Tubes Recommendation for McIntosh Preamp

@xcool

I was told it was only a little over a year old. Of course I can’t verify that. I just have to take his words.

if this is important to you (and I am not saying that it is) you could probably call or email the people at Mac and if you gave them the serial number they could probably give you date of manufacture and possibly other odds and ends.

He said the unit hasn’t been played for a while, and it will require some break in time again.

If it had been recently retubed, perhaps?  I've also read posts abour capacitors needing some running time for them to "reform."  I cannot personally attest to that, it is just what I have read about on this site.

Good suggestion @immatthewj on contacting McIntosh.  I thought about that too.  In fact, the dealer that sold me the Mac told me that the previous owner had sent in his warranty registration card, so therefore, the warranty is transferrable.   Again, I took his words for it.   I was going to contact McIntosh to verify that.  Maybe one day when I have some spare time.

Sorry for side tracking,  😀.   Will still welcome any tubes recommendation for the McIntosh!

Cheers!

@xcool 

I previously owned a Mc C1100 and replaced stock tubes with Telefunken 12AX7 and 12AT7. Telefunken is much better than stock tubes. Once you hear them, you don't want to revert back to stock tubes. 

Thanks @cfa88 for your suggestion.  I'll look into that!

FWIW, I replaced the stock 12AX7 tubes in my C220 preamp with Mullard reissues.  I got a lower noise floor, smoother highs without losing detail, and slightly expanded soundstage.  A great low cost upgrade.