• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

Let's have some - McIntosh mix and match

Johncan

Johncan

Record collector
Let's have some fun with this...

What of the following McIntosh amps would you match with the following McIntosh preamps and then what speakers?

Amps:
a pair of MC30's
MC2105
McIntosh 754
Mac4100 receiver

Preamps:
MX110Z
C29
MX117

Speakers:
Klipsch Cornwalls
Bozak B-300's
Bozak B-401
Snell Type E
KLH 23
Epi 140C

The obvious choice is to match the tube gear, but I want to mix it up a little. What do you vintage McIntosh guys think?
 
Register to hide this ad
I think I'd use the C29 into the MC-30's and the Cornwalls. Nice big sound with a nice quiet preamp, especially if you're doing vinyl. I'd also give the Snells a try with this setup. I have Snell C's and they love the Mac gear. I hadn't thought about it until now, but I've never hooked my MC-30 to them. :scratch2: Got to give that a try! The MC-30s also love my old Pioneer CS-R500's too. The MC-30s and my C34V were a good setup. :D
 
I think I'd use the C29 into the MC-30's and the Cornwalls.
Click to expand...

That is what I have in the main rig right now. The C29 does help make the MC30's less noisy with the Cornwalls. Thanks!

John
 
I would run the MX110 into the MC30s into the Cornwalls.

This duplicates the system I am currently using in 2 channel - excepting for the Cornwalls (I use Belle Klipsch). Of course, my MX110 and MC30s have been rebuilt and tubed to the hilt, extending the capabilities of this combo even more......I'm to the point with this system where I am done upgrading it.

There are some things you can look at on your MX110 that might reduce some of the noise. If you are using a non-phono source, plug that source into the tape-in jack, then select the tape input. This bypasses the 6D10, taking the input signal direct to the 12AX7. Result is a bit cleaner sound.

Another thing to check is to see if the one 12AX7 and the 2 6U8s in the linestage are as quiet as they can be. Especially the 6U8s.....I have been through a few 6U8s with my MX110 - not just for noise, but for sonics - and I can tell you that rolling these tubes do yield sonic benefits - especially on those Klipsch. I recommend Amperex or Tele 12AX7.....Siemens, Tele, Tungsram or Amperex 6U8.

You might also play around with the gain knobs on the MC30s....I dial mine back a bit from full "wide open". Seems to be easier to find the sweet spot with the MX110 volume and to hold back a little more of the faint background noise.

Have fun with the various combinations, but if you end up with the MX110>MC30 back together again, it's some food for thought, that is if you were not aware of these above mentioned items already.
 
Thank you so much for the tips on the MC30 and MX110Z combo. Terry has been through all three and done his magic. I will look for some quieter tubes for them.

John
 
I moved stuff around last night and I am currently listening to the following setup.

Mc30's
C29
Bozak B-300's.

The bass and the mids are sweet!
 
In answer to your original post: Any permutation is going to be fun....that's a lot of fun!

The C29, 2105 into the KLHs would be a nice set up. I've run my KLH Model 5s along with a 2105 plus a C28 - all restored - which produced a solid and lively sonic presentation, if that's any indication.

Cheers,

David
 
I owned Bozaks and the bass was better with direct coupled amps especially when bi-amped. I would probably use the MC 30's with Cornwalls to smooth the highs. My college room mate had a 2105 with Cornwalls and they could be cold an austere, though a MX 110 might smooth them a bit. Snells are probably the best speakers, so depending how loud and the listening distance I would start with the 754. The C-29 has the ultimate clarity especially in the phono stage, so you want a very smooth cartridge if you choose the C-29. Maybe a Ortofon or Dynavector moving Coil.
 
When using the MX-110, with the volume control full down on the 110, the only residual noise heard will be a product of the power amplifier(s) used, because the volume control in the 110 is what provides the signal to that unit’s output jacks. When it is full down, the output jacks of the 110 are literally shorted out.

Dave
 
Johncan said:
Let's have some fun with this...

What of the following McIntosh amps would you match with the following McIntosh preamps and then what speakers?

Amps:
a pair of MC30's
MC2105
McIntosh 754
Mac4100 receiver

Preamps:
MX110Z
C29
MX117

Speakers:
Klipsch Cornwalls
Bozak B-300's
Bozak B-401
Snell Type E
KLH 23
Epi 140C

The obvious choice is to match the tube gear, but I want to mix it up a little. What do you vintage McIntosh guys think?
Click to expand...
Mx110 with the MC2105 and Klipsch Cornwalls
 
MX-110Z and MC2125 run through Yamaha NS-1000's. Sounds superb.

MC4100 powering a pair of Spendor BC1's. Also very sweet.
 
I love the MX110z/MC30 combo, classic pairing with a wonderful synergy imho. Huge scale, vivid, almost larger than life presentation. I also have a C29 which I absolutely enjoy and it sounds really great with the 30s and my MC225 too. I use them with Tannoy and Altec and was surprised at how well the C29 performs with the MC30 and MC225.

I also really dig the sound of the Mx110z and MC2105, MC2500 or MC2600 which imo are all also standout combos that make beautiful music together.

If I were in your situation, I think I’d have try C29/MC30/Cornwall and then MX110z/MC2105/Snell. I’ve never heard the Snell Type E, but I sometimes do miss my Model As. I bet they will sound great with McIntosh. Great list of options you have there, and I doubt you get bored anytime soon…enjoy! Sure sounds like fun to me!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom