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MC275 or MC75 monos with PSB Synchrony Ones?

Karl Jeffs

Karl Jeffs

New Member
Hello All, I'm new to posting here but have perused the threads as an observer for quite some time. I'm trying to make a decision which is slowly driving me nuts. I bought a used pair of PSB Synchrony One's without realising my 35Wx2 PrimaLuna Prologue Classic wouldn't be able to drive them sufficiently. So I have decided to upgrade the amp to something that can power the speakers. I really would like to stay with tubes and have the opportunity to try the McIntosh MC275 and two MC75 monos at my local dealer. I can get a great deal on either set-up as the dealer is switching from selling McIntosh to PrimaLuna and therefore getting rid of their stock. I also have the option of the PrimaLuna Dialogue Premium HP integrated, also rated at 75Wx2 and considerably cheaper than the McIntoshs. My question is, will any of these choices do a respectable job with the speakers? If more info would help any advice, the only source is a Clearaudio Performance DC turntable with Maestro cart feeding into a CA Balance+ phonostage. The room is quite large approx 20x30ft. Really appreciate any advice!
 
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Sorry forgot to add those -

Sensitivity 88-90dB
Impedence 4 Ohm (but known to dip to 2 Ohm)
Input power 20-300 Watts
 
Karl Jeffs said:
Sorry forgot to add those -

Sensitivity 88-90dB
Impedence 4 Ohm (but known to dip to 2 Ohm)
Input power 20-300 Watts
Click to expand...
I would be wanting more than 75 watts of power, tubes don't clip as bad but still head room is important. Buying 75 watt mono blocks that's it your done and can't add power. Buying a 75 WPC stereo amp, if you wanted more power you can get another one and bridge them. The new MC275 is more like 90 WPC, bridged @ 180 WPC, the thing here, does one want to spend that much to drive these speakers.

New mac tube can sound clean and really not much different from most the SS stuff they have, it's all mac sound. I would look at used pair MC501, these will be good for just about any speaker made. The MC 402 as well and can be had for less than the list on a new MC275.
 
Thanks 4-2-7. That seems to be the consensus from knowledgable people I've spoken with. My dealer suggests I bring the speakers in to test both tube amp systems which I might still do. I know someone who has a pair of MC501s for sale for the same price as the new MC275, so that's an option as well.
 
I have different speakers with same.sensitivity as your. My listening room is about the same size as your with 14 feet ceiling.
30 watts is a minimum but the speakers really sing around 60 to 75 watts
 
4-2-7 said:
Oh hell yeah, these are my my favorite amps that I have used form mac, man they just do it all.
Click to expand...

4-2-7 spoke to the guy and he might already have a buyer for the MC501's.

MACKIE1975 said:
I have different speakers with same.sensitivity as your. My listening room is about the same size as your with 14 feet ceiling.
30 watts is a minimum but the speakers really sing around 60 to 75 watts
Click to expand...

Thanks, that's what I'm trying to figure out!
 
Thanks! I borrowed a Devialet 200 from my dealer to try with the PSBs and although it's powerful and the clarity is amazing, I miss the tube sound. So I think I'm going to pull the trigger on the MC275. Thanks everyone for your advice.
 
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