Thanks for the responses. Some of you are asking about what kind of sound I like. I want precise sound, not flabby. I do not want thin highs that lead to listener fatigue. I like full sound stage sound that blooms. I do not want overpowering bass but do want bass that is full and rich. The Gold Lion KT88's really expanded the soundstage and gave the music more "presence." I would like to continue to build on that. I have read some reviews of the re-issued Mullard that say it is almost as good as the NOS version. Do you agree? Also, still interested in should I finish the 2102 before I go on to the C2200 preamp or do the preamp first?
12AX7A and AT7 tubes
I recently changed all 8 power tubes (KT88) in my 8 year old Mac 2102 power amp. Used Gold Lion tubes as recommended by the majority of the Audiogon respondents to I thread I ran asking for KT88 advice. As suggested, these tubes really made a difference in the sound produced by the 2102. I am now thinking that maybe I should be replacing the 4-12AX7A and the 4-12AT7 tubes as well. I am pretty sure there is nothing mechanically wrong with the OEM tubes currently in the amp. but I am just interested in what this change would do for the sound, if anything. I have some questions about this move. First, do you think this is a worthwhile investment? Second, if this is a good move, what tubes do you recommend? Lastly, should I also change out these tubes in my C2200 preamp? If cost gets to be a factor, would you do the preamp first, last, or not at all? (As an aside, Upscale Audio recommends the Mullard CV4004 and CV4024. The CV4004 tubes are a whopping $80.00 each. Are they worth it?)