550a vs. 550b

[Blackleg]

Has anyone done a compare and contrast with these two? I can see the distinctions with 4 band vs. 3 band and filters and such, but is the sound difference between them dramatic or subtle? Just curious, they're the same price, but they're not same, right?

[mixwell]

Has anyone done a compare and contrast with these two? I can see the distinctions with 4 band vs. 3 band and filters and such, but is the sound difference between them dramatic or subtle? Just curious, they're the same price, but they're not same, right?

The 550A is the classic re-issue. The 550B is the new four band version. Both use API's discrete circuit, both are proportional "Q".

Besides the differences in use, because of the bands, and points, they are in the same realm of possibility in regard to the "sound".


550B
Low: 30, 40, 50, 100, 200, 300, 400Hz
Low-Mid: 75, 150, 180, 240, 500, 700, 1Khz
Mid-High: 800, 1.5K, 3K, 5K, 8K, 10K, 12.5K
High: 2.5K, 5K, 7K, 10K, 12.5K, 15K, 20K

550A
Low: 30, 40, 50, 100, 200, 300, 400Hz
Mid-High: 200, 400, 600, 1.3K, 1.5K, 3K, 5K
High: 2.5K, 5K, 7K, 10K, 12.5K, 15K, 20K