Mc 275 IV
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MX117.MC7150
Listener
And I prefer the lastest model (MkV a misnomer according to McIntosh) as it does not have the gain controls. Simpler is better.
Which "MC275" do you speak of? The early models were all point-to-point wiring and chromed steel chassis (thus, the rust). The lastest two (MkIV & V) are essentially a big circuit board with 'stronger' transformers with an electropolished stainless chassis - no rust. Not sure about the original reissue MC275 models from the early '90s.
Which "MC275" do you speak of? The early models were all point-to-point wiring and chromed steel chassis (thus, the rust). The lastest two (MkIV & V) are essentially a big circuit board with 'stronger' transformers with an electropolished stainless chassis - no rust. Not sure about the original reissue MC275 models from the early '90s.
ron-c
Addicted Member
Current MC275 is MKV. This is not how the factory describes it but the MK system will allow us all to know which amp we are talking about.
MkI- Original 1960s
MKII- Gordon Gow Commemorative Reissue 1993
MKIII- Like above without tubes or Commemorative status
MC275TS- Tube set for above
MC275 Gold- Like above with tubes, all 24K gold trim, gold chassis, very rare
MC275 MKIV- Stainless Steel polished chassis, circuit board with ceramic tube sockets, higher power, KT88 output tubes, terminal strip speaker connection, gain controls.
MKV- Current model, as above but no gain controls, 5-way binding posts, ROHS
Thanks,
Ron-C
MkI- Original 1960s
MKII- Gordon Gow Commemorative Reissue 1993
MKIII- Like above without tubes or Commemorative status
MC275TS- Tube set for above
MC275 Gold- Like above with tubes, all 24K gold trim, gold chassis, very rare
MC275 MKIV- Stainless Steel polished chassis, circuit board with ceramic tube sockets, higher power, KT88 output tubes, terminal strip speaker connection, gain controls.
MKV- Current model, as above but no gain controls, 5-way binding posts, ROHS
Thanks,
Ron-C
SoCal Sam
Lunatic Member
Ron-C: There were two versions of the MC275G. The first is a commemorative version based on the III with special serial number plate and came with the MC275TS. The other MC275G was based on the IV and seems to have been an overseas option and non-commemorative. There isn't a whole lot of info out there so it would be interesting to get a definitive answer.
SoCal Sam
Lunatic Member
Simpler is not better, IMO. Gain controls give me the option of running a CD player directly. I've run a variable output CDP directly with a V and could not get the MC275V to open up like I can with my MC60's.
SoCal Sam
Lunatic Member
Noted, thanks!
nsgarch
McStatic
I agree that simpler is not always better, but the issue is moot in the two latest 275's: in UNBAL mode, the signal has to go through a splitter/inverter circuit (V--1) which, pots or no pots, isn't exactly simple. If you want simple, use BAL inputs. No pots, and more important, no splitter/inverter in the signal path.
BTW, in the 275CE, as well as the MC75 (old and new) do not fully detatch the single-ended circuits when operating in BAL mode.
onedrop78
Active Member
Hey Ron,
My MC275 has the binding posts and is a MKV version, however the binding posts are the plastic hex's (black and red). I have yet to see another one that is similar. Did early versions ship this way? I bought mine from AC. I wish they were the sharper looking gold posts, but hey it still kicks a$$....
My MC275 has the binding posts and is a MKV version, however the binding posts are the plastic hex's (black and red). I have yet to see another one that is similar. Did early versions ship this way? I bought mine from AC. I wish they were the sharper looking gold posts, but hey it still kicks a$$....
AudioClassics1
Super Member
I think YOU are the only collectors item here Ron!
SoCal Sam
Lunatic Member
nsgarch, this makes the case for the MC275IV even stronger.
onedrop78
Active Member
Excellent. Attention AK'ers, here is your chance to own the ultra rare MC275 Plastic edition MKV. Highly sought after and rarely seen. Will trade 2 MC275s with gold posts for my one amp.
.
nsgarch
McStatic
Sam, I'm not really sure what you mean by that? I don't care about the pots one way or another because I wouldn't dream of running my 275 (or any amp) single ended when it comes with real balanced inputs. Nor would I run my 275 single ended just because my preamp didn't have balance outputs -- I'd get a new preamp :yes:
And I surely like the modern binding posts on the Mk V, which provide a really solid connection to 21st century speaker cable terminations. The only thing I like better about my Mk IV is the chassis. It's probably irrational, but I just feel more comfortable with real, toxic, lead! :thmbsp:
SoCal Sam
Lunatic Member
Sam, I'm not really sure what you mean by that? I don't care about the pots one way or another because I wouldn't dream of running my 275 (or any amp) single ended when it comes with real balanced inputs. Nor would I run my 275 single ended just because my preamp didn't have balance outputs -- I'd get a new preamp :yes:
And I surely like the modern binding posts on the Mk V, which provide a really solid connection to 21st century speaker cable terminations. The only thing I like better about my Mk IV is the chassis. It's probably irrational, but I just feel more comfortable with real, toxic, lead! :thmbsp:
nsgarch, I had a pair of MC275V's and a C2300. I ran the MC275V with the stock KT88's and also with GL Reissues and just couldn't dial in the sound with or without the C2300. I then picked up pairs of MC75's and MC60's and I could dial in the sound using the gain control. I compared them side by side with the MC275V and the old stuff had a lot more sparkle. The MC275V sounded like (gulp) AM radio in comparison. I subsequently picked up a Commemorative MC275 with the gain controls and did not encounter the V's dullness. In my experience, the flexibility of the gain control is the difference maker.:yes: Therefore, I would take the MC275IV over the V.
nsgarch
McStatic
Boy, that's quite an indictment of the latest model 275, and not one I've heard before (in fact the concensus seems to be just the opposite.) Hard for me to comment, since you were apparently using single ended mode in all cases.
However, before you assume that the only difference between the Mk V and the other amps you tried was the presence of the input attenuators, you should note another major difference between the Mk IV/Mk V and all previous models of 275 (and all the other KT88-based models) is the superior quality of the earlier models' OEM tubes. Not so much the power tubes, but rather the vastly superior (and sonically critical) gainstage 12AX7's. The crappy Chinese 12AX7 and 12AT7 tubes supplied with the Mk IV and the Mk V did indeed cause those amps to sound dull. I don't know if I'd go so far as to say AM radio dull, but replacing the stock V-1,2,5 with some ordinary Teles or RCA blackplates made all the difference sparkle-wise :yes:
I guess what I'm saying, is that I can understand the experience(s) you had, but would look elsewhere for their cause.
SoCal Sam
Lunatic Member
I appreciate the comment and I think your thoughts are a plausible cause of my poor impression of the V. Since the little tubes were labeled MAC, I assumed they were quality but apparently, they are not. I'm more than a little disappointed MAC would spec these tubes. And, I regret not trying harder to get the best out of the V's before I sold them (for what I bought them so at least no monetary loss). Anyways, I still think gain controls are necessary in this amp and all things being (roughly) equal between the IV and V, I prefer to have this feature.
Oh, the little tubes in my MC60's are all vintage Telefunken smooth plates so that makes a big difference.
MX117.MC7150
Listener
McIntosh must provide a 'decent' sounding tube that is reliable. They could not possibly spend the time and effort 'tube-rolling' that you and I can. Thus, they provide what they provide. Also, NOS tubes will have limited availability and will not have the McIntosh name on them. Probably 75%+ of new McIntosh tube gear buyers are happy with the stock tubes. The rest of us tube-roll to get the sound we prefer as we know that something better, and sometimes dramatically better, is available.
