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#1
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MC601 to MC275's??
Hello all!
Seeking some advice. Recently purchased a Line Magnetic LM-845ia just to see what the fascination with SET amps is all about. My current MC601, C500T, Sonus Faber Guarneri Evolutions with REL G-2's in my small dediticated, treated room is outstanding, one of the most focused, 3D, holographic and immersive systems I've encountered. The one area I would like to improve is on tonal density..... The LM-845ia was just ok....and as expected had a difficult time driving the SF's. Intersting enough, another feature of SET amps is a wide open holographic soundstage and in that regard it did not come close to matching what I already have with my Mc's. Not surprising as expecting a $4k integrated to compete with nealy $25k worth of Mc gear simply isn't realistic. What the LM-845 did do nicely was impart a sense of richness and tonal density through the mids that was very nice...voices and especialy sax were outstanding. Something I have chased via C500T tube rolling for a couple of years, and I have rolled every 12AX7 and 5751 known to man...none brought out that sort of richness. So to my question, would moving from 601's to a pair of Mc275's add that touch of tonal ricness without losing that huge 3D sound stage that I crave? Appreciate any feed back from those who have already tried this. Thanks |
#2
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Vintage MC275s or MC60s will likely give you what you're after. Modern MC275VIs, likely not.
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#3
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I had MC601's and purchased 2 MC275 VIs. I ended up preferring the MC601's at that time and sold the MC275's. Changing the tubes in the MC275's was an improvement in sound quality for me also but when I had both amps next to each other I did prefer the MC601's. I now have the MC2301's and they are my favorite, so far.
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Paul Harbeth 40.3 XD, Sound Anchor stands w/ Stillpoints, Luxman M900 & C900, Aurender N20, Jay's Audio CDT3 - MK3 CD player, Mola Mola Tambaqui DAC, Shunyata Everest, Altaira |
#4
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I can only speak personally about MC452 vs modern MC275. I believe I gave up some low-end crispness (452) but really enjoy the midrange vocals and presence that the 275 (with rolled tubes) give me. I don't listen loudly so that's an important caveat. If you truly need MC601's dynamic range not sure MC275's will work - MC2301's mentioned above would be my recommendation if you need >100 watts frequently
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Revel Studio2, McIntosh 275 & C22 , VPI Scout, Sumiko Blackbird, Benchmark DAC2 HGC |
#5
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I wonder if a pair of MC75's might get the OP his desired sound.
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McIntosh MA8000; McIntosh MC1502; Canton Vento Reference 1 DC; E.A.T. E-Flat; Soundsmith Paua Mk II; Technics SL 1210 MK5; Audio Technica AT-150 MLX; Tascam BR-20; Teac X1000R; Pioneer RT-707; Oppo UDP 205; Denon DCD A-100; HP All-In-One Touchscreen Server; JRiver MC 28; Woo Audio WA6; Shure SRH 1840; SVS SB 1000; Jolida 502BRC; Jolida JD9; VPI 16.5 RCM; Wireworld Oasis 8 Speaker Cables; Audoquest Columbia 72 DBS IC's; Panamax PM-5400 (source components only) |
#6
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Isn't the MC75 just half of an MC275?
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#7
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I think the MC75 has the same power transformer as the MC275 soooo you get twice the power transformer with two MC75s. That is reported to translate into better dynamics. Having said that, while I haven’t owned MC75s, I have owned two MC275VIs and a pair of the MC2301s. The MC2301s are the king of the hill of McIntosh tube amplifiers - power, low end articulation, mid-range sweetness and upper end articulation.
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Main Equipment: Kharma Elegance dB11-S, JL Audio F113v2 X 2, Block Audio Line & Mono SE Amplification, Bricasti M21 DAC, Antipodes Kala K-50 Server, Clearaudio Performance SE. Satisfy tonearm & Maestro Wood MM cartridge. Power: Shunyata Everest 8000, Sigma XC v2, Sigma NR v2, Block Audio PCs, Defender, ADDPowr Wizard Grounding: Shunyata Altaira CGS - 4 X Alpha CGS cables, Network : Supra Cat 8+, Twin (Nenon) Modified Buffalo GS2016 Switches, Keces P3 LPSU, Cables: Wireworld Platinum 8 USB, Wireworld Platinum 8 Speaker cables, 6M & 1M Tubulus Concentus ICs, Other:Two PSI Audio AVAA C20, Multiple GIK products, Stillpoint Apertures, Stillpoint Minis and Ultra SS, Three 20 Amp lines, Furutech GTX - Gold outlets, Adona Rack |
#8
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Quote:
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#9
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MC601 to MC275's??
I’ve owned the MC 601’s and MC 275V at the same time. The midrange on the MC 275V’s is truly outstanding but they struggle a bit with low end articulation and HF detail.
That said, I still own a beautiful MC 275V and sold the MC 601’s some time ago. Midrange rules! The latest MC 75’s are said to be as good as MC 2301’s sonically. It that’s true they are giant killers. Tom
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Main System: Amati Futura Mains Amati Homage VOX Center, Proac Response 1sc Rears, Three MC2301's for L,C,R MC 602 for the rears C 1100, MX 151, MCD 1100, MR 80 Nottingham Dais with Wave Mechanic Sumiko Palo Santos Presentation SurfacePro 3, RPi 4, ROON, WW Starlight Platinum USB, Schiit Yggdrasil, Benchmark DAC3 HGC MX 151, OppO BDP-95, JVC RS-500 DILA projector, 106" diagonal Stewart Luxus Screenwall Deluxe with Studiotek 130 G3 material. Lake House: Ohm F, MC 275V, C2300, MR 77, Rega P3 OnDeck: McIntosh MAC 4300v Last edited by W9TR; 10-26-2020 at 10:12 PM. |
#10
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Quote:
I had the magic with my C2200 pre-amp with the stock tubes, though. It's been too long to compare detail between those pre-amps. I did keep the C2200, though, because of my experience with it. Maybe consider keeping the 601's and getting a different Mc pre-amp?
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Christian south: Mark Levinson No. 52 pre, Bricasti M28 amps, Lumin A1, Oppo BDP-205, Pioneer CT-43, Sony SS-AR1 Speakers, Audioquest Dragon PCs, Audioquest speaker cables, Audioquest interconnects, HB Power Design Powerslave Star Galaxy power distributor north: Vitus SIA-030, Luxman D10X, Sony TC-KA3ES, Harbeth 40.2, Siltech cables |
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