straight-bottle 6550A was introduced by GE in 1971 as an evolution of the standard 6550. The "A" designation indicated a substantial change in internal construction: GE adopted a 5-layer material , developed by Texas Instruments , with a copper or aluminum core clad in steel using an explosive cladding process. This innovative compound significantly improved heat dissipation , reducing spurious emissions and bias instability , making the tube more reliable under load.

During the production two main variants alternated:

  • the first , from 1971, with rough welds on the plates;
  • the second , like the one proposed here, with printed and swaged plates , introduced around 1979 , with a more refined and uniform appearance.

According to technical sources and testimonies of the time, there are no significant sonic differences between the two versions: both retain the robust, linear and musically coherent character of the 6550A by GE.

Bass : authoritative and well-controlled. Depth and rigor characterize the low range, which remains tight, precise, and present , without ever weighing down the overall performance. Ideal for systems where rhythmic clarity is essential.

Mids : Transparent and natural. The mids express themselves with a clear and coherent voice, without coloration or excess, doing justice to voices, pianos and acoustic instruments with balance and clarity.

Highs : Extended and refined. The upper end of the spectrum is defined, never harsh , with airy, subtle detail that's perfectly integrated into the overall texture, ideal for critical listening sessions.

Dynamics : Vigorous yet progressive. The transient response is rapid, stable, and controlled , with a broad yet musical dynamic range, capable of accompanying both symphonic passages and minimalist pieces with equal precision.

Soundstage : deep and well-focused. The stereo image is wide, layered, and coherent , with a sense of spatial solidity that favors a credible, three-dimensional sound reconstruction.

🎧 Use in Push-Pull Stereo and Dual Mono Hi-Fi Amplifiers
This matched pair is ideal for high-end hi-fi amplifiers, both vintage (Dynaco, Audio Research, Conrad-Johnson) and modern (Octave, Jadis, Line Magnetic). Their voice is neutral, energetic, and precise , offering refined, detailed, and fatigue-free listening.

🎸 Use in Guitar and Bass Amplifiers
A favorite among professional engineers and musicians , the 6550 GE provides high headroom , natural compression , and controlled harmonic granulation , ideal for vintage Fender amplifiers, modified Marshalls, or custom-oriented tube heads.

🎯 Note for audiophiles and technicians
These are a NOS, second-generation GE 6550A matched pair, featuring high-performance composite materials and optimized construction for long-term reliability. An excellent option for those seeking stability, natural timbre, and solid dynamics in a hi-fi or professional context.


Test Results:

Tested on AMPLITREX AT-1000 Tube tester:
Vf = 6.3V; Va = 400V; Vg2 = 225V; Vg1 = -16.5V
Average 100% Gm = 9.0 ; Ia = 87 mA
TEST RESULT:
STRONG

Valve 1: Gm = 9.4 ; Ia = 88 mA
Valve 2: Gm = 9.4 ; Ia = 90 mA

Additional Tests Performed:
  • Microphonics: Standard. Tested and approved for use in hi-fi and guitar amplifiers.
  • Output Quality: Excellent – ​​Very strong and stable output, no fluctuations.
  • Short circuits and GAS: Absent.

Conditions:

  • Condition: NOS - NIB - New Old Stock, New In Box - Tested and working - Supplied in original box.
  • Functionality: Fully functional.
  • Cosmetic condition: Excellent – ​​Excellently preserved lettering, minimal signs of wear. See photos for details.
  • Manufacturing Code: JA - Made in USA by GE in June 1982

Burglar-Resistant Security Seal Policy:

Each product is sealed to ensure quality and integrity.
The right of withdrawal is subject to the tamper-proof seal being kept intact, as required by the Consumer Code.


Eco-friendly packaging:

The valve will be shipped in protective packaging to ensure safety during transportation.
We use recycled and recyclable paper for packaging, and brown tape ECO-KRAFT , eco-friendly and solvent-free.


Important Notes:

This tube, manufactured to the standards of the time, is designed to work in equipment compatible with vintage tubes.
It is recommended to follow the safety guidelines to avoid malfunctions or damage.


Security Guarantee:

While not tested to modern GPSR regulations, this valve has been designed to operate safely under the conditions for which it was manufactured.
We recommend using it with equipment that supports vintage tubes, to avoid the risk of malfunction or damage.


Safety Information:

  • Attention: Keep out of reach of children.
  • To be used under adult supervision.
  • Use this product only with equipment designed for vintage tubes.

Shipping & Returns

Shipping costs.

Shipping costs vary depending on the total amount of the items in the cart and are calculated automatically during the purchase procedure. All parcels travel insured and the courier is automatically chosen based on the destination to be reached.

Shipping times and delivery methods.

The delivery times indicated are to be considered purely indicative.Delays or unilateral changes by the carrier to a collection point (for example near periods of heavy traffic such as holidays) are in no way attributable to Vacuum Tube Treasures. Each instance remains the responsibility of the Customer and must be resolved directly with the Express Courier used.

Shipping abroad.

For all purchases from countries outside the European community, any import customs fees will be paid by the recipient. Vacuum Tubes Treasures has no control over import customs duties which may vary from country to country, so please contact your country's customs office to verify import costs.

Warranty

All products that can be purchased on Vacuum Tubes Treasures are covered by a warranty, as regulated by Legislative Decree no. 206/2005 (Consumer Code) and by the Civil Code, in the part dedicated to the sales contract, in articles. 1490 et seq.

What is the guarantee.

The guarantee means the commitment undertaken by Vacuum Tubes Treasures towards the customer to repair or replace free of charge and within a reasonable period of time, the products or components of the appliances which present defects of conformity in the manufacturing or material. If the repair or replacement of the goods proves to be excessively expensive or problematic, the customer can obtain a price reduction or termination of the contract. To determine the amount of the price reduction or the sum to which the customer is entitled in these cases, the use that has been made of the product is taken into account.

Remember that minor defects, for which it is not possible or excessively expensive to repair or replace, do not give the right to terminate the contract.

If the product you purchased is defective, contact us immediately, so that we can find the most suitable solution to your needs.

Different customers, different ways of exercising the guarantee.

For consumers - i.e. for "natural persons acting for purposes unrelated to any entrepreneurial or professional activity carried out" (art. 3, paragraph 1, letter a) of Legislative Decree 206/2005) – the guarantee extends to two years following delivery of the goods. For second-hand products the guarantee is one year.

To exercise your right, you must notify us of the lack of conformity you have found no later than 60 (sixty) days from discovery.

For the first six months from delivery of the product, it is assumed that the lack of conformity found existed from the origin, therefore the application of the guarantee is automatic. From the seventh month, until the end of two years, however, the lack of conformity must be demonstrated with a specific appraisal at your expense.

The consumer, in any case, is the owner of the rights provided for by the Consumer Code to the articles 128 – 135, which are not modified by this warranty.

To those who, however, purchase a product on Vacuum Tubes Treasures for purposes relating to their business or professional activity - therefore communicating the VAT number and the data of their activity - the provisions established by the Civil Code on the matter will be applied of sales contracts, in articles 1490 et seq.

The guarantee, therefore, extends to 12 (twelve) months following delivery of the goods, while the communication of the lack of conformity must be made within 8 (eight) days from discovery.

In any case, whether you are a consumer, a business or a professional, you must communicate the lack of conformity you have found to: Vacuum Tubes Treasures di Tiziano Di Natale Via Trento n. 48 - 64011 - Alba Adriatica - TE - C. F.: DNTTZN73R27Z133P - VAT number: 02113940676 - Telephone: +39 328 7341456 - Email: info@dynakitfriends.com

The guarantee will be recognized by presenting the purchase invoice or document of sale in the original.

The warranty does not cover:

· Accidental damage or damage caused by loss, non-use of the product, tampering, normal wear and tear, or loss of information made available to the customer at the time of sale.

· Damage that may, directly or indirectly, arise to people, things or animals as a result of failure to observe the provisions indicated in the appropriate operating manuals and concerning, in particular, the warnings regarding Installation, Use and Maintenance of the product. For such damages Vacuum Tubes Treasures declines any type of responsibility.

· Damage caused by negligence, incorrect use and installation and not compliant with the warnings and indications given in the instruction or installation manual; damage from misuse, mistreatment, deterioration, lightning, atmospheric phenomena, overvoltages and overcurrents, insufficient or irregular power supply, adaptation or modification, nor damage caused by incorrect use or in contradiction with the technical measures and safety requirements required in the country in which the appliance is used.

· Damage or malfunctions deriving from replacements or repairs carried out directly by the customer or by third parties, using parts not authorized by the relevant manufacturers or not complying with the appropriate measures of safety and quality.

· Consumable parts subject to normal wear and tear, such as light bulbs, lamps, batteries, etc.

Right of Withdrawal

Purchases made on the Vacuum Tubes Treasures website are governed by Italian legislation regarding distance contracts and off-premises purchases, which you can find in Legislative Decree no. 206/2005, better known as the Consumer Code.

We undertake to reimburse the entire amount as soon as possible and in any case within the legal deadline of 14 (fourteen) days from the date on which we receive the goods back.

The consumer has the right to withdraw from the contract, without giving reasons, within 14 days. The withdrawal period expires 14 days after the day on which you or a third party, other than the carrier and designated by you, acquires physical possession of the goods. To exercise the right of withdrawal, you are required to inform us (Insert name, geographical address and, if available, telephone number and e-mail address) of your decision to withdraw from this contract through an explicit declaration (e.g. letter sent by post, fax or email). To comply with the withdrawal deadline, it is sufficient for you to send the communication relating to the exercise of the right of withdrawal before the withdrawal period expires.

Effects of withdrawal.

If the customer withdraws from this contract, all payments made to us will be refunded, including delivery costs, without undue delay and in any case no later than 14 days from the day on which we are informed of the Your decision to withdraw from this contract.

These refunds will be made using the same payment method you used for the initial transaction, unless you have expressly agreed otherwise; in any case, you will not incur any costs as a consequence of such reimbursement. The refund may be suspended until receipt of the goods or until the consumer demonstrates that he has sent the goods back, if earlier.

Shipping address: Vacuum Tubes Treasures di Tiziano Di Natale - Via Trento n . 48 - 64011 - Alba Adriatica (TE) - Tel. +39 328 7341456, without unjustified delays and in any case within 14 days from the day on which you communicated your withdrawal from this contract. The deadline is met if you send back the goods before the expiry of the 14 day period.

«The costs of returning the goods will be your responsibility.», The consumer is responsible for the decrease in the value of the goods resulting from a manipulation of the goods other than that necessary to establish their nature.

In these cases, however, we always advise you to contact us, to provide you with further information and to find together the best solution for returning the goods, also via our couriers.

Sources: Art. 49 paragraph 1 h), paragraphs 4 and 5; art. 22 paragraph 1 e) Consumer Code; Annex A, Legislative Decree 21/2014 which modifies the Consumer Code

Consumer or non-consumer?

The protection of the Consumer Code applies to consumers or users, i.e. to “natural persons who act for purposes unrelated to any entrepreneurial or professional activity carried out” (art. 3, paragraph 1, letter a) of Legislative Decree 206/2005). The right of withdrawal as presented here, therefore, cannot be exercised by legal entities and natural persons acting for purposes related to a commercial and/or professional activity. Purchases made by resellers or by individuals who in any capacity purchase for resale to third parties are also excluded.

And if we were wrong?

In the event that you have received a item that you did not want due to our error, the right of withdrawal remains unchanged, but obviously the shipping costs for returning the goods will be at our expense. Contact us to find the quickest and easiest solution.

Damaged products. If you receive damaged goods, please notify us within 5 (five) working days via email or telephone, quoting "damaged items" in the subject of the email, or via telephone.

Regulatory references. You can find the full text of the Consumer Code at the following link: http://www.camera.it/parlam/leggi/deleghe/testi/05206dl.htm, in particular articles 64 – 67, specific to the consumer's right of withdrawal.

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  • ATTENTION PLEASE

    Please understand that the writing on the glass of vintage valves has become very delicate over the years and comes off easily. You must handle them with extreme care to avoid this. Wear and damage to the writing on the valves reduces their market value and causes damage. Please exercise extreme caution.

  • ATTENTION PLEASE

    We wish to inform you that any attempts to manipulate shipping destination information in order to obtain lower shipping rates may be considered fraudulent acts. Please provide accurate information and contact us if you have any concerns. We reserve the right to review and, if necessary, cancel orders that we deem to be in violation of our conditions. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.