2. amps-preamps
  3. 1253132946

Dared MC-7P optimal tubes

Have one of these now and it is amazing. Stock 12ax7 tubes were way too soft so I popped a matched pair of Tung-Sol and a pair of Philips in place. Sound became WIDE and more accurate. Swapping the 5u4 with a NOS RCA improved inner detailing and removed muddiness in the bass and midbass. It's getting amazingly accurate for its modest price, esp. with cellos where it almost totally nails the timbre.

It sounds like it oscillates just a smidge (you really got to listen hard for this) and a tidge of sibilance remains.

So before I spring for a real set of good tubes, what combinations have found success in this low-cost wonder?

Matching it to a restored/upgraded McIntosh MC-2100 (toroid transformer, regulator in front end, caps, wiring, etc.). Input Z on the 2100 is now 100k fixed instead of 50k variable.
inline_phil
mark3d
2 posts
 
I also looked all over the place for this info as I want to use both outputs to drive two amps for bi-amping. I sent an email and received this response:
"the output impedance is very low, I think at 100 Ohm range, so it works well with any type of amps.

thanks

Joe"
ivanhoe42day
4 posts
 
I just got a used MC-7P yesterday, it sounds very promising. Has anyone replaced those yellow 0.1 caps with something nice? If so how did it sound after?
ivanhoe42day
4 posts
 
I have started a thread at DIY Audio to see what others have done to upgrade this nice little preamp- if you have done anything with to mod yours please post it here:
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/tubes-valves/205056-dared-mc-7p-upgrades.html#post2873405
hawk28
121 posts
 
Thanks Mark3d.
hawk28
121 posts
 
Based on the above commentary regarding gain, I'm assuming its not adjustable and that you have to mess around inside to reduce it, huh?
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