MC1502 vs 2x275VI vs MC2301

[Matteo]

Hello Paul, thank you for sharing your experience, very interesting indeed. I remember I saw your ad for the 2301s at the time, I recall it as the statement about the recent run of the 2301 in parallel to the 901 was a surprise for me. Now I understand that also the MC611s produced in parallel to the 901 differ from the previous production runs. Interesting... so basically in your case in absence of downsizing for other reasons the keepers would be the MC611s it power the Strads, better than 275VIs and 2301s old production runs... Matteo

[Matteo]

Hello Carlos, thanks!

I saw some other posts from you and I remember you were enthusiastic about the 1502 and moved to 1.2 for other reasons that I understand. But I want tubes and my understanding is that tubes warm-up to the best performance is much quicker than SS, and I have only limited listening sessions available between family and work commitments...

I want just to focus on sonic performance and (usable) power in relation to my EVOs, factoring-in the drawbacks (e.g. bulky size, placement in the environment...). But you know all the drawbacks can be overcome somehow, if we really want to. At this stage I would not consider the price difference as the 1502 (new) and the 2301s (pre-loved for few years) would come home with a negligible difference.

But I understand your comment was mainly on sonic performance so it's very valuable to me. My take home is therefore that the 1502 is a step-up compared to the 275VIs, in absolute, which gives me some relief.

Thanks!
Matteo

[Matteo]

Originally Posted by Soro86

I am new to McIntosh and lucky to be enjoying a 1502 for past 6 months. Big change coming from VTL MB 250 all triode amps. My impression is a cooler mid range, highly detailed but not fatiguing, and great bass compared to the VTL's. Also going from a Premier 16 to Backert Labs Rhumba made a big difference. Bigger soundstage, greater instrument separation, and rhythm that feels right on. The 1502 is solid, dead quiet, beautifully built, and drives my ESL 11A's with ease. Good luck!

Thanks! All comments are suspiciously leaning towards the 1502 here, which I considered the most pragmatic decision; the 2301 are a purely irrational push, as I said, probably over-killing the EVOs.

Good that you mentioned also the pre-amp. Being the 1502 so clear, it might require a good pairing with the pre-amp not to give up completely the tube warmth. My idea is to drive the amp with the variable output of my DAC/player, but I am pretty sure it's only a matter of time to add a pre-amp. I suspect that this pairing is becoming too clear / neutral to my taste. Moreover, the output voltage of the balanced out of my DAC is up to 6.1V RMS which compares to the current 16V RMS of Mc pres.

C70 / C22 V are on my radar... although reading reviews and comments from owners the C53 seems to be more tubish than the tube pres. But this is another topic.

Thanks!
Matteo

[miner]

Welcome Matteo! I have gone from a MC252 to a MC452 to a pair of MC275MkVI to a now single MC275MkVI (a downsize mode from two systems to one). The 275 drive a Sf Electa Amator III in a relatively small room. The single 275 does very well. The EA are not that efficient either. I could live with this amp until my last days but I am yearning for a MC1502. I will probably upgrade my C2300 pre to the C2700 first, for various reasons. Will see how o feel once I make the preamp change, whenever that will be.

Kevin (miner)

[FreddieFerric]

Originally Posted by miner

Welcome Matteo! I have gone from a MC252 to a MC452 to a pair of MC275MkVI to a now single MC275MkVI (a downsize mode from two systems to one). The 275 drive a Sf Electa Amator III in a relatively small room. The single 275 does very well. The EA are not that efficient either. I could live with this amp until my last days but I am yearning for a MC1502. I will probably upgrade my C2300 pre to the C2700 first, for various reasons. Will see how o feel once I make the preamp change, whenever that will be.

Kevin (miner)

Man, when I saw the 1502 that had been listed on the other A site was sold I thought you might have bit on it. I guess not. Not yet at least.

[miner]

I let JWJW’s 1502 slip through my fingers (won’t find another at that price for a while) I knew I would be hard pressed to find one at a reasonable price, when I am ready. May just buy new and trade my 275 in - it still brings in good value.

[dkorbal]

Originally Posted by miner

I will probably upgrade my C2300 pre to the C2700 first, for various reasons. Will see how o feel once I make the preamp change, whenever that will be.

Kevin (miner)

Never owned an older Cxxxx series but I will definitely give high praise to the C2700 for its SQ and versatility.