What MCIntosh gear to power my JBL c50s

[Megaladoink]

So I just finally purchase my dream pair of C50s SR7.

I am powering them with Carver TFM-15 Power Amp and Carver CT-17 Pre.

So now I begin my move to McIntosh gear. See when I was 18-19, my grandfather had me sell his stereo setup for him.At the time I had no idea what he had. Well he had a JBL c50 SR8 with the Delphi Center console.What was hiding inside the console you ask? well every McIntosh anyone would ever want. C22, MC2205, a tuner, and one with a crazy oscillator on it. So I helped him sell it and he said he would have just given me them but I lived in an apartment at the time and had no idea what I was looking at which would have been an inheritance.

Anyway cant relive everything I missed as a youngster so dont even get me started on women.

So I am looking to get crucial Mcintosh pieces as now Im older have a house and a good job. There is a local MC2205 so Im thinking of starting there, them maybe a mx tuner or even like a c28. and then a Tube for like a mc240 or a mc275 for a good price.

Well Id love to hear your reasoning on what would be good. The Carver gear sounds great I just am wondering if I am missing something with these amazing speakers.

Thanks
Chris

 

[eiraved]

I thought you purchased these speakers back in Dec 2021? You didn't like the pairing with the Carvers?
https://audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/jbl-c50-sr7-amp-questions.980617/

 

[Megaladoink]

I thought you purchased these speakers back in Dec 2021? You didn't like the pairing with the Carvers?
https://audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/jbl-c50-sr7-amp-questions.980617/

yeah I did, I've been super busy and it seems like I just bought em. and I haven't had time to get my setup in tiptop shape. Also I think the upgrade bug has taken root.

I mean I like the Carver but Im just wondering if I would get some benefit from McIntosh X JBL which to me is the ultimate pairing. Im really thinking of getting a tube setup for the horns.

 

[twiiii]

I would choose a C-50 and maybe a MC 152. capable of almost the same power as a 2205 and they sound so much better. Thats if you don't want head aches and don't need an advanced DAC input. I owned a bunch of tube stuff when it was new in the 60's and 70's. I will never go back because of maintenance issues you will suffer from. I would stay away from C-28's for the same reason though the phono pre amp section is very nice. I still prefer the flexibility of the C-34 and C-40 the new units don't have. I also prefer the newer SS amps. Preferably direct coupled because of the speakers I have chosen. And in your case I would bi amp using an electronic crossover with direct coupled SS amp such as the 7100 or 7200 for the bass and then if you must have tubes for the highs one of the later MC 275's. MK V maybe or MK IV if you are on a budget. I would also look for a JBL 2405 ring radiators if your HF hearing hasn't been compromised. The HF begin to roll off pretty quickly at 9000 Hz if you just have the two way load and not the three way.