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Good idea to swap McIntosh amp stock tubes?

Having experienced a blinking red light issue with a Macintosh amplifier, I replaced the small tubes and for now seems to be fine

I have heard that mac stock tubes are used as part of the design process of the amplifier and the recommendation is not to swap the tubes with something else. The rationale is the amplifiers don't need tube modifications to alter the sound which has already been optimized.  Tube amplifiers that reflect sound changes when tube swapping occurs may not be designed very well. you shouldn't need to change out the tubes to improve sound of your amplifier.

Further because McIntosh amplifiers are so sensitive with all their built-in circuits that sense all kinds of voltage irregularities and power irregularities and tube irregularities, it may be risky to use tubes not designed for the amp.  McIntosh does not support using any tubes other than those that were designed for the amplifier.  

Interested in what people think about swapping out tubes for McIntosh amplifier and I'm talking about small tubes primarily right now. Do you really note changes that enhance the amplifier if you do swap out tubes? Is it a good idea to not use stock tubes?

emergingsoul
emergingsoul OP
1,539 posts
 

@facten 

I know isn’t it the truth. Amazing how many people can be buying stuff they have no clue about. And yes you can hear all kinds of things about people’s impressions of the individual tubes and the marketing people also interjecting with all kinds of wonderful claims. I think it’s become more emphasized over the past 10 years or so as costs escalated for the consumer and a lot affluent individuals chasing precious tubes that supposedly are supposed to provide incredible sonic experiences.

There are differences between tubes but are they worth as much as people think they are worth and then there’s so many tubes out there that carry different labels and basically nobody has a clue what they are. much of what’s going on is probably a scam and what’s a person to do. Manufacturers are certainly not helpful. McIntosh doesn’t even tell you about the tubes they sell. 

facten
3,124 posts
 

@emergingsoul    Why are you continuing to ramble on with frankly nonsense?  If tubes and tube amps are such a an issue for you sell what you have and move on.  Complaining about everything doesn’t contribute anything. And stop trying to make it look like I agree with anything you've been posting when clearly I don't

emergingsoul OP
1,539 posts
 

@facten 

Please stop quoting me in all your responses.

facten
3,124 posts
 

Why, they are addressing your posts

mlsstl
1,591 posts
 

Just a reminder that this is an online discussion forum. If you post a comment that the entire world can read, it should be no surprise that others are going to make comments.  Those comments may include a direct quote of something someone else has said to either agree with, disagree with, or add further information.  

One is always free to start their own web site where they can post their personal comments and opinion that allows no replies (though others may still quote you on a different web site....) 

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