MC2301's - Is there a downside?

[Ron-C]

I don't know where you came up with that 3000 hour number but that has not been our experience. More like 6000 to 10,000 hours with the amp still meeting specs. MC2301 is very kind to output tubes.
MC2301 chassis is large so the tubes are spaced out on the chassis. They run very cool.

Thanks,
Ron-C

[Masterlu]

That could be a lifetime for me! Thanks Ron.

[ZenZoo]

Ok, so size, weight and heat are a non-issue.
With tube replacement between 6,000 to 10,000 hours, that's not as much of an issue.

"old" tube sound vs. "new" tube sound could be an issue... unfortunately I wouldn't know as I have not heard the 2301's yet.

Budget of 22K "Retail"... of course, money is always a consideration, but few people actually pay full retail. However, other less expensive options should always be considered.

Currently I'm feeding the MDA with Cable TV, HTPC/Bluray Player w/ Lynx AES16 Audio Card and Custom XLR Cable, XM Tuner, etc. still considering the 871 and new Mcintosh Bluray Player coming out.

If I were to go Solid State, the MC501's would be more than enough and I could still get the C2300 and save money. If I did go this route... I'd be able to easily stick with 5.1 with my current equipment, then move into the MC207 & AP1100 when it becomes available.

If I go 2301's, it will remain a dedicated 2 Channel system for a very long time, which is what I listen to 90+% of the time anyway.

I just need more than 1 dedicated room and an unlimited budget. Sound familiar?
Thanks again to everyones input - it is very valuable in purchasing decisions.

[jdandy]

Ron-C.......That 3000 hours number came from several different tube articles I read on KT88 output tubes, and the stated mean time failures. I am not an electronics engineer, so I was simply repeating what I had read from other sources. It is good to know that the MC2301 is kind to output power tubes. Replacement will be expensive whatever the total hours number might be.

[Ron-C]

3000 hours or less is true in many amp designs. McIntosh Unity Coupled circuit design used the plate and the cathode to produce power so each tube is a complete amp. This greatly increases the life since two sections make power not one as on other designs.

Thanks,
Ron-C

[Still-One]

Originally Posted by ZenZoo

Ok, so size, weight and heat are a non-issue.
With tube replacement between 6,000 to 10,000 hours, that's not as much of an issue.

"old" tube sound vs. "new" tube sound could be an issue... unfortunately I wouldn't know as I have not heard the 2301's yet.

Budget of 22K "Retail"... of course, money is always a consideration, but few people actually pay full retail. However, other less expensive options should always be considered.

Currently I'm feeding the MDA with Cable TV, HTPC/Bluray Player w/ Lynx AES16 Audio Card and Custom XLR Cable, XM Tuner, etc. still considering the 871 and new Mcintosh Bluray Player coming out.

If I were to go Solid State, the MC501's would be more than enough and I could still get the C2300 and save money. If I did go this route... I'd be able to easily stick with 5.1 with my current equipment, then move into the MC207 & AP1100 when it becomes available.

If I go 2301's, it will remain a dedicated 2 Channel system for a very long time, which is what I listen to 90+% of the time anyway.

I just need more than 1 dedicated room and an unlimited budget. Sound familiar?
Thanks again to everyones input - it is very valuable in purchasing decisions.

I think you would be fine going with the 501's and the 2300. There always seems to be a market for 501's so if you ever needed to move up you would not lose much. You are fortunate to have options, those options do make the decision process a little more difficult.
Jim

[Mighty Favog]

Originally Posted by Ron-C

3000 hours or less is true in many amp designs. McIntosh Unity Coupled circuit design used the plate and the cathode to produce power so each tube is a complete amp. This greatly increases the life since two sections make power not one as on other designs.

Thanks,
Ron-C

Could it also be that Mac tube amps are auto biasing?

Playing at 5 hours a week, that comes to over 38 years of tube life assuming 10,000 hours!

[jdandy]

Assuming approximately 28 hours a week listening (4 hours per day average), and using the lowest 6000 hour number Ron stated, you are looking at 4.15 years before tube replacement. If you listen more hours per day (my system is on approximately 14 hours per day) then your tube replacements will happen sooner. If you are lucky with your tubes, and exceed 6000 hours, consider yourself fortunate, but have a handy $2k standing by. So set aside $450 each year for the care and feeding of a pair of MC2301, and you should be good.

[ruffoc]

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[jdandy]

The MC2301 is a beauty.