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Tube rolling 12AX7As

I just acquired a McIntosh C2300 preamp that is currently being shipped to me. This is my first venture into tube gear. I see the owners manual states that this preamp uses 12AX7A tubes. Are those tubes interchangeable with 12AX7s? For tube rolling, do I have to make sure I swap out for ONLY 12AX7As?

I ask because from everything I have read and researched, the Mac stock tubes are considered mediocre compared to what is available out there as a substitute. Thanks in advance for the replies.
brad34695
grinnell
1,088 posts
 
There are a number of 12ax7 types you could use. Got to
http://www.audiotubes.com/12ax7.htm He has a nice list of different variations of the 12ax7.
vegasears
1,173 posts
 
If the C2300 is new and breaking in, my advise is to leave it along for a while. If something goes wrong, one of the first questions you will get from any customer service person is "What tubes are you using and where did you get them? ".

12AX7 tubes are also named ECC83. Search both on the web, tons of information out there. Grinnell's posted link above is a great start. Where or from whom you buy from is huge. Keep in mind, New Old Stock {NOS) is hard to prove. Finding the right dealer, someone you feel you can trust is pretty tough. Also, search the audio forums for good tube dealers.

Good Luck!
wolf_garcia
6,686 posts
 
I'm liking the Psvane 12AX7T-IIs...a relative bargain tube that really sounds great.
Post removed 
newbee
4,767 posts
 
There are two reasons to change tubes in an amp. 1) Improve quality of tube and 2)Change the tone of the amp. Different brands of tubes, both new issues or NOS, impart a distinctly different tone. To be sure you get the tube that is best for you, you will have to be able to articulate what it is you want to change.

To do this you will have to listen to your unit for a considerable period of time to learn its sound and know where to take it. So listen and take your time. Come back in 6 months or so and someone will be able to give you pertinent help.

Do so now and you will probably be wasting your money and will go through multiple tube sets before you accidentally find what you like.
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