XLS 340/360 comments?

[Magno]

My main musical interests are....

.....Classical and Jazz.

That said, Ive found the 340s absolutely superb for small scale classical and anything jazz i can throw at them. Again, I'm using a 6900, and I think that full scale classical works tend to sound a bit congested at times with my setup and am definitely of the mind that larger amp would help things tremendously. The 252 was great at driving the 340s when I demoed them, but I really think a 402 is in order if you want to get the most out of these speakers. (I also yearn for the Mac sub, as my old B&W 650 just doesn't sound tight enough for my tastes. )

Victor, here are some of my options. You have experience with the Mc-252, (I also have the older 7270 a 270/ch autoformer). I can get a NOS pair of LS-240 boxed for 3300, a new XLS-340 for 6,000.00. I really like the 252, and due to its size and weight, I would like to keep it as my main amp for now. From comments I have read here and other threads, some feel the 360 can get a little harsh. I do not know how well a 252 can drive SF Cremonas, and based on other threads I feel B&W's are out. I listen to mostly chamber classical music, jazz, and classic rock. Your comments are always very welcome!

 

[Victor]

Victor, here are some of my options. You have experience with the Mc-252, (I also have the older 7270 a 270/ch autoformer). I can get a NOS pair of LS-240 boxed for 3300, a new XLS-340 for 6,000.00. I really like the 252, and due to its size and weight, I would like to keep it as my main amp for now. From comments I have read here and other threads, some feel the 360 can get a little harsh. I do not know how well a 252 can drive SF Cremonas, and based on other threads I feel B&W's are out. I listen to mostly chamber classical music, jazz, and classic rock. Your comments are always very welcome!

I would go with the LS340. When I was doing home demos with McIntosh amps I found the MC252 sounded great with my LS340s. They were very close but I actually liked the MC252 a little better than the MC402 with my LS340s.

By themselves, LS340 speakers are fantastic with chamber music, jazz and acoustic music. They do a pretty god job with classic rock and full orchestral music but it would be better if you could add a sub for listening to that type of music.

Victor

 

[william.keith]

By themselves, LS340 speakers are fantastic with chamber music, jazz and acoustic music. They do a pretty god job with classic rock and full orchestral music but it would be better if you could add a sub for listening to that type of music.Victor

As usual, Victor has presented an accurate and balanced assessment of McIntosh electronics and speakers. If you want to have the classic McIntosh sound at an affordable and realistic price, their is no better example than the LS340s. They sound especially real and natural with chamber, smooth jazz, male and female voice. Music with a wider frequency range will benefit from a powered subwoofer such as the PS112. Also, using a sub with a high-pass filter will allow you to bi-amp thereby increasing the power and performane of amp and speaker. This combination will allow you to hear 'all the music' as it was recorded with the ambiance, sense, and feel of being there live.

 

[Brice]

As usual, Victor has presented an accurate and balanced assessment of McIntosh electronics and speakers. If you want to have the classic McIntosh sound, their is no better example than the LS340s. They sound especially real and natural with chamber, smooth jazz, male and female voice. Music with a wider frequency range will benefit from a powered subwoofer such as the PS112. This combination will allow you to hear 'all the music' as it was recorded with the ambiance, sense, and feel of being there live.

William, I can not agree more with you. :yes:

 

[dunlap1]

"By themselves, LS340 speakers are fantastic with chamber music, jazz and acoustic music. They do a pretty god job with classic rock and full orchestral music but it would be better if you could add a sub for listening to that type of music."

Well it just so happens I have a Ps-112, and I will try them together this weekend. I guess I can just use an output (balanced) from my c-46 the input of the sub. Of course, I do not have bass management, so I will have to work with the sub controls. I really appreciate everyone's suggestions and comments. I have always been a great Mac fan, and I am trying to update my system. I am sure you know how difficult is can be to make these changes (as well as being very expensive!). Thanks again and I will let you know how this turns out.

 

[Brice]

"By themselves, LS340 speakers are fantastic with chamber music, jazz and acoustic music. They do a pretty god job with classic rock and full orchestral music but it would be better if you could add a sub for listening to that type of music."

Well it just so happens I have a Ps-112, and I will try them together this weekend. I guess I can just use an output (balanced) from my c-46 the input of the sub. Of course, I do not have bass management, so I will have to work with the sub controls. I really appreciate everyone's suggestions and comments. I have always been a great Mac fan, and I am trying to update my system. I am sure you know how difficult is can be to make these changes (as well as being very expensive!). Thanks again and I will let you know how this turns out.

I guess you could. I used the RCA output 2 on my C2200 but I guess you'll have to use a XLR/RCA cable. Let us know your findings. Thanks.
B.

 

[dunlap1]

WOW! Just got the LS-340's home and hooked up. I can push a lot of bass with the EQ settings on my C-46, and these are not even broken in yet. Very clear, plenty of detail, again with a little help from the pre. I think these are amazing, especially considering the price! I doubt they would sound this clean on my 7270.

 

[Victor]

Congrats,

Enjoy your new LS340s.

I still miss my old LS340s at times.

Victor

 

[dunlap1]

Thanks, Victor. Your feedback gave me the confidence to try this out. It was hard to spend the extra money, after a new C-46 in Feb., and a new Mc-252 this summer! I sure would like to try these new speakers out on a 275. I still have the 7270 that I can trade-up. I wonder if Masterlu has a cure for the McBug!

 

[Victor]

Thanks, Victor. Your feedback gave me the confidence to try this out. It was hard to spend the extra money, after a new C-46 in Feb., and a new Mc-252 this summer! I sure would like to try these new speakers out on a 275. I still have the 7270 that I can trade-up. I wonder if Masterlu has a cure for the McBug!

When I listened to the MC252 and MC275 with my LS340s I found that the 2 amps sounded nearly identical (keep in mind that I usually listen at low volumes, 5 watts or less). It would still be fun for you to demo a MC275 but if I were you I would just be happy with the MC252.

Victor