I am glad to have lived long enough to have experienced the sound I hear coming out of my XVX. I truly enjoyed my MC1.25KW's. They are superb. I honestly bought the MC3500's on a lark, on impulse. I had just made a huge amount of money in the stock market, and when something like that happens....
So I wasn't expecting much. I really wasn't. When I went from a MC275 to a SS MC2100 40+ years ago, I absolutely remember thinking how similar they sounded through my DQ10's (Upgraded to the better woofer and super tweeter).
But the MC3500 intrigued me and I knew I'd better order one quick, if I was going to do it. Right away I could tell it was something special. Now I think it may be the best amp ever. In the world of low powered tube amps, that barely meet their specs for power, it's like an arc reactor of power.
It handles my XVX like it was a baby. The sound has a life to it I have never heard or expected. The bass is full, super fast, resolved, and can have a slightly different pitch on occasion, than the 1.25. The raw power of the amp is immense.
Try Wilson Audio Winds of War and Peace, first cut Liberty Fanfare, if you dare at a high volume. You may blow both your speakers and amps up. The 3500 will do 500+ watts both speakers on the massive drum, no flashing lights or signs of distress, volume at 67%! It's LOUD!
This would destroy virtually any tube amp. The resolution, soundstage height, depth, and delicacy are astounding. The bass has a resolution and dynamic that is incredible. The 1.25 is slow by comparison and it is certainly no slouch when it comes to LF reproduction.
I now believe my audio memory is jogged to remember there was a significant difference between the SS MC2100 and tube MC275. Mac did a great job with the 2100 and I wasn't a good enough listener to appreciate the difference. I focused on the similarities, not the differences.
Virtually every CD I play through the 3500's is so much more enjoyable. Example, I'm listening to Mercury Records CD: "Fennell Plays Sousa". I always thought it had no bass and was bright. It's a joy to hear through the 3500's.
The XVX is hands down the best audio purchase I ever made or ever will make. Nothing compares to this speaker and certainly not the MC3500. But I have found MY AMPS and MY SPEAKERS. OK, I admit it. Tubes beat SS when it comes to power amps, at least with Wilson's.
Best
Charles
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Charles Updated System: Wilson McIntosh Audioquest
New gear on order: None
Most recent updates: Latest is the last one posted: AQ Diamond USB replaces AQ Coffee; Wilson Audio Specialties Alexx replaced by Wilson Audio Specialties XVX Chronosonic; new subwoofer crossover; new Galaxy Grey Thors Hammer; Wilson Pedestals; heating and cooling completely reworked and reinsulated resulting in a much quieter, cooler, and more efficient room (cost about 10,000.00). McIntosh MCT 500 SACD/CD transport; Wilson Audio Acoustic Diode for XVX Chronosonic; WEL Signature digital Coaxial cable for MVP 881/D1100 digital connection replacing the optical connection; New plinth for Thor subwoofer made of X material with the Wilson Acoustic Diodes; Thor is now off my floor; MC3500MKII mono block amps (2) and two custom granite slabs; Wilson ActivXO Stereo Electronic Crossover; new 75-ohm multi-directional FM antenna for tuner
Amps: McIntosh MC3500MKII mono blocks (2), McIntosh MC1.25KW’s (3). All amps set on floor on custom made granite slabs
Preamp and DAC: McIntosh D1100
Sources: McIntosh MCT500 SACD/CD Transport, MVP881 BR player, MVP851 DVD player, MR87 tuner, Marantz 510LV Laser Disc player, ASUS laptop USB (JRiver Media Center 23)
Speakers: Wilson Audio Specialties XVX Chronosonic; custom made Wilson Acoustic Diodes
Sub-woofer: Wilson Audio Specialties Thor’s Hammer (1) horizontal lie; custom plinth of X material with Wilson Acoustic Diode feet; Wilson ActivXO Stereo Electronic Crossover
Cables main system: Audioquest WEL Signature speaker cables and balanced IC (preamp to amps); WEL Signature AES/EBU balanced digital IC for CD playback; WEL Signature digital coaxial cable for MVP 881/D1100 digital connection; Audioquest Diamond optical (1) for tuner, (1) for MVP 851 DVD player, and (1) for LD player for total of (3); Audioquest Diamond USB cable; McIntosh MCT cable for
SACD playback; Dragon power cords (5 HC cords and 3 source cords for total of 8); Thunder HC power cord for MR87 tuner
Cables subwoofer system: Audioquest Redwood speaker cable (1); Wolf balanced subwoofer IC from ActivXO crossover to amp; Wind balanced IC from preamp to ActivXO; Hurricane HC (2) and Dragon HC (1) power cords
Power conditioners: Audioquest Niagara 7000 (1) and Niagara 5000 (3); (4) dedicated 20-amp lines with no. 10 wire straight out of fuse box
Isolation: Wilson Pedestals for D1100; MVP881 BR player; MCT500 transport; MR87 tuner; plinth for Thor subwoofer made of X material with the Wilson Acoustic Diodes
Cabinet: Double Custom Woodwork & Design (CWD) solid walnut cabinet on large casters; holds all sources and preamp; also, Niagara 7000; 11 feet minimum distance from speakers
Acoustic Treatments: Room and Echo Tunes
AC: Dedicated to this room only, an ultra-high efficiency and quiet recently installed Ruud split system 3-ton heat pump.