[Formerly YB-2]

Originally Posted by jdandy

Greg.......You will have no noise issues with the McIntosh MC275 MkV should you decide to go that way. McIntosh's minimum signal to noise spec on that amp is 100 dB. I have even used much older McIntosh tube amps, a pair of MC30's, driving 104 dB efficient Altec Voice of the Theater speakers with no noise issues. The new MC275 MkV is silent, bench tests at 85 watts per channel, and will make a pair of Klipsch Cornwall's stand up and sing.

Am currently listening to a C2200 and pair of MC30s driving Hersey IIIs, which are 99db efficient. Zero hiss unless I turn the volume up to 90 and place my ear within 12" of the speaker. Not my normal listening position. Think hiss from quality tube-gear is highly over-rated.

Originally Posted by gtubes

..sometimes I can't see the forest for the trees, what about a single chassis mc2102 solution? vs one mc275 & c45.....
Be interested in what folks thought of that too...

Did the MC2102 thing, thinking I would be 'up-grading'. My dealer suggested that I hang on to my MC275MkV and give back whichever one I did not want within 30 days. He knew of what he spoke. There was a very clear difference and I sent the MC2102 back at the end of the month. Tried some tube rolling, but the MC2102 is quite different from the MC275MkV. And, not in a good way to my ears. Long live the MC275. It was brought back and remains a staple in McIntosh's amp line-up for a reason. It has the chops for great listening.