MC2301 amplifiers - Tube rolling 12AT7's

[jdandy]

My friend Bob (vintage tube) made me an offer I could not refuse. From his personal tube locker stash of old stock tubes he has loaned me four each of the following 12AT7 tubes to audition in my MC2301 amplifiers, Siemens ECC801S, Telefunken ECC801S, and GEC A2900 (original Genalex 12AT7 made in Great Britain). All have been tested and matched, and are as new. This is a real thrill for me, especially since I would not likely purchase this many 12AT7's just to play with.

My MC2301's are using Gold Lion KT88 power tubes and Gold Lion 12AT7 voltage driver tubes, so I am comparing the Gold Lion 12AT7's against old stock Siemens, Telefunken and GEC.

I am in the early stages of my audition, having about five hours of listening in comparing the Gold Lions to each of the other manufacturers tubes, and there are some surprises. I have been taking notes, playing the same five songs over and over, swapping 12AT7's and listening intently. I am not finished with my critical listening, so I am not yet prepared to reveal any discoveries, but suffice it to say I am having a grand ol' time enjoying this opportunity to roll some fresh bottles through the 2301's. More to come.

See post #20 for full review.

[joeinid]

Dan,

That's quite an endeavor, a labor of love. Have fun and keep us posted.

[RoadDawgWest]

Let the good times roll.

[dteam702]

Originally Posted by RoadDawgWest

Let the good times roll.

[jfray]

I know this is a dumb question but I will ask anyway..... How many tubes are there in a 2301 and how long does it take to change the out? This will be a great review for tube lovers. Thanks Dan for making AA a fun and interesting place.....

[vintage_tube]

Originally Posted by jfray

I know this is a dumb question but I will ask anyway..... How many tubes are there in a 2301 and how long does it take to change the out? This will be a great review for tube lovers. Thanks Dan for making AA a fun and interesting place.....

Forgive me Dan --8 KT88's as power tubes & 2 each 12AT7's which are driver tubes; one per quad of KT88's.

To remove the 10 tubes and reinsert 10 -- less than 5 minutes from start to finish.

Bob

[jfray]

Originally Posted by vintage_tube

Forgive me Dan --8 KT88's as power tubes & 2 each 12AT7's which are driver tubes; one per quad of KT88's.

To remove the 10 tubes and reinsert 10 -- less than 5 minutes.

Bob

Bob thanks!!! I am totally ignorant in the tube world and am curious about the sound (as you already know )

[ronenash]

Interesting to read what you find out. Enjoy the ride Dan.

[AndrewN]

Hi Dan, I'm really looking forward to your results. FYI I use NOS Mullards in mine.

[MyPal]

Originally Posted by jdandy

A good friend made me offer I could not refuse. From his personal tube locker stash of old stock tubes he has loaned me four each of the following 12AT7 tubes to audition in my MC2301 amplifiers, Siemens ECC801S, Telefunken ECC801S, and GEC A2900 (original Genalex 12AT7 made in Great Britain). All have been tested and matched, and are as new. This is a real thrill for me, especially since I would not likely purchase this many 12AT7's just to play with.

My MC2301's are using Gold Lion KT88 power tubes and Gold Lion 12AT7 voltage driver tubes, so I am comparing the Gold Lion 12AT7's against old stock Siemens, Telefunken and GEC.

I am in the early stages of my audition, having about five hours of listening in comparing the Gold Lions to each of the other manufacturers tubes, and there are some surprises. I have been taking notes, playing the same five songs over and over, swapping 12AT7's and listening intently. I am not finished with my critical listening, so I am not yet prepared to reveal any discoveries, but suffice it to say I am having a grand ol' time enjoying this opportunity to roll some fresh bottles through the 2301's. More to come.

Dan... That's fantastic!! What a terrific opportunity. I bet you'll love the TFK ECC801S NOS. Look forward to your evaluation.

I just love the MC2301s with the grills off. My grills are in storage now, permanently!