@allenf1963 both the MC225 and MC240 are legendary for long tube life. I have some of the original small signal telefunken that were shipped in my 1961 MC240.
Solid State Preamp to replace tube unit
I currently own a CJ tube preamp. Ive always owned tube preamps and I would like to get my first solid state preamp.I am fed up with buying expensive hard to find tubes that last 3 months or new production tubes with that not so great sound. I pine for consistency. I probably wont sell my CJ I'll just keep it. My power amps are NAD M23 for the summer and CJ Premiere 12's for the winter.
Since I dont dabble in the solid state world I am not sure what to get. I figure since this is my first SS unit 4-5k preowned??. Some brands I have considered CODA< Pass, AYRE, Classe, Bel Canto, Krell etc. Note: I have tried the Parasound and Benchmark but they didnt do it for me. I dont like anayltical sterile sound. If it is a touch warm/colored that is probably good as I am coming from a very warm CJ tube unit.
Must haves are a remote with balance control. Multiple outputs (XLR and RCA). I have an outboard phono pre. Thank you for reading and for your suggestions.
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I can’t contribute re: SS for a main system, I prefer tubes. I did have a Tandberg Receiver that I liked a lot, I mishandled it’s input jacks, and replaced it with my one and only Yamaha piece: Receiver CR-1040, sounds darn good and feature full. Hmmmm, sounds like you have been changing tubes too often, leaving it on too long, warming it up too long, need a tube tester to have confidence in your tubes, perhaps lost confidence in the preamp’s innards ........ perhaps have a pro overhaul it. A set of tubes should last thousands of hours, and an inexpensive tube tester keeps you from guessing if you suspect something. https://www.conradjohnsonowners.com/viewtopic.php?t=911 IF you want a unit without remote and/or balance, you can use a Chase Remote Line Controller RLC-1: either 4 sources directly to it, or sources to preamp, use tape or processor loop for the RLC-1. You MUST have the remote, no controls are on the unit. Here’s a new one Dead quiet,There is simply no evidence of it’s existence except you get wonderful remote power, volume, balance, .... Oh yeah, it has automatic and progressive fletcher munson bass boost for very low level listening, I've got 3 of them in use and a spare. Office used just for remote power, Luxman has remote volume, I take a short hike to change inputs, leave it's balance where I set it. Garage/Shop, via Yamaha Receiver's Processor Loop for remote volume and importantly, mute. Main, between tube preamp and tube integrated amp for remote system power, remote volume, remote balance, mute: lets me use my beloved vintage McIntosh mx110z tube preamp with no remote features.
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1961 -- Amazing. You have been the first person that responded to my post, so I did some online research today on my own. I discovered NUMEROUS comments in Forums and articles that said exactly what you said -- the MC225 and MC240 were legendary for being "easy" on their tubes. Especially those original Westinghouse tubes with the "Made For McIntosh" green print. Many people said they were still using the original tubes...60 years or longer. That is just astounding to me.
I dread the day my luck runs out on the McIntosh tubes. Last time I checked, there were still some NOS available at times, but it always worries me when the website says "Call For Pricing". I have thought about just buying a backup set while I can -- I can’t take the money with me! While I’m in a spending mode, I’ve also been looking for an MC240. I have always been told by my older McIntosh owner friends that the MC225 and MC240 are and were the best sounding amps McIntosh ever built. I compared my MC225 to a friend’s MC275 and preferred mine. Maybe it was confirmation bias, maybe not, but I’d like to hear an MC240 in my system. |
allenf1963buy a replacement tube set now, and an inexpensive tube tester, it will take the dread out of your life, listen without concern!!! you could install the new ones and keep your old ones that test good as spares. It's always good to have a few spares so you can have music while you research replacements. test the tubes you buy when you receive them, live near 07062, I'll test them here.
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@allenf1963 You are welcome. I strongly suggest either Brent Jesse Brent Jesse Recording Supply or Andy Bowman at Vintage Tube Services. Both have fantastic knowledge, test equipment and in the case of Brent a 30 day warranty on nos tubes. He offers precision curve tracer matching for what i consider to be reasonable $. They will both typically have some Mc branded tubes as well. The 225 and 240 use a very unique output transformer and in the case of the 240 amazing bandwidth and extraordinary low phase shift. Difficult, massive and certainly expensive to manufacture. The 275 is a brute ( in its day ) but imo lacks the 240 finesse. Finally… the 240 i run has been lovingly modified w HK style regulators and a bunch of Russian paper in oil capacitors… photos on my vintage system page have fun. |
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