• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

My first pair of really good speakers

B

bambino

Member
I just got my first ever pair of really quality speakers. (Well, by my standards - I’m sure some folks on here are familiar with some super high end stuff.) I got a pair of McIntosh ML-10Cs. The hifi restore/repair expert I bought them from said that I should beware of clipping given the moderate power of my Onkyo TX-2500 but that it’s a safe pairing as long as I’m careful and don’t abuse the speakers with super loud volumes.

I love these speakers so damn much want to be really careful with them, so I’m a little paranoid. How loud do you have to go to get clipping? How noticeable is the distortion before getting to that point?

My ears are very sensitive to sibilance and I sometimes catch myself thinking, oh damn is there more sibilance than there was yesterday on this same track? Can that kind of speaker damage happen in minute gradations like that or is it something more dramatic that would be more noticeable than wondering if sibilance got a little worse with no other symptoms?

Thanks, all. Looking forward to years of enjoyment with these and glad to be a part of AK.
 
Register to hide this ad
Congratulations on finding a pair of speakers you really love!

Not to be critical, but you seem to be experiencing a level of nervousness that could be spoiling some of the experience. Reminds me of someone nervous about a new car, before it gets that first little blemish or dent in it.

:)
 
The mid domes used in these speakers are now unobtanium and the people who did repair closed up shop.

I would talk to your local repair shop about installing some solid state protection devices that open when over heated and then reset themselves.

Mac protected them in their later XR series of speakers with a 1 1/4 amp fuse but I would be more conservative and use 1 amp devices.

Your tech should be aware of these parts, many modern designs use them, and companies like Parts express stock them.

You might look up Roger Russel's McIntish history site, he was the lead designer and highlights the development of the ML and XR series speakers.
 
Get the tone knobs to flat and don't get pass the 10 o'clock position on the volume knob.
Kill the volume or depress the A or B speaker switch whenever you fiddle around with wires on the back of your receiver.
That's to avoid any sharp noise or hum while unplugging any RCA wire.

Never crank up the volume while under the influence of booze... seems silly but it's true.

Above all, enjoy good sound.
 
c_dk said:
I would talk to your local repair shop about installing some solid state protection devices that open when over heated and then reset themselves.
Click to expand...

My Allison LC 110's came with such a circuit. It was a resistor of some sort that would heat up and cut the signal way down to the speaker when it heated up. Turn the volume down and it would come right back to normal and you could turn it up again; albeit at slightly less volume as to not trigger it again.

I guess the hard part would be determining where that cut out point and part needed for your particular speakers would be.
 
NH-MAN said:
My Allison LC 110's came with such a circuit. It was a resistor of some sort that would heat up and cut the signal way down to the speaker when it heated up. Turn the volume down and it would come right back to normal and you could turn it up again; albeit at slightly less volume as to not trigger it again.

I guess the hard part would be determining where that cut out point and part needed for your particular speakers would be.
Click to expand...

I ussually get these questions in the McIntosh forum, I have been helping local Mac owners for 40 years now.

I suggested the Russell site because he speaks of these speakers and like I posted choose to protect the similar later dome with a 1.25 amp fuse.

A one amp solid state resetting tripped relay or thermistor would be greater protection. Both are available via Parts Express.
 
If you stop or turn it down when it no longer sounds "right" you should be good to go.

If it sounds harsh or sounds flat, as in non-dynamic, those are good signs to turn it down.
 
The safest bet would be to put some fuses or a thermal circuit breaker as others have mentioned. This will protect your speakers in the event you, or someone else becomes over zealous with the volume knob.

In the mean time a simple rule is that if the sound does not get louder as you turn the volume up TURN IT DOWN.
 
The concerns of clipping and loudness are directly proportional to the efficiency of the speakers. It would be a smart idea to get the actual rating of the speakers or try to compare/contrast the new speakers with another pair of speakers of a known efficiency. The previous comments, if followed, will pretty much keep you in safe territory. IIRC, to gain 3db in volume you must double the wattage output. The most important watt is the first watt. Enjoy your new equipment.
 
KingBubba said:
The concerns of clipping and loudness are directly proportional to the efficiency of the speakers. It would be a smart idea to get the actual rating of the speakers or try to compare/contrast the new speakers with another pair of speakers of a known efficiency. The previous comments, if followed, will pretty much keep you in safe territory. IIRC, to gain 3db in volume you must double the wattage output. The most important watt is the first watt. Enjoy your new equipment.
Click to expand...

According to hifiengine.com, their sensitivity is 89db. So that means that with one wpc the sound will be 89db?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom