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
The “brightness” of the tubes does not reflect on thier function.  The “plate” can surround most of the cathode on most and obstruct the visual light to a great degree.  If the actual plate, which is what you predominately see on the power tubes, starts to “glow” (red plate) turn the amp off immediately and have the bias checked.  The small signal tubes also will only have a small amount of visual light present.  More glow noted in a fully dark room, but again does not relat to function.
Only direct-heated triodes like the 211 and 845 emit enough light to illuminate a room! 
Are you refering to the Green LEDs? Or the tubes themselves? the LEDs on that amp are actually nice they will turn colors when the tubes are getting weaker and need to be replaced. Red for an issues, amber at start up and green when everything is good. would this be the lights you are talking about?
ceborg999
I recently purchased a used MC275 but the tubes are very dim.

Just measure the heater voltage, should be 6.3v. If it’s close don’t worry, some tube (brands) have different intensity heater glow.

Cheers George
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