Silly question about MC2301s tube glow

[keysersoze311]

Hey guys,

Just wondering, how long does it take for the tubes to start glowing orange when you turn the amps on? I only ask because I have seen pictures of the MC2301s, and the blue light meters are illuminated, so presumably the amps are switched on, but the tubes do not appear to be glowing.

Also, if you change out the stock tubes to a different kind of tubes, will the colour/intensity of the glow change?

I know it's shallow, but the looks of these amps are definitely part of the reason I'm interested, as well as the lush sound!

Many thanks!

[W9TR]

The tubes take a few seconds to reach full brightness. The meters are pretty bright compared to the tubes, so it takes a very good photographer with a good camera (not me, for instance) to fully capture this amplifier's majesty. Not sure about other tube types.

Once you hear these babies light up a room with sound, their appearance will become the icing on the cake!

[MC352]

If you have different brands and types of tubes in your amp they will glow at different viewable levels, and different speeds.

For instance some Mullard 12at7's have a fast bright glow on start up, and then have a lower orange glow after that.

Some tubes show more orange glow then others.

I have some Tung Sol 12AX7 tubes that are really hard to see glowing.

[Veteq]

MC352 and I seem to be using exactly the same tubes with the same results but mine are on a MC275. The Mullard tubes seem to glow more than most that I have tried but the glow developed is no competition to the blue meters. The tung sol 12ax7 don't show any glow at all unless you are 2" from them. When it comes to sound, this combination really works for me.

[Formerly YB-2]

If the OP is alluding to various photos posted here and elsewhere that show orange and blue glow, he will be disappointed, as these photos are not what one normally sees with a tube amp and are 'staged'. Not that they are fake, but the lighting and settings on the camera have been such that they are capturing something different than is available to the naked eye in normal listening conditions. Just like those stunning nebula photos, which are all 'color enhanced', etc.

[chessman]

Originally Posted by Formerly YB-2

If the OP is alluding to various photos posted here and elsewhere that show orange and blue glow, he will be disappointed, as these photos are not what one normally sees with a tube amp and are 'staged'. Not that they are fake, but the lighting and settings on the camera have been such that they are capturing something different than is available to the naked eye in normal listening conditions. Just like those stunning nebula photos, which are all 'color enhanced', etc.

Next you will be telling us there are fake boobs out there.

[Formerly YB-2]

The important part is that Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny get a free-ride.