McIntosh Amp for Tannoy Legacy Cheviot Speakers

[pm2097]

Hi everybody

Just signed up now, new member!

I have a new pair of Tannoy Legacy Cheviot Speakers, not fully broken in yet. Lovely things. I sold my Cambridge Audio Azur 851W power amp and iFi Pro iDSD streamer / dac / preamp also, so i have no gear to play the Tannoys now.

Im dreaming of McIntosh. ive heard the Tannoy Chevs like tubes. (the iFi pro iDSD had tube or solid state output, and there was a very positive noticable difference with the tube output selected)

Im interested in the MAC7200, MA352, or MC275

i figured with the MAC 7200 receiver i could just go from my macbook pro direct to the DA1 dac by USB, i have Audirvana music software on my macbook pro. I dont want compromised sound however. i like the tuner and the overall style of it, and have heard the autoformers are very good for non fatiguing no distortion sound, so good for people who are sensitive to sibilant sounds, the ssssss'y sound from vocals.

the mac352 is stunning but id need a v good streamer dac then, prob the iFi pro iDSD signature

the mc275 also very cool, would need a dac streamer preamp also, like the iFi signature (it has tube output also as well as solid state) .

Can you guys advise me at all, based on what i've said there.

thanks a million

patrick

 

[Dswankey]

..figured with the MAC 7200 receiver i could just go from my macbook pro direct to the DA1 dac by USB, i have Audirvana music software on my macbook pro. I dont want compromised sound....

Greetings Patrick!!!

The one thing that could compromise the sound is the music files you would be feeding the Dac. So be sure to utilize Lossless formats such as ALAC which is synonymous with the Mac eco system.

As for how you end up connecting to it try both and see which sounds better to your ears

 

[pm2097]

Hi Ds! what a name ha ha!

yeah i have full tidal so be hi res mostly, mqa etc. my iFi played up to DSD 1024 , was very good sound, esp on the tube output. dont have anything now except the Tannoys

 

[Dswankey]

I guess I should've paid attention to the thread title specifically the streaming part.

My comment was geared towards ones own personal collection of music files.

As for your amp query one could do worse then McIntosh gear so it sounds like you're on the right path. My only suggestion would be Demo before purchase if that is an option.

 

[pm2097]

I guess I should've paid attention to the thread title specifically the streaming part.

My comment was geared towards ones own personal collection of music files.

As for your amp query one could do worse then McIntosh gear so it sounds like you're on the right path. My only suggestion would be Demo before purchase if that is an option.

Hi, thanks again for your help. Im looking for advice specifically on mac tubes versus mac solid state, those particular models i mentioned, partenered with my Tannoy Cheviots. Would anyone have any experience of partnering these models with Tannoy Legacy Cheviot? I dont really have the option of demo ing at the moment. AT the moment im just looking for anyone thats actually done what im talking about , or knows specifically about it. My fear is that solid state mcintosh may make the tannoys sound a bit flat in comparison to tubes

 

[Dswankey]

..Im dreaming of McIntosh....Im interested in the MAC7200, MA352, or MC275..

..Im looking for advice specifically on mac tubes versus mac solid state, those particular models i mentioned,..

I get it about the speaker question as for the MAC questions AK does have a dedicated McIntosh Sub-Forum loaded with very knowledgeable MAC folks who I think would be happy to share their thoughts, opinions etc about the models you mentioned.

https://www.audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?forums/mcintosh-audio.54/

I would suggest you create a separate thread specific to the models you interested in

 

[twiiii]

They don't exactly say how efficient the speakers are but I would guess around 96 db. T hey also say the power handling is 500 watts, but Tannoy always says peak power so that would be about 125 watts RMS. If you like tubes maybe a MC 1502. Maybe you can find a demo or pre-owned. Personnally I have heard both the DA2 and DA1 and I wasn't really impressed. MY MB-20 sounds better or at least smoother streaming from my iMac and Mac Book pro. So I would stay with separates and get a DAC from some one else. Now the new MA 12000 with the tube preamp and even a more advanced DAC might be the solution. If you have a lot of coin two MC 901s's for amps and a C-2700 for a pre-amp with a separate DAC may be later on. MC 352 is out of date for sure. Remember with Mac tube amps and amps with autoformers keep the speaker lines large and short as possible for best Woofer performance. Depending on listening distance I would choose the MC 152, its a great smaller amp putting out 220 watts before the power guard kicks in.

 

[pm2097]

MC 152

Hi Twiiii thanks very much for the reply

The Tannoy Legacy Cheviots are 91db sensitive.

this is the hybrid ma352 , its quite new

McIntosh MA352 Integrated Amplifier (mcintoshlabs.com)

unfortunately my budget doesnt stretch as far as the mc1502, or the ma1200 with seperate dac/streamer.

the MAC7200 was appealing due to looks , tuner etc and the DA1 module as i thought i could go direct to it from macbook pro (audirvana controlled from remote phone app). Was worried about "flat" sound from tannoys with this, as no Tubes in this setup. I could get the iFi with this setup and not use the DA1 module at all, however.

the ma352 id have to get a streamer / dac like the iFi iDS signature (its has tube output with XLR outs , very nice).

the mc275 the same, seperate dac/preamp needed like the iFi pro iDSD signature

also i felt i could keep a solid state like a mac7200 cleaner and tidier than trying to maintain all the chrome on the tube amps

So my gut is telling me that if i get a mcintosh solid state unit, that i need to get the iFi Pro iDSD signature or similar that has a tube output, it seems like the Tannoys like the tubes somewhere in the setup. this is the iFi

Pro iDSD Signature by iFi audio - Solid State or Tube DAC, WiFi Streaming Headphone Amplifier (ifi-audio.com)

Im leaning towards the MA352 with the separate Preamp/ dac / streamer like the iFI

my previous setup was the iFi going into a cambridge audio azur 851 power amp , tube out put, xlr to xlr. at the moment my speaker cables are quite long as they go around a door, ill upload a photo of my setup later

thanks again

patrick

 

[baeron]

Welcome to Audiokarma

 

[pm2097]

Hi guys this is my place

 

[twiiii]

I am sorry I missed the A and assumed it was a C. I have heard the unit pushing Klipsch Heritage speakers and I liked the sound especially of the new Hersey and Cornwall, It also pushes older Mac speakers like ML-2 and XR-7 very nicely with about the same sensitivity as your Tannoys. Wonder why the efficiency is so low when other models with the 12 inch coax are more efficient? AS always I recommend the speaker ought to be raised so the tweeter section is near ear height.

 

[pm2097]

I am sorry I missed the A and assumed it was a C. I have heard the unit pushing Klipsch Heritage speakers and I liked the sound especially of the new Hersey and Cornwall, It also pushes older Mac speakers like ML-2 and XR-7 very nicely with about the same sensitivity as your Tannoys. Wonder why the efficiency is so low when other models with the 12 inch coax are more efficient? AS always I recommend the speaker ought to be raised so the tweeter section is near ear height.

Hiya thanks again. If you get a chance to look at my photos you'll see the Tannoys are raised up on 3 40mm slabs plus a subwoofer platform . The speaker cable rain from the amp around the wall and around the door frame over to the speakers . They are qed xt25 cables, and both run inside that plastic channel you see running around the door frame .

Not sure why about sensitivity , they are the new legacy model so the latest drivers. I bought them new in late 2019 .

Thanks again. Patrick

 

[pm2097]

hi Everyone, anyone else interested in joining the chat? thanks

 

[audiofun_21]

I have nothing to add in terms of all the digital discussion, but I will simply say that the MAC7200 and MA12000 are the best value products in the Mcintosh lineup and that’s even if you want to continue to use your existing DAC (if I read your post correctly you’re currently running a DAC into your Cambridge amp).

Personally, I prefer the MAC6700 that preceded it because it’s got the capability (and older ones will sometimes include it) of accepting the TM2 HDRadio tuner card which the 7200 does not, as it’s tuner is now fixed in place and they instead made the DAC replaceable. However, 6700s *and* the TM2 are now getting harder to find and would of course be out of warranty, so the 7200 is still a solid choice as it provides anyone dreaming of a Mcintosh all the key trademarks in one box:

* Legendary autoformers
* Legendary McIntosh blue meters
* A more than generous 200w (no doubt under rated) of amplification for a one box solution
* Truly world class and superb FM/AM tuner on par with the standalone MR87, even if HD Radio isnt available.
* VFD info display (one of my favorite aspects)
* An excellent MC/MM Phono stage
* One available pair of balanced inputs
* Very acceptable headphone amp
* And yes, a DAC should you want to use it.

About the only thing not present here is a tube stage. The MA12000 addresses this and adds an additional 150w of amplification per channel. The MA352 does as well, but it does remove some things and I’m not a huge fan of the design form factor… I can take or leave the tubes but I do realize they are important to many in their own right. You will have to decide that for yourself.

Sorry to sound like a brochure, but I really do evangelize for the Mcintosh integrateds and especially the 67/7200… love them.

 

[audiofun_21]

For a good and honest overall rundown of a similar unit to the 7200, check out MarkOnHiFi’s video review of his MA8900… which is essentially the same main amp “chassis” that began with the MA6600 and encompasses the 67, 79, 72 and 8900 as well with some varying feature sets on the front end (in this case no radio but that’s substituted by the 5 band EQ on the front panel of the 8900).

 

[BluesWalk]

+1 for @audiofun_21's post and I'd like to add...

* Truly world class and superb FM/AM tuner on par with the standalone MR87, even if HD Radio isnt available.

You won't believe FM could sound like this! On a good station totally silent background with excellent frequency response and superb imaging. You could be listening to CD or vinyl.

* An excellent MC/MM Phono stage

I believe this is actually two complete phono stages and I can vouch for the MC section which I use with a fairly expensive low output cartridge and again the background is totally silent and the sound is incredibly beautiful.

 

[pm2097]

Wow thanks for all the replies today guys I appreciate it. Yes I've always fancied a Mac7200, for its looks , tuner, autoformers , DAC . I think it maybe easier to keep clean also , chrome seems to scratch and deteriorate over time.

I am however concerned that it won't sound good with my Tannoys as there is no tube output . The main priority is to get the right thing for the Tannoy Cheviots , they seem to like tubes better than solid state . I can't really afford to buy a Mac 7200 and a tube DAC / streamer like the iFi pro iDSD signature , it goes way over 10k.

For the MA352 I would have to get a treamer DAC like the iFi and I'm nervous that the tube on tube would sound great either ( tube output on the mac7200 and the tube front end on the ma352.

I read somewhere that the units with autoformers are the most non fatiguing sound , the least distortion, is that right? I suffer from sibilance a lot, it said the autoformers were good for that .

Thanks again folks!

Patrick

 

[pm2097]

Tube output on the iFi streamer I meant , and tube front end on the ma352

 

[damacman]

Wow thanks for all the replies today guys I appreciate it. Yes I've always fancied a Mac7200, for its looks , tuner, autoformers , DAC . I think it maybe easier to keep clean also , chrome seems to scratch and deteriorate over time.

I am however concerned that it won't sound good with my Tannoys as there is no tube output . The main priority is to get the right thing for the Tannoy Cheviots , they seem to like tubes better than solid state . I can't really afford to buy a Mac 7200 and a tube DAC / streamer like the iFi pro iDSD signature , it goes way over 10k.

For the MA352 I would have to get a treamer DAC like the iFi and I'm nervous that the tube on tube would sound great either ( tube output on the mac7200 and the tube front end on the ma352.

I read somewhere that the units with autoformers are the most non fatiguing sound , the least distortion, is that right? I suffer from sibilance a lot, it said the autoformers were good for that .

Thanks again folks!

Patrick

I personally take zero stock in the tube vs solid state argument as you've been led to believe. I've owned plenty of each. Good SS designs are far closer to neutral than the best tube efforts. For me, neutral is the most admirable of traits. Some prefer color from their preamps and amps - one would suppose to make up for loudspeakers which don't sound good when driven by components that don't add or subtract from the media.

I recently sold an MC7300 to a gentleman who uses it to power some big Tannoys with dual 15s. He loves it.

Mc Autoformer amps don't sound any warmer to my ears than Mc direct coupled amps. I like them both - I'm especially fond of the MA6200 integrated.

 

[pm2097]

I personally take zero stock in the tube vs solid state argument as you've been led to believe. I've owned plenty of each. Good SS designs are far closer to neutral than the best tube efforts. For me, neutral is the most admirable of traits. Some prefer color from their preamps and amps - one would suppose to make up for loudspeakers which don't sound good when driven by components that don't add or subtract from the media.

I recently sold an MC7300 to a gentleman who uses it to power some big Tannoys with dual 15s. He loves it.

Mc Autoformer amps don't sound any warmer to my ears than Mc direct coupled amps. I like them both - I'm especially fond of the MA6200 integrated.

Hi Damac thanks for your message. The only thing I can say really is my last setup was a Cambridge 851w solid state power amp and iFi pro iSD dac streamer . The iFi had solid state or tube output . On the Tannoy Legacy Cheviot there was a very noticeable difference with the tune output it sounded much nicer, so I suppose I'm thinking that the Tannoys prefer tubes . I'd love to demo but I don't have the chance to unfortunately