McIntosh C-2200 Burn in time?

This isn't exactly relevant, but I ran a tube power amp for a while, then bought a second to run them in mono. I had a channel imbalance for maybe 50-100 hours or so, then the two amps balanced out.

You shouldn't hear any noise if you are using balanced cables.

Figure a minimum of 50 hours and things should sound good by then; even better at 100 hours. THEN, start thinking about tube rolling if you can find some NOS Amperex Bugle Boy, Mullard, or Telefunken 12AX7 and 12AT7 tubes. Almost anything is better that the stock Chinese tubes. Upgraded tubes will bring your C2200 into another level entirely. You won't believe what a difference they can make. Also, seriously consider Herbies tube dampers - an absolute must to eliminate microphonics and bring greater clarity and dimensionality to an already outstanding preamp. Great choice you made with the C2200.

Hawkey I ended up replacing my tubes pretty quick. I talked to a lot of MC guys to gain more experience.

Let me know when you want to talk about which tubes to consider and where to buy.

Hey guys,Odd problem, have a lot of noise now in my system.  With my preamp on, it's audible from 8 to 10 feet from my speakers. When I turn off the preamp it get twice as loud!  When I change innerconncets from single ended to balanced the noise is reduced but it is still there.  Sounds different though.  Like a hard rain on a tent roof, coming from the speakers. More from the mid than the tweeter but both have it.  With single ended its louder and higher pitched.  Didn't have it before I put in the preamp.  Any thoughts????Thanks!

Hawk double check outlets. Where is the preamp plugged in with all the other components stacked above it?

It maybe noise from the AC and other components.

What kind of outlets are you using? Audiophile grade or stock?