It's Decision Time

[FreddieFerric]

So then Charles. Am I right to assume that your opinion would be that the MC1502 would drive my big Canton's to sonic bliss with ease?

[nikto34]

Originally Posted by Charles

nitko, I'm sure you have noticed that the sound quality does not change when you hit a full 75 watts. You get .5-90 watts of exactly uniform sound quality, whatever that quality happens to be, which in your case is excellent. This is not true in SS, unless it is class A, and real class A, not sliding bias or "trick class A" in SS. This is because in true class A the amp is 100% operating at idle or at full power. This is extremely expensive and heat producing but very rewarding sonically.

Best

Charles

Yep, that's one of the elements I like about tubes. I am actually surprised. The amp does not put out as much heat as you might think and really has not been that noticeable in cost of operation. Much less than I expected.
I use it in a small office space. You really have to put your hands close to feel the low level heat. That really only comes from the KT88s. The 12AX7s don't really give off much heat at all.

[Stahle]

I don’t notice any change in sound quality as I turn up the volume on my MC462. If anything, it gets better once I turn the volume up past low background levels.

[PeterMusic]

Like nikto, I beat on my MC275 every day, and I have never experienced even the slightest reliability issue over 4 years, nor have I needed to replace a tube. So I always scratch my head when we discuss tube amp maintenance as if these things were Ferraris.

I don't think I will be fazed when I need to drop a few hundred dollars on tubes, and if I had a 1502 that needed repairs, I'd get my son to help me carry it to the dealer. We go to so much cost and effort already to get the last few ounces of sound, tube maintenance seems like rounding error, at least with McIntosh

[Bwguy]

Originally Posted by Fbgbill

The 462 is a superb amp. I cannot speak as to how it will work with your speakers but I am sure it will. I only got rid of my 462 because I got the wild idea I wanted mono blocks and went with a pair of 611's. Hope you back is in good shape as the 462 is a heavy beast..!

Fbgbill,
I am curious your thoughts on the 611 as compared to the 462. Are you happy with the switch? What improvement did you find?

[miner]

I absolutely love my MC275MKVI. Prior to the tube amp I had a MC452, predecessor to the MC462. I had a long conversation with Dan (JDandy - RiP my friend) when he traded his MC452 for a pair on MC75 mono blocks. I was intrigued and after discussions with my local dealer I traded my MC452 for a pair of MC275MKVI to run as mono blocks. I did not miss my 452 one but. I love a tube pre and tube amp - so lush and lively. The MC1502 will be my next step up.

[FreddieFerric]

Originally Posted by miner

I absolutely love my MC275MKVI. Prior to the tube amp I had a MC452, predecessor to the MC462. I had a long conversation with Dan (JDandy - RiP my friend) when he traded his MC452 for a pair on MC75 mono blocks. I was intrigued and after discussions with my local dealer I traded my MC452 for a pair of MC275MKVI to run as mono blocks. I did not miss my 452 one but. I love a tube pre and tube amp - so lush and lively. The MC1502 will be my next step up.

May I ask what speakers you are driving with the Mc's?

[Soro86]

I am new to Mac and enjoying a MC1502 for 6 months. I can say it controls my Martin Logan 11A's withe ease. New Mc tube amps have a lot of safeguards built in now. The 1502 runs quite cool compared to the VTL MB 250's they replaced. Those were amazing (225 watts triode!) but were designed to run like nuclear reactors and would heat up a room in no time. I used to have the same concerns regarding tubes but not anymore. If you like how they sound, then worth considering. Good luck!

[Charles]

Originally Posted by FreddieFerric

So then Charles. Am I right to assume that your opinion would be that the MC1502 would drive my big Canton's to sonic bliss with ease?

Freddie, I think you can see I'm finally switching over to tubes with my new 3500 MK II so you have your answer. My dealer says it will drive my XVX with ease. Yes, I believe the 1502 will easily drive your big Canton's.The 1502 is a monster tube power amp.

I have been a SS advocate for years. But I want to try tubes. The comments folks have made regarding the reliability of Mac tubes is very reassuring, but I will never part with my 1.25's. I have nothing but high praise for it. It is beautiful, reliable, compact compared to many SS behemoths of similar power. It sounds great, smooth as butter, with great detail.

Best

Charles

[FreddieFerric]

Originally Posted by Soro86

I am new to Mac and enjoying a MC1502 for 6 months. I can say it controls my Martin Logan 11A's withe ease. New Mc tube amps have a lot of safeguards built in now. The 1502 runs quite cool compared to the VTL MB 250's they replaced. Those were amazing (225 watts triode!) but were designed to run like nuclear reactors and would heat up a room in no time. I used to have the same concerns regarding tubes but not anymore. If you like how they sound, then worth considering. Good luck!

Welcome to AA Soro. Very reassuring assesment of the 1502. Nothing beats an actual owners experience.

Originally Posted by Charles

Freddie, I think you can see I'm finally switching over to tubes with my new 3500 MK II so you have your answer. My dealer says it will drive my XVX with ease. Yes, I believe the 1502 will easily drive your big Canton's.The 1502 is a monster tube power amp.

I have been a SS advocate for years. But I want to try tubes. The comments folks have made regarding the reliability of Mac tubes is very reassuring, but I will never part with my 1.25's. I have nothing but high praise for it. It is beautiful, reliable, compact compared to many SS behemoths of similar power. It sounds great, smooth as butter, with great detail.

Best

Charles

Oh man. Now I'm thinking to cancel the 462 and order the 1502 instead. This is what I was looking to do in the first place until I talked myself out of it.