the C1100 ... first impressions..

[SAM992]

Originally Posted by jmw31

Hi Sam,

I have a Mac 2600 preamp and just recently replaced the stock tubes with Gold Lions. I went into it with some trepidation but it really was pretty straight forward. 6 screws to take of the top then two screws to remove the cover that went over the tubes.

If figured as much, when I called McIntosh, they didn't have an official position on DIY vs dealer ... but It's essentially like changing a lightbulb, only you have to remove the top cover.

I tend to leave my equipment on a long time, as I'm home more than most people... so it will be interesting to see how long they last.

[W9TR]

I leave my DAC on all the time as the manufacturer recommends it. I turn off my McIntosh tube gear when I’m not listening. My experience is that it takes 5 minutes to sound great and 30 minutes to sound awesome. The C 1100 with 12 small signal tubes is one thing, but replacing 24 KT-88’s in the power amps gets expensive.

[SAM992]

Originally Posted by W9TR

I leave my DAC on all the time as the manufacturer recommends it. I turn off my McIntosh tube gear when I’m not listening. My experience is that it takes 5 minutes to sound great and 30 minutes to sound awesome. The C 1100 with 12 small signal tubes is one thing, but replacing 24 KT-88’s in the power amps gets expensive.

yeah, I used to have a Mesa Boggie Bass amp with 8 or 12 (can't remember) of those and it was constantly needing new tubes.. I imagine my habit of leaving it on all night while I sleep has to end tho, as even if they last 8000 or so hours, that would be about one year max if it was left on 24/7..

[John Jordan]

Sam-

Great choice on the pre-amp.
Listen in Good Health!

[Charles]

Sam, just saw your post. Absolute congrats. It's the pre I would buy if I had room in my cabinet. Enjoy to the fullest.

Best

Charles

[SAM992]

thanks all, and I made a video yesterday showing everything finally pulled together...

pardon the small room and corner setup, but SF Bay Area condo living doesn't leave me a lot of options.... still sounds stunning... someday when I"m back in my own house, I expect it will sound even better with some floor speakers (Wilson is the goal!).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MH5YAbCfDJ8&

[W9TR]

I have found that McIntosh preamps and amps are easy on tubes. I've got 6,000 hours on my C 1100 and all the tubes test fine. I'm getting over 10,000 hours on the small signal tubes, and 4000-6000 hours on the power tubes.

[Charles]

Originally Posted by W9TR

I have found that McIntosh preamps and amps are easy on tubes. I've got 6,000 hours on my C 1100 and all the tubes test fine. I'm getting over 10,000 hours on the small signal tubes, and 4000-6000 hours on the power tubes.

That's the great thing about Mac. They been doin it for a long time.

Best

Charles

[SAM992]

Originally Posted by W9TR

I have found that McIntosh preamps and amps are easy on tubes. I've got 6,000 hours on my C 1100 and all the tubes test fine. I'm getting over 10,000 hours on the small signal tubes, and 4000-6000 hours on the power tubes.

So do you have a tube tester? or do you just wait for one to go out and change them all out?

And if you've already done it... do you mind sharing how easy it was to get access to them? Is it just a matter of popping off the cover and remove/replace?

[W9TR]

I have an emission type tube tester. Super easy to get to the tubes. Pop off the top cover, remove the top of the front tube cage, remove the bracket holding the other tubes.