2. amps-preamps
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Where to go from here? upping the tube ante

I have a Macintosh C2200 tube preamp and MC2102 tube amp (KT88). They are fine components and I'm very pleased with them. However, just in the interest of curiosity I'm wondering where one can go from here? In other words, what components would give me more than what I'm getting with the Macintosh pair? (I've upgraded the 12AX7 tubes in the preamp which led to a nice improvement.)

More of what you say! More music! OK, truthly more naturalness and ease. Not more sounding live, because that's not the point here, but having a violin or piano sound more like the real thing. But musicality is key.

I have an Audio Note balanced DAC and adding it to my system was a revelation over my EMC-1. I guess I would say I'd someday like to look forward to the same improvement with the amp/preamp. But, if the Macintosh are hard to beat please state your opinion.

Additional components:
Electrocompaniet EMC-1 UP used as transport
Tannoy D500 speakers
Audience Au24 interconnects and speaker cables
Acoustic Zen MC2 digital cable
Blue Circle Music Ring
BC and Audience power cords

Looking forward to your thoughts. Thanks.
budrew
budrew OP
467 posts
 
Bwhite, Thanks for the info. Are there any concerns about matching different tube brands in the amp at the same time? I found a review of several KT88s and they found the Electro-Harmonix to be the clear winner, though they did not include any GEC tubes, of which I've heard there are many variations.
bwhite
807 posts
 
Hi Fiddler, I've never owned a Berning.
bwhite
807 posts
 
Budrew... Just buy two GEC's and plug them in - you'll notice a new sense of emotion to your music. The improvement is rather significant.

Prior to trying this in my amp, I emailed McIntosh to find out if putting KT88's and 6550's in the same amp at the same time was okay. They replied saying - No problem, the tubes are electronically the same.

Look for GEC's with the 3 getters and the Z date codes. That's about all you need to know. Let your ears tell you the rest.

RE: Electro-Harmonix, I believe they are not exactly a tube company - they buy tubes from "real" manufacturers and then brand them Electro-Harmonix. If you read a review which said the EH are good, odds are they were the Svetlana KT88's which have received good press. Just so happens the McIntosh branded tubes in your amp are also Svetlana. Two GEC's and 6 Svetlana's in that amp will be a HUGE eye opener.

No joke.
budrew OP
467 posts
 
The Svetlanas faired the worst in the review I read, but that was back in 2002. I understand Mcintosh revised the Svetlana KT88 specs for their own needs so perhaps the Mcintosh KT88s are improved. Whatever, I'll try some NOS and see what it does for the music.
unclejeff
1,313 posts
 
The Tannoy speakers are a great match for your 2102. I own the 2102 and it was a real toss-up between the tannoys and Kef Referance 205s. I finally opted for the Kefs and I am happy. It is interesting what you folks say about the tubes. Perhaps i will try something different just for fun. This will probably happen when it gets time to replace tubes, anyway.

I would not deviate from your McIntosh equipment. It is well matched and more than a few folks around here are probably shaking their heads in envy.
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