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Re-tubing a McIntosh power amp

I have a McIntosh 275 VI tube amp that I am considering changing out the tubes. Not interested in rolling, just upgrading from the stock tubes that it shipped with. Don’t want to go exotic ($$$)  just trying to replace them with some upgraded, reliable tubes. Have any if you done this recently? Looking for suggestions on brands and reliable, fairly priced  tube sources. Thanks!
cincyhound
jasonbourne52's avatar
jasonbourne52
2,863 posts
 
JJ  6550 made in Slovakia are a good recommendation - and affordable! Other brands like Gold Lion and Tungsol are made in Russia - not a USA-friendly country!
jasonbourne52's avatar
jasonbourne52
2,863 posts
 
The Tube Store is where I go!
oldhvymec
5,101 posts
 
GL KT88s are about 210-230.00 per quad. I'd stick with KT88s not 6550, and yes there is BIG difference.

GL are a good sounding valve for one. A 6550 in the older 1961-67 275s that's a different story. The amp is made differently. Actually I like a GE6550 better than even the old GLs. BOTH are wonderful valves though..

PSVANE is just a no no too. I tried a few times.. The signal valves not too bad, but the power valves.. YIKES!

I know I have used some Solvex that were REALLY good. The problem I had was the failure rate out of the box and for about the first 50 hours or so.. SUPER high.. I bought in bulk, and didn't lose my shirt, BUT I was burning in quads for a while.. 15% failure rate, THEN they were fine..

Over 30 valves out of 200, three different times.. Some put on quite the fireworks display in a tube.. Scare the heck out of you the first few times.. :-)

OP rolling valves is swapping, but normally we roll small valves for the final tweak. Some have fewer to roll than others.. That's all.  LOL
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