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Mcintosh C2600 preamp tube upgrade

I recently added the new McIntosh C2600 tube preamp to my system. It's paired up with the MC452 power amp along with Sonus Faber Elipsa speakers and Transparent interconnects/speaker cable.
I"m looking for some guidance with regard to upgrading the tubes in the C2600. Should I, or shouldn't I ? 
Also, what brand should I look for and where should I buy them. And finally, is this a diy upgrade or should I have it done at a audio shop? 
I appreciate any guidance all you audiophiles can offer
ad48170

Showing 11 responses by ad48170

ad48170 OP
15 posts
 
Great question, and I don't know. It would be stock Mac tubes, that I'm told are average at best. 
ad48170 OP
15 posts
 
Thanks for the info joeinid 
ad48170 OP
15 posts
 
Thanks again for all your input. This will be a learning experience for certain
ad48170 OP
15 posts
 
Thanks Mike, are the sonic improvements significant? 
ad48170 OP
15 posts
 
how many hours would you estimate for total break in? I'm only at about 50 hours currently and really haven't noticed any measurable change.
ad48170 OP
15 posts
 
Thank you for all your help Mike!
ad48170 OP
15 posts
 
Mike, one last question. There are 6 tubes, right and left mm, right and left mc along with main input and main output. My only source equipment is a mcd550 CD player, so do I only replace the main input and output? And I assume I would use the gold lion?
ad48170 OP
15 posts
 
Thank you for all your assistance!
ad48170 OP
15 posts
 
Update...I've installed the Gold Lions and right out of the box there was a SIGNIFICANT improvement! To my ears the mid's and base are the most noticeable. 
Hard to believe a little over a hundred bucks could make such a dramatic improvement. 
Looking forward to listening after I hit that 200 hour mark!
I appreciate all who helped.
ad48170 OP
15 posts
 
The C2300 enjoys a great reputation. I hope time will put the C2600 in the same positive light. 
I only upgraded the line stage because I only have CD player for source equipment.
Im curious about your thoughts on burn in time. Some say as low as zero hours  just warm up for 10-15 minutes prior to use, others say as high as 200 hours.
ad48170 OP
15 posts
 
I auditioned both prior to purchasing the c2600 and to my ears the c2600 paired with the mc452 is a perfect marriage. IMHO tubes and classical music go hand in hand yet when I listen to jazz the 452 has the punch jazz begs for. As I recall the most significant difference between the c2600 and the c52 was the mid range. 
My speakers are Sonus Faber Amati Futura's, but I would assume my conclusion would probably be the same with any good high end speakers.
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