McIntosh: Tube Replacement Process

Golucid

Golucid

Taking a break
Joined
Jan 10, 2015
Messages
1,058
What is your process for replacing your McIntosh tubes?

Scenerio

1. If your tubes are a year old and you and one of the tubes expires. Do you just replace the blown tube only, or do you replace all of them?

2. If your tubes are a 2 years and older and you and one of the tubes expires. Do you just replace the blown tube only, or do you replace all of them?

There are other scenarios...for those of you that are tube savvy, what's your replacement process?


iu
 
Mike said:
Tubes expire?


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Mike, I got worried. I bought a tube replacement set from McIntosh for each and every Amp! It was very expensive! But I would go nuts if I am not able to power on any of my amps. I'd just loose it!:cantmove:
 
How many hours do you put on a set of tubes in one year? The rule of thumb for most output tubes is 2000 hours before you change them out.
 
Golucid said:
Mike, I got worried. I bought a tube replacement set from McIntosh for each and every Amp! It was very expensive! But I would go nuts if I am not able to power on any of my amps. I'd just loose it!:cantmove:
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You have three pairs...I wouldn't worry too much. Have you tried the tube compliment Dan recommends?


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Mike said:
You have three pairs...I wouldn't worry too much. Have you tried the tube compliment Dan recommends?


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Ah yes, Dans recommends. I have that as a to do item. I HAVE SO MANY DANG TUBES!:panic:
 
I pulled all of the McIntosh tubes on MC2301s and C1000T before commissioning and replaced them with Gold Lion reissues and went from there going Telefunken and Tesla for the 12AT/AX.

The MC2301s auto bias and work in quads. They can compensate for weak tubes but will work harder and get hotter.

I see no problem getting 10,000+ hours with Gold Lion KT88s. I'm nearly there already. I recommend buying KT88s in matched quads.

BTW, you should get yourself a tube tester. It's important to know where you are at every 12 months or so. I use an Amplitrex AT1000. Others here have success with Maximatcher.

There are much better sounding tubes out there than the stock McIntosh re-branded tubes that come with the equipment.
 
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