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Mc275 IV and MC275 V / McIntosh MC2102
- Thread starter geoff136
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vintage_tube
Vacuum Tube Passion
The search is your friend -- in a nut shell the current MK V & the MK IV use the larger 490V power transformer (instead of 440v on older models. The MK V has the nice binding posts (which are terrific).
See more info here:
http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=173914&highlight=differences+MC275+V
I don't see any comparison with two MC275's verses one MC2102 -- on the other hand, a MC2102 is prettier than a single MC275.
See more info here:
http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=173914&highlight=differences+MC275+V
I don't see any comparison with two MC275's verses one MC2102 -- on the other hand, a MC2102 is prettier than a single MC275.
Thanks. This will lead me to a conclusion. However, I would like to hear from other members about getting two MC275. If ever I choice this one, I will past this legacy to my children and then upgrade to two Mc2102. I'm too spoiled when it comes to this toys. It's a passion and a santuary for my meditation. It's a natural high and drug free.
Yardbird1
Active Member
Geoff,
I own two 275 IV's and am very happy with my choice. When considering my original McIntosh purchase, I also auditioned the MC252, which I found a tempting alternative because of its fast, solid bass and greater dynamics. Ultimately though, I favored the liquid mid range, and sweet highs of the
MC275 over the speed and punch of the MC252. Having been attracted to the benefits of power with the MC252, it wasn't long before I was auditioning two 275's at home. I have heard some say that the MC275 looses some of its mid range magic when used in monoblock mode (one mono amp per channel), and I did not know of that objection at the time, so I did not carefully compare the tonal differences between one stereo amp and two mono amps. I was very impressed with the benefits of two versus one amp; bigger soundstage, better dynamics and bigger, better-controlled bass at almost any level. I was driving fairly ineffecient speakers - B&W 803S2's - and this certainly was a factor in my choice. I enjoy a wide range of music; Classical, Jazz, Classic Rock, so I need an amp that is equally good with electric as well as acoustic music, live as well as modern, close-miked studio recordings. That was nearly three years ago, and while my system has grown and evolved, I still enjoy every mimute I can listening to my McIntosh MC275's! If you value tube amp qualities, two 275's is a very tough act to follow! :yes:Ted.
I own two 275 IV's and am very happy with my choice. When considering my original McIntosh purchase, I also auditioned the MC252, which I found a tempting alternative because of its fast, solid bass and greater dynamics. Ultimately though, I favored the liquid mid range, and sweet highs of the
MC275 over the speed and punch of the MC252. Having been attracted to the benefits of power with the MC252, it wasn't long before I was auditioning two 275's at home. I have heard some say that the MC275 looses some of its mid range magic when used in monoblock mode (one mono amp per channel), and I did not know of that objection at the time, so I did not carefully compare the tonal differences between one stereo amp and two mono amps. I was very impressed with the benefits of two versus one amp; bigger soundstage, better dynamics and bigger, better-controlled bass at almost any level. I was driving fairly ineffecient speakers - B&W 803S2's - and this certainly was a factor in my choice. I enjoy a wide range of music; Classical, Jazz, Classic Rock, so I need an amp that is equally good with electric as well as acoustic music, live as well as modern, close-miked studio recordings. That was nearly three years ago, and while my system has grown and evolved, I still enjoy every mimute I can listening to my McIntosh MC275's! If you value tube amp qualities, two 275's is a very tough act to follow! :yes:Ted.
Hi Ted, thanks for giving me some pointers. I am beginning to understand the concept of two amps on mono and stereo mode. Anyway, how did you hook up your two amps? Have you auditioned the MC2102s at all? Are you considering putting a sub woofer in your system to get a solid bass punch? If so, you can with a passive sub woofer to your preamp. Try it and you may like it. Talk to you soon.
Yardbird1
Active Member
Geoff,
To tell you the truth, I was ready to add a sub to my system, and decided on a different approach - bi-amping! I now drive my current speakers - B&W Nautilus 802's - with two MC501's and the two MC275's, and its great! All the tube quality for the mid/highs, and the big soundstage and punch for the bass speakers. I don't miss a sub at all. If I were still driving my main speakers with the two 275's alone, I would definately add a good quality sub for the finishing touch. For your purposes, you want to run the 275's as monoblocks - one mono amp per channel. Use a good quality electronic crossover in front of the 275's and set the crossover to your taste with your speakers, but probably around 60-70 HZ, to relieve the 275's from the lowest frequencies, and let your sub do the rest. Setup will take some experimentation, but thats half the fun, and why we're audio enthusiasts!I have no personal experience with the MC2102, but there are others here who do. Ted.
To tell you the truth, I was ready to add a sub to my system, and decided on a different approach - bi-amping! I now drive my current speakers - B&W Nautilus 802's - with two MC501's and the two MC275's, and its great! All the tube quality for the mid/highs, and the big soundstage and punch for the bass speakers. I don't miss a sub at all. If I were still driving my main speakers with the two 275's alone, I would definately add a good quality sub for the finishing touch. For your purposes, you want to run the 275's as monoblocks - one mono amp per channel. Use a good quality electronic crossover in front of the 275's and set the crossover to your taste with your speakers, but probably around 60-70 HZ, to relieve the 275's from the lowest frequencies, and let your sub do the rest. Setup will take some experimentation, but thats half the fun, and why we're audio enthusiasts!I have no personal experience with the MC2102, but there are others here who do. Ted.
Hi Ted, gee that would sound good with that set up your doing. I bet you don’t get tired of listening with a good sweet sound of music you got their. I never thought about bi- amping before, since I only got one vintage MC2205 and this is why I am debating on two MC275 or just one Mc2102 tube amp. But base in your system set up and experience, the two 275s could be a candidate for me. That 501s would really rock your house with a tremendous bass response, but would that over powering the tube amp? Maybe the crossover will compensate it anyway. Sometimes you might think I am still new in this entire gadget and yes, it is true, when it comes to upgrading my system. When I stop by at the McIntosh dealer, I only have this in mind, an amplifier, pre-amp, speakers and CD player. I don’t know much about a crossover. I though they all built within the speakers and know nothing about electronic crossover until you mentioned this to me. My basic set up is one MC2205, C2200, MCD205, McIntosh LS340 and a XLS112. Now, my 2205 is becoming out dated to keep up with my newer Macs. Let’s hear from other members’ experiences with the same issue. Again, I thank you in sharing your dream sound machine. Like they said, if moolah is no object, it is never enough until you satisfy your goal.
Yardbird1
Active Member
Geoff, if you like tubes, then two-275's is a great way to start, and adding a sub will be a major enhancement to your system. The use of an electronic crossover is an another way to enhance your system's performance, but you can certainly enjoy your system without it. Either way, you'll be enjoying some fine audio - its all good!