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Upgrade to MC7150 from MC7100 Worth it?

R

RG18

Member
Hi All

I am planning to purchase an MC 7150 . I own a C15 and an MC 7100 currently. Am thinking of upgrading to the MC7150. MC7100 does not have autoformers while MC7150 does. I would like to hear your views about the MC 7150. It will be useful in assesing my purchase. Also may I know how is the match between C15 and MC 7150. I currently own Living Voice Avatar II speakers which is 94db in sensitivity and is 6ohm rated.

Appreciate your views.
 
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Well they are both from the same time period. The 7100 will put out more power at 4 ohms and 2 ohms. 8 ohms the 7150 wins. The 7150 is slightly more relaxed. The bass can get plain sloppy depending on the type of speakers you own with the 7150. The 7100 will be more in control of the drivers. If your speakers are acoustic suspension types that use sealed cabinets, the difference is rather small, but if you use infinite baffle or labrynth loaded speakers then you will much prefer the 7100. Meters are a big draw and can be very useful.
 
Sorry for the dejavu. Yes I planned to get an MC7150 sometime ago but had work travels and eventually the amp was sold. I just managed to get a good offer recently on the MC7150 in very good condition and hence, just wanted to be sure with the more experienced folks here on whether it will be an upgrade purchase. Appreciate all your inputs.

Just wish to update that I have now (finally) purchased the MC7150. It has now replaced my MC7100 running into a vintage C15 and my Living Voice Avatar II speakers which are pretty sensitive at about 94db@ 6ohms

My initial thoughts after early listening is that the autoformers do make a difference especially to soundstage, musicality and vocals. The vocals sounds so smooth and silky, compared to my MC 7100. The MC7150 has tad bit of warmth yet brings out the details and has a much wider soundstage than MC7100. In terms of musicality, the MC7150 is certainly several notches above the MC7100 and a sheer pleasure listening to, though the MC7100 is no slouch. The upper registers in 7100 can tend to be slightly shrill yet still very listenable but in the 7150 it's more refined, much more easy to listen to.

Bass wise, twiiii is right. The MC7100 delivered a tighter and deeper bass punch compared to the MC7150. I felt that in most songs. The 7150 bass is decent, not that the bass is flabby but the 7100 has more heft and weight.

So on the whole, to my ears, I still prefer the MC7150 for the sheer musicality and involving music it naturally delivers. Plus the blue meters are certainly inviting to look at. The music just lures you in. Thought there is some loss in bass definition compared to MC7100, it's a keeper for reasons I have mentioned.

I need to perhaps add a sub, or upgrade my preamp to a C36 or C34v alternatively ( compared to the C15 I have now). Will this make a difference? Happy to hear your thoughts.

Thanks
 
Remember, the C34V does not have remote. Beautiful preamp but you will miss the convenience if you go in that direction.
 
Thanks for chiming in. I usually don't use the remote for my C15. Only volume sometimes. The remote for C15 is quite cluttered and for me I find it difficult to use other features except the volume knob.
 
And this is exactly why the same amp isn't for everyone. Enjoy it - sure don't see many 7150s ...

And keep in mind that if you want to draw a direct comparison in sound to the 7100, that can only be done via the 8 Ohm taps of the 7150 ...
 
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damacman said:
And this is exactly why the same amp isn't for everyone. Enjoy it - sure don't see many 7150s ...

And keep in mind that if you want to draw a direct comparison in sound to the 7100, that can only be done via the 8 Ohm taps of the 7150 ...
Click to expand...
Thanks that's useful info.
 
Are you using a sub with these speakers. The specs look great on the speakers but they only go down to 35Hz. Though they are ported I don't think the effects of autoformers that @twiiii i is concerned with will be a big deal with these speakers. The bass is achieved from two smaller drivers which I am sure present a pretty tight sound. If a powered sub was added perhaps one would get the best of both worlds - autoformers on the mains and direct coupled amplification to the subs.
What do you think twiiii?

Living Voice Avatar II

Loudspeaaker
www.technologyfactory.eu www.technologyfactory.eu
 
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