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MC-2102 paired with Joseph RM33 LE's?

C

corbin1

New Member
Does anyone have experience or thoughts about running this combination? I'm currently using a Mac MC-402 but have been toying with buying a tube amp and the 2102 would be a logical choice for my budget. I don't have any complaints against the current setup, just a little power amp tube lust. I'm using a C2200 pre-amp. Thanks!
 
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My experience is that MC2102 was not as nice sounding as the MC275. Thought I was trading up when I moved to an MC2102 and after a month I traded back. Also found that the MC275 did not get a good grip on my Joseph Audio RM25XL speakers. They simply never opened up with the MC275. The MC75 60th Anniversary amps did better, but still not up to the task. Am much happier with the MA6600 and its 200wpc of solid-state power with the RM25XLs. Think they simply need that solid-state power to kick their butt and make them behave. I would guess that the RM33XLs are at least similar in their needs. Carbonman listens to the 33s and uses an MC252 for his and reports excellent results. Obviously, YMMV, but I cannot recommend the MC2102. Did use the C2200 with all three tube amp set-ups and it is excellent. But, am most pleased with the MA6600.
 
I'm upfront about it - I am not a tube amp fan. Solid state has tight control on speaker low frequencies that makes me a happy listener.
I don't think the RM33LE is a particularly tough speaker to drive but would recommend you drop a line to Jeff Joseph. Jeff is more than happy to give advice on speaker/amp combinations.
The friend I bought my RM33si Mk.II's from had a pair of MC1201 amps on loan for a couple of weeks. He commented on the grip they had on the RM33 bottom end compared to his Simaudio power amp. I imagine your MC402 is close to the big Macs in low frequency control.
 
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Perhaps you can audition the MC2102 (or MC275) with you JAs prior to purchase. Think you will find a significant difference between the MC402 and the MC2102. Whether it is a difference you will like is something only you can decide.
 
Ive owned MC 2102's and had them paired w/ Khorns & Belles. As you know they are very efficient speakers. Sadly ,using 1 2102 to drive either pairs it was very "soft " sounding. I eventually bought another and used them as mono blocks and there was a DRAMATIC improvement of sonics. Big bass, rich mids nice highs! Soldem though and bought 2 MC2000's and now use them as monoblocks. Even bigger improvement that the 2102's. One day I''l compare them w the 300w Mac tube monoblock....
 
Thanks Guy's!

You all have me re-considering and leaving well eough alone. The sound through the 352' is superb, why "mess " with that I guess. I really appreciate all the input.
 
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