Macintosh C22 MKV


I put the new Mac C22 MKV in my system recently. My amps are the M1200 PS Audio Monos & my speakers are Focal Kanta 3s. I was using a PS Audio Stellar Gold pre-amp. The Focals were a little bright so I bought the Mac C22 MKV thinking the tubes would soften the 
Focals. It did! I’m really liking my system. My question is what tubes are most people using in these?

fertguy

I have the McIntosh C2300, which is also using 6 12ax7 tubes and is very similar to you C22...  Depending on which phono you are using (MC or MM), you only need to upgrade 4 of them.  2 for the left & right phono (ie. I use MC), and 2 for the line level (all the music goes through the line level).  For all 4 of them, I am using West German vintage Telefunken smooth plate tubes.  I think they sound great in this preamp.  Very smooth and musical. 

I have the C22 MKIV.  I do not use the MC or MM phono stages.  In the two line stage slots I use the new JJ ECC83 "MG" (which stands for Mid Gain).  

These are by far the warmest, most classic tube sounding tube I have ever used.  Maybe too much but they at $19 a piece not too much to lose.  

Sound is super smooth- no sibilance or glare.  Big bass.  No burn-in needed.  I have used tubes for years and these are the only ones that have that classic tube sound.  NOS Mullards or RCAs not even close.