[dkorbal]

This crackling is driving me crazy. It has increased in intensity and frequency. I am going to change out tubes tonight with Gold Lion's I purchased awhile ago.

I'm a novice when it comes to tubes so I want to make sure I do this right. In other words, NOT destroy my equipment. Here are some questions that are floating around in my head.

1) Why does the C2700 use different tubes for the INPUT (12AX7A) and OUTPUT (12AT7)?
2) Am I better to just change one of the tubes out?
3) I don't use the MM or MC tubes so can I just switch those around?
4) Can I replace the 12AT7 (output) with another 12AX7? My research tells me the gain output is the major difference between the tubes. Do I need to worry about clipping? I seem to remember buying both Gold Lion 12AX7 and 12AT7 for this purpose. I'm currently at work not at home.
5) I've never opened up the C2700, is it straight forward? I am an engineer and have no problem tinkering with things.

Part of me is excited to hear the difference another part just wants to get rid of the crackling. Man I hope the tubes are the problem.

Any help would greatly be appreciated.

PS. I did remove the MEM220. We will talk later about that.