Tube suggestions for McIntosh C2200 preamp

[knollbrent]

Howdy folks-

This is my first post on this forum site so please excuse me if I'm asking a question that's been answered a 1000 times. I do see a few links above to explore. I'll look into those later, thought I'd ask a tube question specific to my system. Components are:

McIntosh MC 402 amp
McIntosh C2200 tube preamp
Technics 1200 GR turntable
Lehmannaudio Black cube 2 phono pre

It's been suggested to me from some at Audiogon that I experiment with other tubes in the C2200. I currently use the Black Cube as my phono pre and run everything through the C2200, I like this sound the best but maybe with some "tube rolling" I can optimize the phone pre stage in the C2200 and keep it all in house.

Thanks for your time.

Brent

 

[petertub]

The best tubes are usually those that already is there.

-they will last for 30+ years
- they don't break it's pins
- they wont place themselfs in the wrong socket
- they don't fall to the ground
- they never bend their pins
- they do follow specs
- they are not chinese remarked thyratrons
- they don't burn the owners finger


Better buy some records for the money !

 

[sony6060]

Every tube is somewhat unique sounding to a specific amplifier. So, not having owned your preamp I am not sure what is best. I know I like RCA 12AX7 black plate in a few different amplifiers I owned. I also like RCA 12AT7.

 

[knollbrent]

Thank you for your responses. I'll keep researching!

 

[kodabmx]

The tube selection shouldn't matter in a well designed circuit like found in the C2200. For current production, I hear good things about Electro-Harmonix. Hell, even cheap Chinese tubes from Shuguang would probably sound fine in there.