2. amps-preamps
  3. 134135-106859

McIntosh MC275

Hi all. I recently purchased a used MC275 in very good condition. The original owner said he had it service not too long ago. The amp appears to work fine but the tubes are very dim. I had them tested and they are fine with about 1/2 life still on them. Not sure what to do. Do I need new tubes or is there an adjustment I need to make? If I need new tubes then could someone give me an idea what to get and where to place them on the amp (which slots)? I want quality tubes so please, ANY guidance would be appreciated. Thank you
128x128ceborg999
genez
220 posts
 
Tubes are not light bulbs!   I had a MC275 years ago with new tubes.  I could listen in a dark room and all I saw was a glow.  A nice warm glow. 
Post removed 
2112oracle
3 posts
 
I'm a proud owner of a Mc 275 mk3,my tubes are not bright or lite up like other tube amps I've owned so I think theres a pattern here,however  never an issue and love the sound,of course my kt 88s are Black Treasures so you can't see them well any how,but the 12 ax7 s don't burn bright either, wouldn't be concerned! 
jbeckley42
5 posts
 
If you really want to see the tubes glow, you can turn up your preamp as loud as it can go, and the power tubes do tend to glow a little brighter.

Seriously though, there are many amps and preamp out there that the tubes barely glow.  I have a Berning TF-10 that you can barely tell the tubes are on.  Tube brightness is no indication if they are "good" or not.  

2112oracle:  Have you tried any other KT-88's?  I was curious about the black treasures, but the cost at the time was a little steep for me.
tommaster
10 posts
 
+1 for just turn ‘em up!
More to discover