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

Showing 1 response by wrm57

I'll echo Wolf_garcia in recommending the Psvanes. When I owned the C2300 they were my favorite, and I rolled in plenty of NOS and new production 12AX7. RCA black long-plates from the '50s were also nice in that pre-amp, but they're a bit pricier and harder to source.