McIntosh stock tubes

[Marmarosa]

Dear friends,

I´ve been discussing with my dear and respected dealer about who is the McIntosh stock tubes manufacturer.

Could anyone tell me if the pre and power amp tubes are Genalex Gold Lion?

Thank´s in advance.

Chema.

[AZmcman]

My 2301 came with Svetlana Electron Device (SED) KT88 tubes. They are made in Russia and are noted for their long life - mine are approaching 10 years and still work perfectly. Rest assured McIntosh uses only the best of audio tubes.

[Marmarosa]

Originally Posted by AZmcman

My 2301 came with Svetlana Electron Device (SED) KT88 tubes. They are made in Russia and are noted for their long life - mine are approaching 10 years and still work perfectly. Rest assured McIntosh uses only the best of audio tubes.

Thank´s for your answer.

The thing is, I´ve read several times in this forum how pre and power amp owners has removed stock tubes on the first day use, installing Gold Lion´s, among other brands.

This is why I ask.

Chema.

[stereo_5]

I believe the small signal tubes are made by JJ.

[Thedo]

Upgrading Mcintosh stock tubes is more like a hobby. The original stock tubes in all modern day Mcintosh components are very good. You should just enjoy the stock tubes for a while before upgrading. Most people don't see a big difference after upgrade.

[McDaddy]

For small signal tubes in preamps you will see an improvement in the Gold Lion 12AX7’s. In my C1100 I recently swapped for Mullard NOS 12AT7’s as well. Color me impressed!

[Marmarosa]

Originally Posted by McDaddy

For small signal tubes in preamps you will see an improvement in the Gold Lion 12AX7’s. In my C1100 I recently swapped for Mullard NOS 12AT7’s as well. Color me impressed!

Thank you.

I´ve ordered 12AX7´s and 12AT´s Gold Lion for my C500 and my recent ordered Mc275.

I´m dying to listen my new system.

Chema.

[JBT]

The stock tubes in my C1100 are very good. I don't even think about tube rolling. Likewise with my MC 275V1

[Masterlu]

Originally Posted by JBT

The stock tubes in my C1100 are very good. I don't even think about tube rolling. Likewise with my MC 275V1

That’s what I thought about the tubes in all my Mac gear. I’m not running a single stock tube; haven’t since buying the gear new.

[ATC2]

Originally Posted by Thedo

Upgrading Mcintosh stock tubes is more like a hobby. The original stock tubes in all modern day Mcintosh components are very good. You should just enjoy the stock tubes for a while before upgrading. Most people don't see a big difference after upgrade.

This...
I recently installed Gold Lions and did not notice any change.
Full disclosure, I did it mostly for curiosity my sound was great before, and because this hobby is kind of a “money pit” for fools like myself.
Happy that it didn’t sound worst...
if you have an itch to scratch and the cash to spend then go ahead but personally I feel the factory tubes are adequate.

Happy listening...