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XLS 340 LoudSpeakers

T

tryptal

New Member
Hey All-

I have an MC275-IV running a pair of XLS-340 loudspeakers. The MC275 is running in stereo mode (75 per channel). I know these speakers could take a lot more power.. Hopefully I'll be able to splurge on another MC-275 soon and run them in mono! :)

I've read in different places that too weak of an amp for a speaker could damage the amp or speaker.. I don't think this is the case with my setup but I was just wondering if anyone had any input on this?

Could this setup be damaging my equipment? I think those speakers are rated at 600watts!

Any input would be greatly appreciated..

Thanks!
TryP
 
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Welcome TryP :)

If you play music loud enough to make your MC275 clip, you can for sure damage your speakers doing this. Usually distortion (over driving an amp) is the cause of speaker damage. I don't see any way this would damage the amp.

How loud do you usually listen? How high do you get the volume setting on your preamp?
 
Hey- Thanks for the quick reply and welcome!
Well I'm never clipping while listening actually. I live in an apartment right now so unfortunately I can't listen as loud as I'd like sometimes.. heh.
That's why I figure the 1 MC-275 is fine for now then down the line when my living arrangements change I'll try and pick up another.
I'm currently using a C46 as a preamp- I know solid mixed with tube- but I really wanted the EQ control of the C46.
I would say most of the time I listen in the 35-40 range of the volume setting on the preamp. If I hit 50 it's pretty loud.
Just with the low wattage into these speakers, I think that maybe I'm not even getting to enjoy what the speakers can really do? Wondering if the quality would increase with more power not just the volume?
Also read some places that too little power into speakers could cause damage. But it sounds great..

-TryP
 
I think with your listening habits your speakers will be just fine. No more worries, just enjoy the music.

As I said, the only way an amp with too little power would damage anything would be if it was overdriven to distortion.

There's nothing wrong with mixing solid state and tubes. The C46 is a great preamp, I bet it sounds great in your system.
 
tryptal said:
Hey- Wondering if the quality would increase with more power not just the volume?
-TryP
Click to expand...

I was in the same exact spot. I fought the upgrade purchase for a while.


Yes, more power opens up those speakers to full bloom.
Big difference!

I went from McIntosh 75 watts, to (2) 501's amps.

The 75 watt amp is now in the library driving monitors, plus a powered JL sub to help out.
 
McSpectre said:
I was in the same exact spot. I fought the upgrade purchase for a while.

Yes, more power opens up those speakers to full bloom.
Big difference!

I went from McIntosh 75 watts, to (2) 501's amps.
Click to expand...
I agree with Mike.

I used to own XLS360 speakers, they sounded pretty good with my MC162 (160 watts) but when I went to MC501s (500 watts) the sound improvement was significant. Even at the same volumes the MC501s improved the imaging, clarity and reduced harshness. I have not spent alot of time listening to the XLS340s but I would expect the same results as they are very similar to the XLS360s.
 
tryptal said:
I've read in different places that too weak of an amp for a speaker could damage the amp or speaker.. I don't think this is the case with my setup but I was just wondering if anyone had any input on this?
Click to expand...

Something to consider:

If you primarily listen to pop/rock the average volume really does not change all much due to heavy audio signal compression common in this type music, meaning that you are safe with low power amp.

With non-compressed classical, particularly SACD, it is possible to encounter huge dynamic range surges that can throw you straight into clipping even if your average volume remains pretty low, for this type music you need large amps to stay on the safe side.

Vahe
 
Thanks for the replies! Very helpful.. My local dealer does not have 501's on display.. He does have a 402 on display though. I may try and swing there later today to give it a listen..
Curious about 1 - 402 in stereo vs. 2 - 501's bridged?
Anyone have any input on the comparison? Seems like a huge price spread for 400 watts vs 500 watts per channel difference.
Thanks again!
 
Last edited:
tryptal said:
Curious about 1 - 402 in stereo vs. 2 - 501's bridged?
Anyone have any input on the comparison? Seems like a huge price spread for 400 watts vs 500 watts per channel difference.
Thanks again!
Click to expand...
I did extensive comparisons with the MC275, MC2102, MC252, MC402 and MC501s a few years ago. At that time my system included a C2200 preamp and Avalon Eclipse Classic speakers.

I thought the MC275, MC2102, MC252 and MC402 amps all sounded very similar. Then I tried the MC501s and they were a pretty big step up over the other amps. The best way I can sum it up is: The MC275, MC2102, MC252 and MC402 all did a good job making my speakers "disappear", the MC501s made my speakers, walls floor and ceiling disappear.
 
Wow! I wish I could hear that setup!
Must be the case I was thinking with a price spread like that..
I went to the shop this afternoon and got an audition of the MC402 playing through a C2300 Tube Pre. The store did not have ANY McIntosh speakers on display unfortunately.. So I had him hook up a pair of B&W 803D's to it. No sub and it sounded great but I had nothing to compare it to. He did not have any 501's either.
So I didn't really get much out of the audition comparison wise. I would have liked to hear a pair of 501's through McIntosh speakers with a SS Pre like I have.. Store did not have any MC275's in stock either..
They were trying to steer me to the MC402 rather than a pair of 501's though.
Thanks for the heads up on the last post. I'm going to look for more dealers until I find one that will have more equipment to I can make some comparisons.
What I really want to hear is a pair of MC275's vs a pair of 501's vs 402.. SS Pre.

They did have an MXA60 system on display! That was cool to play around with.. Sounded very impressive for an all in one system. They had a small sub hooked up to it though.

Thanks for the feedback!
 
tryptal said:
Wow! I wish I could hear that setup!
Click to expand...
The Avalon speakers were fantastic but they could be a little harsh at times so I ended up trading them in.
tryptal said:
What I really want to hear is a pair of MC275's vs a pair of 501's vs 402.. SS Pre.
Click to expand...
During my amp comparisons I once took home a MC402 and 2 MC501s. My poor car was riding pretty low on the ride home. :) It was alot of work but it ended up being a fun comparison.

tryptal said:
They did have an MXA60 system on display! That was cool to play around with.. Sounded very impressive for an all in one system. They had a small sub hooked up to it though.
Click to expand...
I have not seen the new all in one system yet. I doubt I would have any interest in getting one but I would like to here it someday.
 
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