Tube rolling in the MC1502
 

Has anyone rolled tubes in this amp? I see a lot for the MC275 but no one really mentions the MC1502.

I rolled the output tubes on my C2300 to some 1960s Mullards and they greatly improved the sound. Curious if there's any benefit in doing anything on the amp side.

Not yet. I plan to run the Mc tubes for 200 hrs before I switch out. I have my replacements on hand.

If this is like any of my other McIntosh tube amplifiers (MC2301, MC 2102, MC 275V) then the 12AT7’s make the biggest sonic difference, followed by the 12AX7A’s and finally the KT-88’s, whose difference may have been more my imagination than anything else.

Happy rolling!

One member recommended NOS Mullard CV4024 for the 12AT7s. I haven’t found any at a price I am willing to spend. My full set I have on- hand are Gold Lion reissued.

In my experience you can't go wrong with GL reissue tubes. However, they've become quite expensive and I found tested JAN Phillips 12AX7 & 12AT7 at about 2/3's the price and am very pleased with them. Very quiet and no microphonics.
Have EH as a back-up. They are cheap, don't sound bad and are reliable.

Kevin I have tube testers if you ever need anything tested…. they are the Maximatcher which seem good but I rarely use it.

Thank you Josh. I do have a simple tester, Orange tube tester, that gives me the info I need. Not as advanced as the Maximatcher.

Finally made it to Volume Music. Nice place but prices a bit on the high side.