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Just picked up my Mc275 today, have questions?

R

randy4354

Active Member
I just picked up my new Mc275mk? it has the 5way binding posts so I'm not sure which version it is, but was wondering what is a good way to get started with the amp?This is my first Tube amp so just looking for some advice about starting up the amp,how long should one let it warm up,anything to do before you power up the unit,anything to watch with the tubes,whats the breakin time for the amp?Thanks for any thoughts, Randy.
 
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It is a MC275A or MKV. Just connect it and turn it up. That is what it was designed to do.

thanks,
Ron-C
 
Congratulations Randy....you have the mark V with the binding posts....super nice amp...I have one and just love it!

Before you start anything make certain you have the mode switch on the front set to stereo (I'm assuming here) and your speakers connected properly along with your interconnects from the pre amp (which pre amp are you using??) Then you can plug the amp into your AC.

Turn on the pre amp first, then the amp about 10 seconds later...shut down is the reverse order.

I played mine for a few hours before it "broke in"...you'll know it when you hear it. Eventually I replaced the stock tubes, but you can get into "tube rolling" later, if you desire. Just sit back and enjoy for a while!:thmbsp:
 
ron-c said:
It is a MC275A or MKV. Just connect it and turn it up. That is what it was designed to do.thanks,Ron-C
Click to expand...
However, it's probably a good idea to keep your finger on the power switch for the first minute or two -- so you can cut the power in case one of the OEM power tubes decides to give you a video display instead of audio :yes::D If the tubes make it through the first half dozen power-ups without incident, you can breathe easier, but still, keep the amp company for the first few (total) hours of operation. Surprises are less likely after that.
 
Was there a McIntosh dealer involved?? If so, where is he in this process?

My dealer won't sleep if I have a question -- that's what I pay for -- first level of support.

Okay -- before Mr. RON-C emails me on the side -- I probably exagerated there a bit.
 
I actually have an original 1960s MC275 that has never had a screen resistor changed! After 40 years of use not one output tube failure. Don't believe everything you read on the web.
My new MC275 MKV is problem free also..

Thanks,
Ron-C
 
Agreed...the MKV is a great unit and we have been very happy with them! Just plug play...maybe pour a nice glass of red wine....and enjoy "McBliss"!!!
 
Sometimes tubes fail. It's that simple.

If you have never had tubes (like me) when you hear all this stuff you get a little paranoid. I've had one fail, its kind of like a blue arc going thru the tube. I have had one stock tube fail, after 90 days. I got some Penta Labs kt88sc's and so far perfect.

I just figure that is part of the ownership of tubes. A kind of rare occurrence but at least know of it. Almost a year later no problems, and many, many happy hours of great music.:thmbsp:

It's an awesome amp, Congratulations !!
 
Better tubes would cost Mac less in the long run.

ron-c said:
I actually have an original 1960s MC275 that has never had a screen resistor changed! After 40 years of use not one output tube failure. Don't believe everything you read on the web.My new MC275 MKV is problem free also..Thanks,
Ron-C
Click to expand...
Ron, it's pretty obvious the amp isn't the problem -- and in the old days, neither were the tubes! Nor is McIntosh to blame for the (current) tube failures. Until recently, they were all that was dependably available. However, now that more reliable tubes are available in quantity, like the GL reissues, or the Pentalabs, I think it's time for a change. And it would only add roughly $50 to the cost of the amp -- actually a savings when one considers the cost of replacing bad tubes under warranty :yes:
 
Nsgarch -- more complicated than just waking up one day and telling your tube supplier, which you've signed a contract with, for "X" amount of tubes for "X" amount of years that you've found a better tube & therefore, cancelling effective this date.
There is one manufacturer that has either terminated their contract or it ran out (probably terminated) & begun shipping GL Reissues. Additionally, they are paying New Sensor a few extra dollars per tube for a "super match" & special stenciling.
McIntosh probably won't go that route anytime soon. I wonder how many they committed to buy now that the MC2301's are about to hit the market (32 each KT88's per set). That's alot of glass.
 
Thanks for the responses, I'll take the advise and watch the tubes at startup, and yes the amp is from a audio store, he gave me his advise, but after reading the forums here I wanted the AKers(experts) advise.Thanks, Randy.P.S. up till now I've been nothing but a ss amp person so exicted about the purchase and going to be very critical on the performance of the amp.I'll be listening all weekend and will give my first impressions on the 17th.Randy.
 
I just got a 275mkIV and have been extremely happy with it. I'm sure you will
be the feeling the same with the V. Turn it up!
 
nsgarch said:
However, it's probably a good idea to keep your finger on the power switch for the first minute or two -- so you can cut the power in case one of the OEM power tubes decides to give you a video display instead of audio :yes::D If the tubes make it through the first half dozen power-ups without incident, you can breathe easier, but still, keep the amp company for the first few (total) hours of operation. Surprises are less likely after that.
Click to expand...

Wonder if the head engineers at McIntosh endorse your suggested methodology:scratch2:
 
The sales guy from the store told me to try the 275 on my Infinity RS-IIb's which are a 4ohm load.I have been running the speaks up till now with a Threshold S-500 which I plan on using in a bi-amp setup with the Mac.Should I try the 275 on the 2b's by it self?
 
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