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McIntosh 275 IV - as monoblocs

S

Smp

New Member
I recently purchased a 275 IV at a really good price and have been bowled over by it's great sound. I have now been offered a second one at a similar price by the dealer and am am very tempted. Unfortunately I don't have the opportunity of being able to take it home to listen to the benefits of running the pair in mono - I have to buy it untried. One McIntosh 275 is more than enough power fior my speakers in my listening room - so I am not after more power but a qualitative improvement in resolution etc. The speaskers I will be using them with are Sonus Faber Cremona Auditors,B&W 805 Signatures and Ensemble References.

I would really appreciate some opinions from someone who has tried/owns a mono pair - is the second 275 an overall and worthwhile qualatative imrovement? What can I expect? I have done a search and there is little commentary to be found.

Many thanks.

Smp
 
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If you get no replies you can send me yours and I will pair it up with mine and give you a report. :D

Carl
 
Hi Smp,

A second unit of MC275 will definitely be in a different league altogether. The soundstage, bass control, etc, .... will be an unforgetable experience. I know cause I use to drive my Wilson 7's with mono MC275 SS via a C22-II. it is definitely a worthwhile qualitative improvement. Go try it. You wont regret more so when you are given a good discount.

Best Regards,

Jerry Seh
 
I'll tell you what: Just buy it, and then send them both to me (at your expense of course), and I'll be happy to listen to them extensively, and compare them as mono VS Stereo units. After that I'll be happy to provide you with my firm opinion on whether the upgrade is worthwhile or not. :lmao:

On a serious note though: I'd absolutely love to get my hands on one of these units if only to hear for myself if all of the hype about them is true.
 
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The MC275 MKIV was designed to run in mono as well as stereo. In mono these amps run cooler, have 3 db better signal to noise and make well over 170 watts. This amount of power will drive very large speakers in a satisfying way. We have used this combination at many public shows with great success, such as RMAF, Montreal show, etc.

Thanks,
Ron-c
 
I'd try running a pair in mono myself if I had a dealer offer me a "deal". Doesn't happen in my neck of the woods.....
I saw a couple rooms at RMAF that were running MC275IV's in mono (besides Mac). Hard to get an idea of sound quality in the rooms, but I assume vendors showing off speakers or sources used a pair for good reason. At a minimum, they look awesome. Seems like you could resell one without too much damage if you get a good price. Plus, we'd like to hear about your results!
BTW, yes they are as good as the hype.
 
I don't have a MC275 but I did have just one MC240 and when I added the second one and put them in monoblock mode, I was totally surprised at how much better the sound was. I have very efficient speakers so 40 watts per channel was more than enough power. I can say that the bass added punch and the soundstage was improved. I was happy with the investment.
 
Is the MC2102 a step above two MC275s running in mono? The two MC275s produce more power, are dual mono, are easier to move around, and offer reliability advantages (if one unit develops a problem and needs to be repaired somewhere not very near Perth, you still have the other unit to run in stereo). Since McIntosh has used dual MC275s at shows, I suspect they also feel this is superior to the MC2102. Of course, I'd be delighted to own either option.
 
I do run MC 275IVs monos at home, but I see some people do run TWO units of 2102s in Parallel, which I wonder if this will be another step against 275 monos. I may consider an upgrade, if it is indeed an upgrade in the first place. Two 2102 must give out at least 220-240W per channel, any comments Ron-C ?

Simon
 
I just added a second MC275 Commemorative Edition driving my Magnepan 3.6Rs, and believe me, it's definitely worth the investment. Much more authority in the bass/mid-bass, more open, and gorgeous to look at. I've had my original reissue since 1993, and should have done this a long time ago. You won't regret it.
 
Thanks for your various comments. Contrary to my initial post I did manage to have the opportunity to have the second 275 IV at home this past weekend and ran the pair in mono with great results.

Significantly improved dynamics, wider soundstage, greater resolution of instruments and voices. However, I didn't notice a change in the depth of soundstage - seemed no different to that produced by a single stereo 275. I had no hesitation in buying the second 275 today.

Smp
 
Cool. Please share you experience with the folks over at the Asylem web site since many thought this was a waste to use a second MC275.

thanks,
Ron-C
 
I just had a guy buy two MC2102's to run mono on his Lascala's He just called...his ears are bleeding but he is grinning from ear to bloody ear! :thmbsp:
 
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