Looking for the latest thoughts on LEDs

[70sMac]

We recently replaced the front panel on our old MC300 only to find that there's absolutely no light whatsoever coming through the glass. Yeah, a good audio repair tech would've checked the lamps before putting everything back together...but I'm not a good audio repair tech, so there you go.

As we're obviously faced with a repair now, I'm looking for the latest thoughts on replacing the lamps in an MCXXX amp with LEDs. I'm aware of the fact that they tend to be brighter than the replacement incandescent lamps I've already researched. Other than that, does this modification present any other challenges? The replacement lamps for this amp will run $7.00 each, so the full compliment of (12) will come to $84.00. Considering the time involved and the cost of the lamps (and shipping), I'd really like to make this repair last.

Thanks very much for your time and your thoughts.

[BlueSky]

Sure. Why not? I replaced the ones in my two monoblock amplifiers and am relatively satisfied with the results.

If you are good with a soldering iron, if required, and you know that the LEDs will function at the voltage that the old incandescent lamps ran at or are otherwise able to adapt the circuit to make the LEDs work, I say go for it.

[tdelahanty]

If you know the Bulb part number try an electronic parts store. They might be considerably cheaper than Mac.

[eedork]

I don't have any feedback for you yet, but I will in the very near future since I just ordered a full set of LEDs for an MC7300. They should be here in a few days. I'm hoping they end up matching the color of the newer gear in my rack. We shall see.

-Matt

[damacman]

Originally Posted by eedork

I don't have any feedback for you yet, but I will in the very near future since I just ordered a full set of LEDs for an MC7300. They should be here in a few days. I'm hoping they end up matching the color of the newer gear in my rack. We shall see.

-Matt

Tuned in. My MC7300 could benefit as well ...

[70sMac]

BlueSky......Mind if I trouble you for the part numbers of the LEDs you used to "relamp" your mono blocks? The lamps in our MC300 are spec'd to operate at 13.5 VAC and, of course, this could've changed over the years...but one never knows, right?

Also, I see that you've gone with B&W in your surround setup. As we were blown out of NOLA by Katrina, we've been living in a condo environment for 13+ years ... so, long story short, no "real" audio (for way too long). We have now moved into a house again, so I've only recently pulled our old Nautilus speakers out of (air-conditioned) storage and have begun reviving our Mac/B&W setup again. Having been "out" of the audio world for so long, I've lost touch with the audio world and, specifically, with all things B&W. As we now have a renewed interest in (eventually) continuing with the B&W surround setup we began back in about 2004, I'd like to get your thoughts on B&W centers. I also see that you have more than one type of HTMx speaker in your setup; hence, the question. Thanks for anything you might take the time to offer us.

[70sMac]

Originally Posted by tdelahanty

If you know the Bulb part number try an electronic parts store. They might be considerably cheaper than Mac.

tdelehanty......That's a good idea -- thanks for the post.

[70sMac]

Originally Posted by eedork

I don't have any feedback for you yet, but I will in the very near future since I just ordered a full set of LEDs for an MC7300. They should be here in a few days. I'm hoping they end up matching the color of the newer gear in my rack. We shall see.

-Matt

eedork......Would you mind posting more information about the LED set you ordered? There's obviously more interest than I thought in this particular topic. Thanks for sharing.

[remdeck]

As I have a mc7300 also, I would also be interested in what kind of LED will work.
Also C39 at hand [emoji869]

[Masterlu]

remdeck… Welcome to AA!