Tube rolling McIntosh c2600 preamp?


Has anyone changed the tubes in the C2600 with positive results. My sound stage has good depth but little width. The music pretty much stays within the speakers. I am using the McIntosh MC452 for the amp. Could this be a preamp issue? Over the years I have noticed that swapping preamps had an impact on the width of the sound stage. I like this preamp so i'm hoping it may be a tube issue. Any thoughts?
Thanks,Joe
donpepe

Showing 2 responses by goheelz

You and I have pretty similar McIntosh preamp/amp combinations.  Soundstaging is more likely a room+speaker issue IMO.  But I've switched my McIntosh C2300 preamp to Gold Lion tubes with good results.  Don't see your other components listed, so it's hard to tell for sure. More system details would be helpful in order to give a better answer.
With the system you list --- and the lack of soundstage you report --- I'd again be looking hard at the room arrangement.  Wondering if you have sufficient sound treatment, etc.  Digital source is a question mark (just don't know enough about Cambridge digital to say).  Wonder if you've got correct set-up on the VPI turntable?  I'd also be looking at getting a subwoofer or two in your system.  Reinforcing deep bass will help develop a better soundstage effect (the PSB's are a weak point in this respect, I'd bet). Still don't think the Mac gear or tubes is the problem area for sound staging.