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McIntosh MC225 questions

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These amps are my favorite. I have two in monobloc mode. A C-41 is the pre, Tannoy DC3 speakers, and Ridge Street audio cabling. Sources: a VPI TT, & a MacMini to Ultra Fi USB DAC (a very satisfying combination especially with ripped CDs into AIFF).

I have some questions for experienced users:

Tubes:

Other than the 7591 power tubes (I'm using matched EHs right now), from your audio point of view which/what other of the amplifier tubes reveal a significant difference when tube-rolled: the two phase inverter tubes: the 12au7's?; the one voltage amplifer tube: the 12AX7?; the two drive amplifer tubes: the 12BH7s? I have NOS RCA blackplates in there mostly (as I recall).

If in your experience some or all made a difference, what in your experience in your system was that difference and what tubes did you settle on?

I've changed the fuses (HiFi Tuning), ok but nothing to get excited about; changed the power cables (cryoparts IEC adapters) to IEC Kubala-Sosna Fasicinations (significant difference in clarity and dynamics over-all); and updated (Terry DeWick) the caps, etc. as per his recommendations.

Generally, this system is the soul-satisfying system!

Thanks for your points of view,

:) listening,

Ed

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istanbulu
apachef1
164 posts
 
Actually all 7591 were made by westinghouse. They created this obscure tube. They may have contracted RCA to produce the tube but its a WH tube

My 2-225's have 8 WH 7591 black solid base hope they last my life time they are that good just like your RCA

As for the EH you tried they burn a little cooler than the old stock. You need to make a cap value change to accomidate the EH or they tend to glow bluish and burn up
Not sure what the values are but the JJ tubes are very tempermental with the MC225
magnumpi205
504 posts
 
Made the cap change alas no change in sound. The RCAs(Westinghouse) went back into action and still remain.
apachef1
164 posts
 
I don't own any new production tubes. Always been happy with old stock used or new The NOS 7591 tubes will last a lifetime just as long as they are biased properly.
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