MC275 using MAC6700 preamp?

[62caddy]

Well clipping from a tube amplifier is just as objectionable to the ear.

Can't say whether it's any less likely to fry drivers but what's far more important is that clipping not occur in the first place which is assured by the Power Guard circuits of the MA6700. The MC275 is not only less powerful by a wide margin but also lacks PG, therefore clipping would be possible with the tube amplifier but not with the SS unit.

Since the MC275 is engineered for distortion well below audible limits, it's difficult to imagine any even-order harmonics as being a significant factor to the listening experience- good or bad.

 

[onemug]

I like many of us here have both, and listen to each on different occasions or as part of our hobby. I wouldn't say that either has a solid advantage in subjective SQ.

I'd be one of those with both and glad I don't have to decide which type to keep.

As far as any advantages, I'd say the more reactive a loudspeaker's impedance (varying A LOT) a good SS amp might have an advantage.

 

[onemug]

but have been curious about how running a tube amp would add to the system.

It might amaze you. It's one of those things you would have to 'hear' for yourself and decide. The thing about percentages are... 80% of responders may say 'no difference' and 20% may say 'big difference'. Neither group is wrong, you just have to find out for yourself which group you would be in, otherwise we are all just guessing.

My guess is you would like what it would add.

 

[damacman]

It might amaze you. It's one of those things you would have to 'hear' for yourself and decide. The thing about percentages are... 80% of responders may say 'no difference' and 20% may say 'big difference'. Neither group is wrong, you just have to find out for yourself which group you would be in, otherwise we are all just guessing.

My guess is you would like what it would add.

On another forum, a guy recently replaced his MC452 with a pair of new MC75s and cannot praise the 75s enough ...

 

[onemug]

a guy recently replaced his MC452 with a pair of new MC75s and cannot praise the 75s enough ...

I got the newest 275 (mk 6) last November and, like him, can't praise it enough.

I've had a couple generations/reissues of the 275 (never an original) dating back to the mid 90's and early 2000's, liked them a lot but think this one is noticeably better.

 

[charne@sprin]

I'm reviving the topic -- the system, when the dust settles would be:

MAC6700 (retaining TU-2 FM/HDFM tuner module) as preamp;
MC275 vi;
Klipsch Chorus II speakers; and
various program sources - tuner; CD; streaming services delivered through Heos app and home wi-fi network; no vinyl.

Maybe sitting at home under "safer at home" public health guidance brought this back to the top of the deck.

Have not seen any comments or reviews on the MC275 that are anything short of 5*.

 

[SomeGeoffGuy]

Well, not like you can get an MR88 anymore these days if you want an HD radio from McIntosh. Well, you might be able to if you get lucky and find a used one for sale. It sucks to waste a perfect 200 WPC amp, but it's not like you'd be be suffering for power with those Klipsch's and MC275.

-Geoff

 

[charne@sprin]

Well, not like you can get an MR88 anymore these days if you want an HD radio from McIntosh. Well, you might be able to if you get lucky and find a used one for sale. It sucks to waste a perfect 200 WPC amp, but it's not like you'd be be suffering for power with those Klipsch's and MC275.

-Geoff

Retaining the tuner section of the MAC6700 in the system is a reason why I'd consider this solution. I've got an MR88 in my office, and love it. Other than maintaining the status quo, I could not come up with any other way to accomplish this. The TU2 module in the MAC6700 makes it untradeable for me.

 

[62caddy]

Have not seen any comments or reviews on the MC275 that are anything short of 5*.

Most McIntosh amplifiers would fall into that category with ease as would/should be expected.

Frankly, it seems an exorbitant expense for dubious sonic improvements, but what do I know? If the amplifier section of McIntosh model as recent, advanced and as costly as an MAC6700 can't cut it with a pair of mid-level Klipsches, the gang at 2 Chambers Street may as well close its doors.

 

[charne@sprin]

Most McIntosh amplifiers would fall into that category with ease as would/should be expected.

Frankly, it seems an exorbitant expense for dubious sonic improvements, but what do I know? If the amplifier section of McIntosh model as recent, advanced and as costly as an MAC6700 can't cut it with a pair of mid-level Klipsches, the gang at 2 Chambers Street may as well close its doors.

Maybe these days I've got more money and time on my hands than common sense (I'll admit that); but AC does not have a used MC275vi in stock for now, and with the lockdown at the McIntosh factory and all of NY State in effect, it may be a while before they do. I will not buy from CraigsList or any other unknown source -- so this may sit for a while. We'll see where it goes. I admit the MAC6700 sounds mighty good with the Klipsch speakers. And the Klipsch speakers aren't quite mid-level -- not Horns, Belles, or Cornwalls, but larger than Heresys and not modern designs either. Been hauling them around the country with me since 1994.

 

[damacman]

upgrade-itis can only be cured with the purchase of a new component... or two...

 

[twiiii]

I agree between 7,000 and 70 Hz the distortion of a 275 is hard to hear. But with a low damping factor unless you have speakers that are critically damped the 275 will stick out like a sore thumb. Thats why I got rid of my 275's for bi amping and now use a 207 to tri-amp. I have had a lot of other amps in between. If I had the space for 4 or 5 7200's when they came out I would still have them; though, now I would need 7 of them so two 207's are the best solution for the HT system and the 206 powers the remote stereo speakers. Thats 20 channels .

Heard a little 275 out perform a pair of 2301's and 601's a few years ago powering Magico S5 MK II which was a surprise. The 2301 was to dry and didn't get the upper bass above 70 HZ right or the lower midrange below 400 hz correct either. The 601 was worse.