McIntosh MC-2301 Tube Replacements

Congratulations on acquiring the 2301 tube amps. They are phenomenal.
 

I am not sure which tubes you have in the 2301s right now but the Gold Lion KT88s seems to be a great fit with the 2301s. I have tried EHs, JJs, Mullards, and feel the Gold Lions are pretty even handed with those amps. The EHs have a better top end but I think the bass tis somewhat lacking. I am not sure many people use 6550s in their 2301s. I have not read any listening results with the 6550s in the 2301s. If you do choose to use 6550s, please post your listening results. 

Thanks for your thoughts.  The amps are 4 years old and they have the original Mcintosh tubes.  I have heard that the Gold Lions are a good choice, but I keep reading about reliability problems with those tubes.  What is your experience?  Any failures and how often do you replace them?  Do you also use Gold Lion for the 12AT7 tubes?  Thanks.

I would test those McIntosh output tubes for emissions. I bet they still have a lot of life left! If so, no need to rush to replace them! Ditto for the 12AT7's.

KT88's vs. 6550's? Six of one, half dozen of the other!