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Installed Wrong Tube 12AX& instead of 12 AT7

I just got a MC275 yesterday and the seller mistakenly installed a 12AX7 into the V4 socket (originally for 12AT7) It didn't sound clipped or it didn't stop functioning except that one channel was louder than the other, but I really don't know if the mistake has damaged the amp, or the damage is slightly and I don't see or hear... I am curious to know if anyone has done the same and what happened... Also, what's most likely is to be damaged if this mistake occurs. What should I look out for... or how do I check. All your inputs will be greatly appreciated.
infinity_audio
11 responses Add your response
cyclonicman
693 posts
 
One channel would be louder as gain factor for 12AT7 is 60, while gain gactor for 12AX7 is 100. However, the 12AT7 actually has a greater current output than the 12AX7, approx 8-9 times as great.
casouza
239 posts
 
Rodman, negative feedback (mandatory in a push-pull pentode amp) will offset 90 to 95% of the transcoductance delta.

You are 100% correct regarding 12a_7 tubes in zero-feedback SET amps. These must be matched if you want a central stereo image.
rodman99999
6,159 posts
 
If you don't match the transconductance of the small signal tubes, you WILL have a channel imbalance(to the degree that the tubes' gains don't match).
ghostrider45
449 posts
 
No matching required. Power tubes need to be matched (unless the amp supports individual bias adjustments per tube) to ensure that the tubes equally share the load. Otherwise one tube might hog most of the load, limit ultimate amp performance, and fail prematurely.

Small signal tubes are self biased, produce voltage gain only rather than power, aren't running parallel and/or push-pull, and don't need matching in normal amplifier topologies (including MC275).

Feel free to experiment with different tube brands. Tube rolling is part of the fun.
infinity_audio OP
186 posts
 
Does the 12at7 tubes need to be matched quad
ghostrider45
449 posts
 
The only defect in a tube that can cause damage is an inter element short. These are common enough in power tubes where they usually take out a resistor and/or blow a fuse, but are rarely seen in small signal (dual) triodes like the 12AX7 or 12AT7.

You should be fine.
rodman99999
6,159 posts
 
Not any more than a bad light bulb hurts your house wiring.
infinity_audio OP
186 posts
 
Very funny... I might not be a tube-friendly person... all tube hates me. I got a new pair of RCA 12AT7 and one of them didn't light up! I swapped location and it is the tube, not the socket or the circuitry. Again... will a cold (not lighting up) tube create an "lift" or break up in the circuit causing damages due to an incomplete circuitry?
rodman99999
6,159 posts
 
Relax! As stated: No harm done. =8^)
ghostrider45
449 posts
 
12AX7 has more gain than the 12AT7, but is electrically compatible (pinout and voltage/current requirements). No harm done.
ontjesr
157 posts
 
Shouldn't hurt anything -- based on knowing someone who inadvetently installed all 12 volt tubes in a MC275 in the wrong slots (AX7's into AT7's & vice versa) for an hour or so before the error was caught. McIntosh doesn't push their smaller tubes very hard which probably is a blessing in disquise during situations like this.
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