2. amps-preamps
  3. 1365394724

McIntosh Vintage C22 Telefunken 12AX7 or ECC803's?

Anyone try running Telefunken ECC803's tubes in the vintage McIntosh C22 pre-amp? The C22 is currently running Telefunken 12AX7 tubes. I am curious if there is a big audio quality impact with a swap especially in the phono section; the ECC83's are super quiet hence perhaps a good match for the phono.

I currently run 801's, 802's and 803 in the MC275 and the impact is significant with the 803 contributing the most.
dailycitrus
mechans
3,048 posts
 
You are trying the right tube for low noise and clean signal. If you can get ECC803S, then more power to you, they are selected for the reasons you are tube rolling.
larryi
3,759 posts
 
Many consider Telefunken ECC83/12AX7s to be on the bright or lean side. If you consider them to be lush enough for you (I do as well), then you certainly ARE a candidate for appreciating the ECC803S. These have a similar tonal balance, but also, greater clarity and a bit more explosive dynamics.

You possibly could rationalize such an expense by the reputation of that tube outliving its owner.
dailycitrus OP
26 posts
 
Larryi, your right the 803S are bright. I am currently running 2 MC275's in a horizontal bi amp config with all Telefunken 801S, 802S and 803S NOS tubes. Adding 803S to the C22 pre-amp will be too much. I am going to experiment with a softer tube in the C22 and in the MC275; GL Reissue 12AX7's and the NOS Amprex BugleBoy 12AX7 (D getter Long Plate.

The 803S is wonderful but I can not see having them in the C22 and MC275; only one.
larryi
3,759 posts
 
I am a fan of Amperex BugleBoys where a warmer tube is desired. These are great sounding and pretty long lasting tubes.

It sounds like you will have a really nice setup.
More to discover