Tube Rolling in a Mac 2102/2200


Hi all,
I looking for fellow A'goner's experiences with rolling tubes in the MAC2102 and MAC 2200. Other than the stock tubes, I've only tried Sylvania CCA-5751WA from 1959 in the MAC 2200 but am wonering what others have tried and which tubes in these units gives the most "bang for the buck". Thanks!

Mike
michaela
I bought them from Kevin at www.upscaleaudio.com

His shop is based in Southern California. You can get his phone number from the web page. He is knows a whole lot about tubes, McIntosh equipment and he understands the concept of 'suggestive sales'; where he will make suggestions and give opinions to get you where you want to be.

He most certainly set me right.
Also, if you click on my name and go to 'threads initiated' and click on the one titled "adventures of a novice tube roller' you might find more on this.
I also own the C2200.

Tubes:

NOS/NEW Telefunken:

ECC 801S/12AT7 ~1960's
ECC 81/12AT7
ECC 83/12AX7
ECC 803(coming soon)

NOS/NEW Mullard :

ECC 81 10M ~1960's
ECC 83 10M
ECC 83 10M gold pins

NOS/NEW Amperex:

same as above vintage 60's
in progress testing

Results:

The difference over the stock tubes is amazing. The Tele's are extremely nice, very clean, good bass and highly upfront soundstage. The Mullard's, my favorite so far, are very articulate, laid back, super bass, and very fast. Since I am using Thiel CS6's the Mullard's are a great choice to lay back the sounsdstage(my preference) put out by the Wadia 27i/270. My guess would be the Tele's over Mullards on B&W but only my thoughts. I am in progress of testing out the Amperex but doubt they can touch the 10M's in my tastes. I am using Mcintosh 2600's which are about to be replaced by 1201's for power.

Can't wait to start mixing brands after I get them all burned in.