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C2200 & tube dampers
- Thread starter Dr.J
- Start date
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HiFiGuy528
Super Member
Does it really make any difference on the C2200 or is it snake oil?
Steve,
thanks, but the pic doesn't appear. Is this what you're refering to:
http://www.tweakshop.com/CoolDampers.html
thanks,
John
thanks, but the pic doesn't appear. Is this what you're refering to:
http://www.tweakshop.com/CoolDampers.html
thanks,
John
Westy56
A symphony of paradox
Here's a link to a much cheaper alternative to those other dampers, or whatever they are.
http://www.surplussales.com/Tubes-Sock-Acc/TubeShields-1.html
Steve
Attachments
I have read in other threads that EAT dampers will not fit in the C2200. The ones pictured on the Dynaco look like they would work as long as the tube hold down would mount back into place.
What tubes are you using.
Westy56
A symphony of paradox
I think the ones I have will fit any 12xx7 tube. 7199's in pic.
I have a few that are longer and some that are fatter and longer. I just come upon these at tube buys.
Can you explain "tube hold down"?
Steve
The McIntosh C2200 preamplifier has four 12xx7 tubes, both for the linestage and another set for the phono section. Each set of four tubes is held down by a single bracket that straddles the quartet.
Scroll down, there are a couple of pics:
http://www.homecinema-fr.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1267&t=29948182
John
Scroll down, there are a couple of pics:
http://www.homecinema-fr.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1267&t=29948182
John
Westy56
A symphony of paradox
The fatter ones may slip over the socket depending on the diameter, but this would defeat the damping purpose.
This might allow them to fit under the hold down assembly though.
Could that hold down bracket be trapping heat? Is it necessary for vibrations?
BTW, you have a very nice preamp. :drool:
Steve
Thanks, Steve!
Yes, I think it's possible that the bracket could trap heat. I'm not sure why they chose to hold down the tubes this way, as the approach is new to me (vibrations, shipping, could be).
Yes, room to experiment.
Yes, it's a nice pre, but the stock tubes do not sound good! lol
thanks,
John
Yes, I think it's possible that the bracket could trap heat. I'm not sure why they chose to hold down the tubes this way, as the approach is new to me (vibrations, shipping, could be).
Yes, room to experiment.
Yes, it's a nice pre, but the stock tubes do not sound good! lol
thanks,
John
I just bought 2 matched pairs of RCA 12AT7 black plates and I have a quad of smooth plate Telefunken 12AX7 and a quad of rib plate Tele's also. As soon as I get the black plates it is tube rolling time.
I will report back with the results.
I was able to listen to my C2200 today and I must say the sound with the stock tubes is getting better as they break in.
My amp was used for a couple of days by the previous owner and was returned for a C22. Tom even went so far as to remove the old packaging tape and repackaged it using the same tape McIntosh uses when it was packaged new. It was like getting a brand new unit. The remote did not even have a scratch on it.
I will report back with the results.
I was able to listen to my C2200 today and I must say the sound with the stock tubes is getting better as they break in.
My amp was used for a couple of days by the previous owner and was returned for a C22. Tom even went so far as to remove the old packaging tape and repackaged it using the same tape McIntosh uses when it was packaged new. It was like getting a brand new unit. The remote did not even have a scratch on it.
I'm trying new Gold Lion on the source tubes reissues with great results. The background noise is pushed very far. I can go to 70-75 level with a muted source with no background hiss. It used to be more like 45-50, so great improvement just there. The sound, well it's like a layer has been taken off (I often hear the "vail") and that shows an nicer edge, a clearer image.
After that I installed Herbie's Audio Labs Tube Dampers for the 12AT7's and the 12AU7's. I'm not sure I can quantify a further improvement, but I definately like what I hear. I understand what it needs to be addressed (if you tap gently a tube while playing there will be a microphonics noise) -- how effective they are doing it, well you may have to try them yourself. It's a small investment for getting a small (sweet) improvement. I recommend them.
Sal
After that I installed Herbie's Audio Labs Tube Dampers for the 12AT7's and the 12AU7's. I'm not sure I can quantify a further improvement, but I definately like what I hear. I understand what it needs to be addressed (if you tap gently a tube while playing there will be a microphonics noise) -- how effective they are doing it, well you may have to try them yourself. It's a small investment for getting a small (sweet) improvement. I recommend them.
Sal
Sal, thanks for the advice! I ordered a set, yesterday, given I use a Herbie TD on my headphone amp and found it to be helpful.
As for background noise, I tried cranking the volume with a muted source and with the stock tubes, nothing, no noise at all. Nevertheless, I purchased some NOS Telefunkens, last week; hope to have everything ready to go by the weekend!
John
As for background noise, I tried cranking the volume with a muted source and with the stock tubes, nothing, no noise at all. Nevertheless, I purchased some NOS Telefunkens, last week; hope to have everything ready to go by the weekend!
John
Will do.:yes:
