2. amps-preamps
  3. 1242175690

12AX7A and AT7 tubes

I recently changed all 8 power tubes (KT88) in my 8 year old Mac 2102 power amp. Used Gold Lion tubes as recommended by the majority of the Audiogon respondents to I thread I ran asking for KT88 advice. As suggested, these tubes really made a difference in the sound produced by the 2102. I am now thinking that maybe I should be replacing the 4-12AX7A and the 4-12AT7 tubes as well. I am pretty sure there is nothing mechanically wrong with the OEM tubes currently in the amp. but I am just interested in what this change would do for the sound, if anything. I have some questions about this move. First, do you think this is a worthwhile investment? Second, if this is a good move, what tubes do you recommend? Lastly, should I also change out these tubes in my C2200 preamp? If cost gets to be a factor, would you do the preamp first, last, or not at all? (As an aside, Upscale Audio recommends the Mullard CV4004 and CV4024. The CV4004 tubes are a whopping $80.00 each. Are they worth it?)
frepec
tpsonic
1,092 posts
 
I believe Dougs' tubes has them (8+9G).At least they did as of earlier this year.I sent two friends for them.I bought 8 matched off E-bay some years ago for about $5/ea.
frepec OP
17 posts
 
Thanks for the responses. Some of you are asking about what kind of sound I like. I want precise sound, not flabby. I do not want thin highs that lead to listener fatigue. I like full sound stage sound that blooms. I do not want overpowering bass but do want bass that is full and rich. The Gold Lion KT88's really expanded the soundstage and gave the music more "presence." I would like to continue to build on that. I have read some reviews of the re-issued Mullard that say it is almost as good as the NOS version. Do you agree? Also, still interested in should I finish the 2102 before I go on to the C2200 preamp or do the preamp first?
mechans
3,048 posts
 
Actuallly the price of a used pair of Blackburn Mullards, not re-issue, maybe a worthwhile experiment albeit expensive if the tubes are from a seller who will stand behind the product. The best current production is the Tung Sol either gold pin which many think is better than the steel pin. I like the steel pins just fine. However a warm expansive good condition real Mullard they are not. The Sinos have a bit of tipped up treble emphasis so you might not like it. Tpsonic I got mine for the same amountas you 2+ years back on epray and trelja gave me a pair or two. They don't burn in much do they! Doug is "out of stock" which is really a bad term he can't them anymore than the others. The reason is they were taken out of production.
lapierre
547 posts
 
Frepec finish the MC2102 and then later move to the C2200. In the MC2102 you have to replace 4 input and 4 driver tubes compared to 2 phono and 2 high level tubes for C2200.
lapierre
547 posts
 
Frepec might as well replace the cheap fuses with audio grade fuses like HiFi or Isoclean.
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