MC2301 - What tubes are you rolling?

[JBT]

Originally Posted by vintage_tube

Not true -- they only warrant their tubes for 90 days anyways & equipment for 3 years -- original purchaser, thru dealer network, with receipt showing serial number

http://audioresearch.com/en-us/compa...anty-statement

With ARC and others with KT120 & KT150's -- there aren't many tube options available.

Best Sir,

Bob

My dealer said they shipped reference amp back to ARC for repair and told the owner they would not honor warranty if he used other tubes.

[vintage_tube]

Originally Posted by JBT

My dealer said they shipped reference amp back to ARC for repair and told the owner they would not honor warranty if he used other tubes.

My dealer who is authorized ARC dealer said he has never heard of that. Who knows what the specifics of the situation are -- did he put in a tube that shouldn't have been used -- i.e., wrong type. I've seen something similar -- guy put the 12AX7 tubes in the 12AT7 slots and vice versa on a MC275 and complained of sound. A bit extreme and not a true correlation to your comment, but some folks should stick to solid state.

Having said that, if I had an ARC amp and it went bad & placed Tungsol KT150's in it, I don't think I'd send it back to the factory with those KT150's -- I'd reload the stock tubes.

BTW, just like every other manufacturer, ARC wants to sell --- amps and preamps, phono pre's, etc., and yes, TUBES too. Just saying & not hitting on ARC as I love their products.

Best Sir,

Bob

[Masterlu]

Reminds me of the good old days, putting the stock exhaust back on when bringing my car in for warranty service.

[JBT]

Originally Posted by vintage_tube

My dealer who is authorized ARC dealer said he has never heard of that. Who knows what the specifics of the situation are -- did he put in a tube that shouldn't have been used -- i.e., wrong type. I've seen something similar -- guy put the 12AX7 tubes in the 12AT7 slots and vice versa on a MC275 and complained of sound. A bit extreme and not a true correlation to your comment, but some folks should stick to solid state.

Having said that, if I had an ARC amp and it went bad & placed Tungsol KT150's in it, I don't think I'd send it back to the factory with those KT150's -- I'd reload the stock tubes.

BTW, just like every other manufacturer, ARC wants to sell --- amps and preamps, phono pre's, etc., and yes, TUBES too. Just saying & not hitting on ARC as I love their products.

Best Sir,

Bob

My dealer has been an authorized ARC dealer for 35 years. Currently I have 3 ARC integrated amps and I've rolled tubes in all of them. So I was surprised when he told me that.

[vintage_tube]

At RMAF, I'll definitely ask the McIntosh Group rep.

Best Sir,

Bob

[Masterlu]

Originally Posted by vintage_tube

At RMAF, I'll definitely ask the McIntosh Group rep.

Best Sir,

Bob

When asked publicly, McIntosh does not condone tube rolling.

[vintage_tube]

Originally Posted by Masterlu

When asked publicly, McIntosh does not condone tube rolling.

Understand Sir -- it's the mighty dollar (and greed with outlandish prices for a relatively inexpensive tube). I do believe though Ron -C has said on this forum years ago that McIntosh accepts folks tube rolling as long as the tube is the correct type, etc., and by doing so won't void the warranty.

Best Sir,

Bob

[jdandy]

Bob.......Warranties are finite and expire quick enough anyway. In the life of McIntosh components three years isn't much time. It comes then goes, afterwards you are on your own. I have never been worried about losing warranty coverage over tube rolling. My attitude was and still is, if it isn't covered by warranty then I'll pay for the repair should I have an issue requiring service. For me it isn't anything to be stressed about one way or the other. I just want to enjoy my gear and use it as I please.

[vintage_tube]

Originally Posted by jdandy

Bob.......Warranties are finite and expire quick enough anyway. In the life of McIntosh components three years isn't much time. It comes then goes, afterwards you are on your own. I have never been worried about losing warranty coverage over tube rolling. My attitude was and still is, if it isn't covered by warranty then I'll pay for the repair should I have an issue requiring service. For me it isn't anything to be stressed about one way or the other. I just want to enjoy my gear and use it as I please.

Dan.....agree wholeheartedly & my sentiments exactly.

Best Sir,

Bob

[vintage_tube]

Originally Posted by jdandy

Bob.......I just checked the McIntosh branded KT88's in my tube cabinet. They have the rectangular holes, so I assume they are either Svetlana or SED tubes. Other than the McIntosh labels and the Made in Russia label there are no other markings on the KT88's. One of these days I may put them in the amps just to see how they sound compared to the Gold Lions I currently have installed.

Dan - did the same and believe they are SED's. I have no interest to load 'em -- keeping them fresh.

Best Sir,

Bob

P.S. refer to post 21 regarding HQ's position on tube rollin'.