McIntosh bass

[Charles]

I know that there are numerous owners of McIntosh tube power amplifiers on AA. This would include current tube power amps plus vintage power amps like the MC2000. One of the first sonic qualities that I noticed was the difference between my MC1.25KW's and my MC3500's. Nothing is more true concerning the high end than the uniqueness of our ears and how our choice of gear pleases them. So here is the question to those who own Mac tube power amplifiers: How do you like your bass and could you describe why it pleases or displeases you?

I will answer for myself that I have not had my 1.25's in my system since I have owned my 3500's. I truly enjoyed my XVX through my 1.25's but for me the difference was and is not subtle. It's a more dynamic faster fuller resolved bass. I have many jazz albums that have soft bass. My 3500's have weight and beauty with my XVX that my 1.25's don't have. My XVX are an extremely difficult load in the bass but will do 110 dB at 24 Hz at less than 1% distortion and are -3dB at 15 Hz. I run my XVX off the 4-ohm tap because it is a 4-ohm rated speaker. One of the most interesting characteristics of XVX woofers is that I have never seen the woofers move, no matter how loud the bass. I have a good friend who has had the same experience with his XVX. He used the word "shocked" to describe how little the woofers moved. The XVX is probably the most demanding load of any speaker regarding bass. It is capable of enormous almost unlimited output in the bass. While playing Midnight Hour (The Rascals) at an insane level (85% volume) the L channel did shutdown. The impedance is simply brutal. So what are your experiences regarding your bass with Mac tube power amplifiers, if you own a Mac tube power amp?

Best

Charles

[audiogear]

Charles,

I originally bought the MA6600 Int to pair with Sf Cremona Auditor M bookshelves. However, once the MC275(VI) got into the mix, there was hardly any playing time with the MA6600. Yes, the INT had plenty of raw SS juice to power the Auditors. No lack of controlled bass and extension.

Though the MC275’s rated 75W-90W, there is just something about Mac tubes. Granted I’m obviously a Mac fan but the tube power with these small Sfs is nothing short of magical to my ears.

[miner]

I went from a Mc252 > MC452 > dual MC275MkVI in mono > single MC275MkVI > MC1502. The bass from the MC1502 is amazingly tight and deep. Mc tubes are the benchmark that I use in comparing other manufactures tube amps.

[PeterMusic]

Originally Posted by miner

I went from a Mc252 > MC452 > dual MC275MkVI in mono > single MC275MkVI > MC1502. The bass from the MC1502 is amazingly tight and deep. Mc tubes are the benchmark that I use in comparing other manufactures tube amps.

I have loved my single MC275VI. But with the addition of a turntable and the move to a larger room, I am now pushing my volume from what was typically no more than 40% to over 60%. So I am thinking of going to dual MC275 in mono. Please expand on why you went from dual to single. Thanks

[miner]

Mainly I was too tight in component alignment. Keep in mind 90w vs 180w is only 3db in sound level. After going with single 275 I felt the overall presence of the vocals/mids was smoother and sound stage was wider. Most users felt the MC275 was better as a stereo amp but your ears may evaluate differently. This is a great time to trade up to a MC1502.

[miner]

BTW, the MC1502 sounds exceptionally better than two 275s, and the 275 is a very fine amp.

[r042wal]

I have an MC-500 and love the sound. The volume set at 17% on my C-48 preamp yields just over 90db. Nothing like having a little headroom.

The bass is incredible and I attribute this to the bass drivers excursion being powered in both directions.

[PeterMusic]

Originally Posted by miner

Mainly I was too tight in component alignment. Keep in mind 90w vs 180w is only 3db in sound level. After going with single 275 I felt the overall presence of the vocals/mids was smoother and sound stage was wider. Most users felt the MC275 was better as a stereo amp but your ears may evaluate differently. This is a great time to trade up to a MC1502.

Thanks, very helpful, and a good idea on the 1502. From a sonics/knowing my system perspective, I am still absorbing my first turntable in 30 years (it's awesome!), I am also considering a larger sub, and I go away for the summer... So I think by the time I am ready to pull the trigger on another upgrade I will miss the sale. But yes, a single 1502 does seem more sensible and easy than a pair of 275s

[miner]

I believe Absolute Sound did a review on the MC1502 and compared it to the MC275. Also, Tone Audio did a review. I love mine, it will stay with me.

[McMan]

I hope one day that, McIntosh cuts the first half of the MC901 off and offers us that 300-watt monoblock.

That is the amplifier I would love to own. Would anyone else be interested in a McTube amp like that?