• 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

What vintage speakers to pair with McIntosh C20 preamp and McIntosh 240 amp?

BMSIII

BMSIII

New Member
I am looking for pair of vintage bookshelf speakers to pair with McIntosh 240amp and C20 preamp. The more I look at whats available and read about different models the more confused I get. I'm not looking for a DYI project, I want pair of well cared for speakers that sound great. I have looked at Advent, Acoustic Research, ADS, KLH, Dynaco, Fisher, Wharfdale. Can someone please point me in the right direction.
 
Register to hide this ad
Originally, these components likely would have been paired with AR2's or 3's, but if the lucky owner had a large enough room, Bozak Concert Grands or Symphony's. There were, of course, plenty of other choices.

You have many more excellent options -- what kinds of music do you enjoy, how loud do you want to go, how big is your room, do you have any aesthetic requirements?
 
This set up was originally paired with Bozak 302's and I have a pair of Klipsch Chorus at another location. I need a complimentary bookshelf speaker for current living arrangement. I listen to all types of music and prefer Rock and Jazz. I like a full sound with details in highs and lows. I generally listen a little louder than most.

To help narrow the choices I will list a few that I am considering. If there are strong opinions for other considerations please let me know.
AR-2x, 3a, 4x, 5, 7
ADS -L500
Dynaco- A25
Fisher XP-7
Wharfedale Diamond 9.1
Advent -3
KLH -22, 24, 38, etc
 
Of the manufacturers you mention, I would lean towards AR (assuming good drivers and in-spec crossovers/pots) and a/d/s for overall smoothness and bass/treble extension. What is an L500, btw?

Also, if it has never been done, your Mc gear will probably come alive with thorough re-caps and cleaning/tube checks. I'm sure the boys over at AudioAsylum/Vintage will have some great suggestions for you.
 
The only pair of speakers I own that you have mentioned are the Dynaco A-25. There is little DIY in bringing these speakers back to there full potential, a simple cap most often.

Their sound, well there is a reason they are popular. I use mine in a back ground setting, mostly FM, and I am very pleased.

That said, I have always loved the look of the older McIntosh bookshelves.
 
Last edited:
whats your budget....I had the same combo albeight MC40 mono's with Tannoys and it was quite good....!
 
Are you looking for period correct speakers? I agree that AR3 or 3a would be correct, but I'd be more inclined to look for JBLs to go with McIntosh gear. A pair of Lancer 101 (LE14A with LE175DLH horn) would be fine, or the larger floor models with the LE15 and an LE85 with a slant plate horn if you have more money to spend. Lots of versions were sold as cabinets, then the owners put in JBL 'kits' with dirvers and crossovers to complete the speakers. These have a real 'vintage' look to them, with real wood cabinets. If speakers from the 70's are OK, I'd look for L166s for bookshelf speakers, or a set of L65 Jubals for the floor, or L300s if you have about $3000 to spend :D. Other makes, besides JBL, would be the larger Altec models. Or, go electrostatic with Quad ESL57 or KLH model 9s. Keep in mind that any vintage speaker will need DIY repairs/updates unless someone has already done the work.
 
Last edited:
Those look nice and would probably work fine in your application -- FWIW, I have never heard an a/d/s sound bad, and they seem to be a little more detailed and extended than the typical New England acoustic suspension loudspeaker.
 
I own a C20 and a MC240 and can tell you those ADS are way too inefficent to go with unless you bi amp. Not a bad thing to do if that is the sound you want. AR speakers as well. Get a cross over and a SS amp for bass and you are in biz. Unless you are listening in a small room and not going to crank them up ever. Then maybe you could get away using those.



Carl
 
CarlV said:
I own a C20 and a MC240 and can tell you those ADS are way too inefficent to go with unless you bi amp. Not a bad thing to do if that is the sound you want. AR speakers as well. Get a cross over and a SS amp for bass and you are in biz. Unless you are listening in a small room and not going to crank them up ever. Then maybe you could get away using those.


Carl
Click to expand...

...that's mainly why I was politely suggesting the larger JBLs..:D
 
Thanks for all the suggestions. I am a novice audiophile and have recently inherited the McIntosh components from my father. I had this idea that I wanted to go with a vintage speaker mainly because I remember the speaker lines I mentioned from my youth but also because there are a bunch available on ebay for relatively cheap prices. I am learning as I go but do not have the luxury of listening to any of the models. PACKRAT made a good case for the JBL's and there is the inefficiency issue of AR's pointed out by CARLIV that I don't understand. Keep the suggestions flowing and if anyone has a good source of quality used speakers other than ebay please forward a link.
 
well, if you want standnmounted,,,,any 12" DMT II's, which are more modern sounding, or the Monitor Gold editions..or even 10" models...
 
BMSIII said:
and there is the inefficiency issue of AR's pointed out by CARLIV that I don't understand.
Click to expand...
Speaker efficiency, also known as speaker sensitivity, is a measure of the speaker's output, measured in decibels, with a specified amount of amplifier power. For example, speaker efficiency is often measured with a microphone (connected to a sound level meter) placed one meter from the speaker . One watt of power is delivered to the speaker and the level meter measures the volume in decibels. The output level results in a measure of efficiency. Speakers range in efficiency or sensitivity from about 85dB (very inefficient) up to 105dB (very efficient). As a comparison, a speaker with 85 dB efficiency rating will take twice the amplifier power to reach to same volume as a speaker with 88 dB efficiency. Similarly, a speaker with a 88 dB efficiency rating will require ten times more power than a speaker with a 98 dB efficiency rating to play at the same level. If you're starting with a 100 watt/channel receiver, you would need 1000 watts (!) of power output to double the perceived volume level.
Click to expand...
You would want 91db efficiency minimum with that amp IMO. The L96's would be a good go and seems how I bought my MC240 amp from WhiteSE he would know how it would power them. They would also cost half or less than a pair of Jubals - not knowing your budget.
http://www.audioheritage.org/vbulletin/attachment.php?attachmentid=775&stc=1&d=1062560177


Carl
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom