The honest answer: v6 is technically better, but 'better' isn't the same as 'better for YOUR song.' Here's the breakdown.
v6 advantages: cleaner mixes, more natural vocals, better prompt adherence, better sustained notes, fewer artifacts. For most new songs, start here.
When v5.5 wins: if you built a style prompt that was dialed in on v5.5, v6 can render it differently — 'different' feels like 'worse' when you loved the old sound. Lo-fi, certain vintage textures, and some niche genres still come out better on 5.5.
The practical workflow:
1. New song → try v6 first
2. If the vibe is off after 2 generations → try the same prompt on v5.5
3. Whichever nails it, note the version next to the saved prompt — version is part of the recipe
Don't chase versions mid-song. Pick one version per song. Mixing v6 verses with v5.5 choruses via Extend creates audible seams — the models have different sonic fingerprints.
And ignore the hype cycle. Every new version launch brings 'it's amazing' and 'they ruined it' posts. Both are true for different people. Trust your ears on YOUR music.
Good luck! Hank founder of SonorixPG