2. amps-preamps
  3. 190945-150037

Amplifier Power tubes - important to sound?

i replaced all the small tubes on my mono amplifiers and now I'm left with replacing the stock Power tubes, kt88.

I like what I hear with 12 new small tubes - telefunken nos 12ax7 and 12at7. 

Now I am left with replacing 16 kt88 stock JJ tubes.   will Probably use Siemens 6550 nos.

How much will this impact what I hear do you think?  I recall hearing that power tubes don't make that much of a difference.

 

emergingsoul
emergingsoul OP
1,131 posts
 

My thoughtful niece tells me that having Alzheimer’s can lead to a wonderful experience of being able to watch really great movies over and over again.

Of course when she drops me off in the middle of nowhere or in a shopping mall I wonder why.

classicrockfan
165 posts
 

Yes very important also important is coupling capacitor(s) for cleaner sound quality of the amp

pickindoug
55 posts
 

Right out of the Mc 901 manual:  

The MC901 will function optimally with any correct tube type that is functioning within the design specifications of the MC901. Only when a Tube falls outside of the acceptable range will any diminishing of performance be heard. Because McIntosh Tube Amplifiers are engineered to use Tubes in a way that does not rely on the Tube’s individual character and can perform perfectly provided the specifications are met, there is no advantage to seeking out expensive esoteric tubes.

facten
2,878 posts
 

"Because McIntosh Tube Amplifiers are engineered to use Tubes in a way that does not rely on the Tube’s individual character and can perform perfectly provided the specifications are met, there is no advantage to seeking out expensive esoteric tubes"

I don't have these amps but he already stated that he changed the signal tubes and the sound improved , aka the character of the tubes came through, so why wouldn’t that also occur with the power tubes? I’m not aware of any tube amp, or other tube component where the character of the tubes doesn’t come through. I presently have 3 tube integrated amps, had a couple of others previously, and have a tube DAC  whether it's the signal tubes, power tubes or rectifiers they all impact the sound in the respective  sound. All their statement reads to me is marketing hype.

emergingsoul OP
1,131 posts
 

Or a way to justify them installing mediocre tubes with their amplifiers. Somehow commentary in manual does them less good service because having the ability to modify sound using different tubes is an important feature and why someone buys a tube amplifier.

What did they do that prevents a tube character from coming through? Is this a good thing?

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