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
I'm liking the Psvane 12AX7T-IIs...a relative bargain tube that really sounds great.
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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.
I agree with Newbee, if your preamp is new, let the unit and the stock tubes go thru a burn-in period. Otherwise you'll never know the true sound of the preamp and how it integrates into your system.
If you're curious, open it up to see what brand tubes McIntosh has used in your unit. But let the burn-in happen first before tube rolling and during that period you can research the different brands of NOS tubes and their sonic signature.
Thanks everyone for the wonderful replies. I will be heeding the advice. A few things......

The C2300 is not brand new. I have bought it used, with the original owner lightly using it. It has about 10 hours of actual operating time. I am assuming that 10 hours is not enough time for burn-in of the tubes. That leaves me to question, what is a reasonable length of time? 30, 40, 60 hours??

Secondly, for the first few months I will using the C2300 only via the headphone jack. The reason being is now I have to save up for an amp. I slowly but surely want to have a complete McIntosh system, so I am aiming for a completely refurbished MC240 (recapped with updated power supply) or a modern MC275. So I hope this does not seem like a stupid question, but will further burn-in occur while only utilizing the headphone portion of the preamp??

Lastly, about 80% of my music listening is via vinyl. That is why I chose the MC2300, for its phono stage. So if/when I wish to tube upgrade, the MM phono tube will be my main concern.

Either way, I will wait a few months before doing any tube rolling. Once more TYVM everyone for the advice thus far and recommended web sites!