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MX110Z with amp, or newer Mc integrated?

T

thevinoman

Nothin' but the Blues...
I have a restored MX110Z from Audio Classics that I am currently trying to decide whether I should try to pair with a newer Mc amp, or, go with a newer Mc integrated such as a 8900. Will be driving Klipsch Khorns, and La Scalas. Yes, I know, I know, I don't need that much power. I would sell the MX110 if I were to go the integrated route. So, I guess I am looking for opinions here, and I honestly don't expect to have a quorum of perfect answers.....I already have a C22 VIII that is hooked to a beautiful MC240 and a pair of MC30 monoblocks, but I'm just thinking of doing something a bit different with the MX or maybe the SS MA line. Hell, maybe I'm just bored....
 
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How about connecting the MC30s to the MX110, then connect your MC240 and a new MC152/302/452 to the C22 VIII?
 
I was lucky enough to run across two McIntosh dealers who also sell the Klipsch Heritage line. They both were driving Klipsch Khorns with McIntosh integrateds at the time. One with an MA5200 and the other with an MA7900. What's stuck in my memory is how incredible both systems sounded. It made me appreciate the genius of Paul Klipsch again. I asked both dealers if they ever compared a lower powered tube amp with them and they both said that it wasn't worth the bother. You will not be disappointed if you decide on a McIntosh solid state Integrated amp in your system.
 
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louisjames said:
I've said this many times along with the typical "just my 2c's, YMMV' caveat. I also had a beautiful 'Z' restored by Audio Classics. I really wanted this to work out but try as I might it just did not play well with my at the time MC7300. I spoke to Chuck at McIntosh about this and also Tom Manley, etc. All said the same thing - - try and stay era-correct with a preamp and amp for the best performance. And they were right.
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I'm not surprised as the MX110Z Owner's Manual states the input impedance of the amplifier(s) should be 100,000 ohm or greater while that of the MC7300 is only 40,000 ohm. "Period correctness" isn't the issue; basic impedance loading is.

C_dk always chastises me for pointing out the impedance incompatibility between certain McIntosh components but there is a reason they made these directives.

Happily there is an alternative for the MX110Z owner desiring 300 wpc, namely the MC2300 which has input impedance of 200,000 ohm. Could even run 2 pair of MC2300s with a Y-IC cable which would present a 100,000 load to the preamp while still remaining within the minimum impedance recommendation of the MX110.
 
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louisjames said:
@62caddy Makes sense. I'm not well versed enough in this so from my simple view of things going 'era correct' gave me the best results. Interesting to know there are several ways to get to 'Mac-Goodness'. Which also makes good sense. Although if I'm not mistaken the 2300 was last made in the very early 80s. So if one wanted a newer-era amp would the same hold true?:)
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I realize after speaking with the "big guns, you're apt to attach more weight to the bee they've put in your bonnet compared with my attempts to dislodge it. :D However the fact is that comparative age alone is not a factor in determining in equipment compatibility. Doesn't matter whether an amplifier was made in 1969 or 2019 so long input impedance, is >= 100,000 ohm in order to interface with the MX110Z without degradation.
 
I just purchased a very nice c38 from Audio Classics and I use it with either a set of mc30’s or an mc2105 with excellent results. Obviously not period correct but I believe it’s within spec of what @62caddy is stating above?
 
AlTinkster92 said:
Caddy, is the 117 the same range as the 114? 114 a good match for my MC250? Thanks! :)
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MX114 is earlier than MX117 and is recommended with amplifiers of input impedance of 50,000 ohm or greater. Input impedance of the MC250 is 200,000 ohm therefore perfectly compatible with the MX112/MX114 & MX113/MX115.

However the MX117 can be used to drive impedance down to only 5,000 ohm so that model can be used with nearly any McIntosh amplifier.
 
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62caddy said:
I'm not surprised as the MX110Z Owner's Manual states the input impedance of the amplifier(s) should be 100,000 ohm or greater while that of the MC7300 is only 40,000 ohm. "Period correctness" isn't the issue; basic impedance loading is.

C_dk always chastises me for pointing out the impedance incompatibility between certain McIntosh components but there is a reason they made these directives.
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You never state why they made such recommendations. When load impedence matching gets out of line low frequency performance can be rolled off, cable interaction can be increased and therefore possible lack of synergy will be enhanced. No wonder the cautionary statement is made.

You do have to remember that this was the time of the PAS2 and all of it's issues, even with a tape deck inserted in the tape out circuit.

I personally found the MX110 to be full of issues but do understand that with the huge price increases of the C22 tighter budget owners hope to capture some of that goodness.

Some may find those impedence matching issues to be a positive thing, as always your results may vary.
 
Remember a MX doesn't interface with amps with less than 150,000 ohm input impedance. So that eliminates newer Mac amps. I guess you could use some of the Brits tube amps or a an Audio Acoustics amps if you can afford to keep them running. I admit that MX had a special sound all their own. I thought they sounded best with MC 225. Thats plenty of power for a Kornerhorn. The sound is different than from MC -30's. Better defined bass and a little more emphasis in the top octave. Mcintosh used two 220 ohm 5 watt resistors in series with amplifier output of a MA 230 and a MC 2505 to drive headphone jack.. It worked great for me. with the MA 230 and still works great for me today with the 2505.
 
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