MacIntosh c12000 preamp - Can not tell a difference between tube and solid state sound

Why do the tubes used by McIntosh suck?  Everybody wants to change out tubes as soon as they buy the Products.

Why doesn't McIntosh sell better tubes if they're too cheap to install them with the products they sell?

Match the tube preamp with an amp that gives you the sound you're looking for, and you're problem is solved.  Happy listening 

I'm happy you posted this question!  I have the same experience with my Peachtree 220SE.  Based on the advice above I think I will try swapping the preamp tube. 

The yamaha pre amp and amp have the correct synergy ie gain that matches together.true you could change tube's to find your sound that's tube rolling and alot of audiophile enjoy that. It's hard to do with solid state cuz you can't just change transistors. I have the macintosh pre amp and run it in the tube mode with several amps including 2 kw. If you read the review on the Mac 12000 pre it states one of the best they tested. Because it's such low distortion it may not have the huge tube sound people are use to.the pre amp and amp need correct gain,impedance, ect for great sound. Enjoy the search.

Tube products have soft clipping and roll the top end of the wave for that famous tube sound.enjoy the music