Why are my MC30s louder than my MC275?

[Ryskie]

Hi all,

I recently swapped out my pair of vintage MC30s for a late model MC275 and was surprised to discover that the 275 seemed to have less power than my pair of mono blocks. I'm using a C2200 pre and a pair of Harbeth SHL5+.

Any thoughts on why? I did buy the MC275 used and perhaps the tubes are at the end of their lives...

what do you guys think?

thanks a ton,
ryan

 

[Thocom]

I'm not that familiar with the 275, but can't imagine a 6L6 tube being louder than a kt88 tube. I would expect the MC275 to have more wattage therefore would go louder.

Do you have a tube tester? Able to check voltages?

 

[mdewire]

I think it has to do with input sensitivity and not power output. The MC30s are probably driven harder with the same input level from your C2200 than with the newer MC275.

 

[Pio1980]

It only indicates a gain difference, could be how the input control are set. Otherwise of no concern.

 

[4-2-7]

I think it has to do with input sensitivity and not power output. The MC30s are probably driven harder with the same input level from your C2200 than with the newer MC275.

^^This^^

And if you use the balanced XLR input (275), outputs (2200) your whole system will be louder since the preamp balanced output has about twice the voltage over the RCA.