Bias setting question


I noticed that when setting the bias in a McIntosh MC2000 towards the lower end of the suggested "setting-field" the tubes are running much cooler which might be a good thing in respect of longevity. What else do I buy with this lower setting? Output power? Sound? After all: I am still in the suggested bias range!
Thanks for any help!
aida_w

Showing 1 response by musicphile


In very general terms & IMHO, from my 20+ yrs as a tube-a-holic, what you MAY hear in terms of sonic differences (all system & tube dependent, of course) when you lower the manufacturer recommended bias from any tube amp is :

- lessening or tightening the impact of the mid-bass
- slight decrease in deep bass.
- lessening of mid-range (vocals) fowardness
- focus and imaging may improve, but at the expense of a hardening in the mid-range as you go lower in the bias.
- soundstage may deepen as bias lowers.

In some systems, lowering the bias may improve the overall sound. Again, your "mileage may vary" and is contingent on your system match-up and tube types/brands.

Happy Listenin'