View Full Version : Mcintosh MC275
southall-1998
25-12-2016, 06:52
Always had this on-off curiosity about this particular amp from Mcintosh.
What is the MC275 sound signature like? Do they work well with passive pre's?
I see that Mcintosh in the USA are still producing the MC275. Brand new, they now cost well over 6k :rolleyes:
S.
Spectral Morn
25-12-2016, 10:54
Always had this on-off curiosity about this particular amp from Mcintosh.
What is the MC275 sound signature like? Do they work well with passive pre's?
I see that Mcintosh in the USA are still producing the MC275. Brand new, they now cost well over 6k :rolleyes:
S.
Heard one a few years ago and I must say after reading about this design for years, this so called legend disappointed big time. Tried a few pre-amps etc and it was very solid state sounding, big, brash and bold but lacking a degree of delicacy or nuance.
Try and hear one before putting money into it would be my suggestion.
I think this is one of the best amps out there. It's true that it does not possess 300b or SET magical midrange but the amp really combines the best sides of trancistor and tube amps being also capable to drive the most speakers out there.
If I ever go back to the passive speakers, two MC275's in mono config might be my choice..
southall-1998
25-12-2016, 15:30
Heard one a few years ago and I must say after reading about this design for years, this so called legend disappointed big time. Tried a few pre-amps etc and it was very solid state sounding, big, brash and bold but lacking a degree of delicacy or nuance.
Try and hear one before putting money into it would be my suggestion.
Was this a ''modern built'' MC275 you heard?
S.
Spectral Morn
25-12-2016, 15:51
Was this a ''modern built'' MC275 you heard?
S.
Yes, from about 5 years ago if I recall right. Not heard an older one. I think I just didn't like the presentation and its not about a powerful valve amp, because I own two that both do the delicacy and nuance thing. This was just stark, and forward sounding, somewhat relentless.
southall-1998
25-12-2016, 15:57
Hmmmm....That description coming from you Neil, sounds like a slight let down to me!
I tend to like tube amps. That sound rounded around the edges, along with that ''stereotype'' warmth. Yeah, I've said it :lol:
S.
walpurgis
25-12-2016, 16:13
I reckon you need a vintage Dynaco ST70 Shane. That has the valve 'glow' to the sound. Nice amp!
Go and have another turkey sarnie while you think about it. ;) :D
southall-1998
25-12-2016, 16:36
I reckon you need a vintage Dynaco ST70 Shane. That has the valve 'glow' to the sound. Nice amp!
Go and have another turkey sarnie while you think about it. ;) :D
I've just demolished a large Christmas meal. Still yet haven't made my mind up :D
S.
Yes, from about 5 years ago if I recall right. Not heard an older one. I think I just didn't like the presentation and its not about a powerful valve amp, because I own two that both do the delicacy and nuance thing. This was just stark, and forward sounding, somewhat relentless.
Funny , 6 or 7 years back when I auditioned MC275 along C2200(or C2300 sorry can't remember which) and MA2275 I have decided to buy latter as MC275 was too mellow and tubey
farflungstar
25-12-2016, 17:00
Accuphase? Luxman? Having researched the Mc's a lot they seem to divide opinion with many loyal to the brand and sound and others saying all fur coat and no knickers. I've never heard one so can't comment - but they're a big spend so deserve a lot of thought. Like accuphase they have a decent second hand value though not quite up there with accuphase.
Adey
Sent from my Aquaris E4.5 using Tapatalk
Arkless Electronics
25-12-2016, 17:06
I can't stand the styling of their gear!
southall-1998
25-12-2016, 17:09
Indeed, an acquired taste for sure!!
S.
Spectral Morn
25-12-2016, 17:12
Funny , 6 or 7 years back when I auditioned MC275 along C2200(or C2300 sorry can't remember which) and MA2275 I have decided to buy latter as MC275 was too mellow and tubey
Everyone hears things differently and it was certainly not as you describe to my ears. If anything it had a similar sound to the Musical Fidelity KW kit, a sound/presentation I don't like. I wasn't using a Mac pre though.
Spectral Morn
25-12-2016, 17:13
I can't stand the styling of their gear!
Agreed the turntables are truly hideous and having cables coming out of opposite ends makes siting on a rack a bit more problematic and visually unpleasant to my eyes.
Arkless Electronics
25-12-2016, 17:23
I'm normally not bothered much about styling etc... "it's a tool for the reproduction of music not a fashion statement" is my usual stance over aesthetics.... but Mac gear really is hideous! And yes the TT is really taking the piss!
It's like the Mac stylists saw some Marantz gear whilst having a bad trip.....:D
Everyone hears things differently and it was certainly not as you describe to my ears. If anything it had a similar sound to the Musical Fidelity KW kit, a sound/presentation I don't like. I wasn't using a Mac pre though.
Exactly, hence when spending that amount of money I'd recommend audition and preferably at home .
As to the pre McIntosh amps seems to sound quite good when paired with their preamps ,
farflungstar
25-12-2016, 17:29
You can't beat accuphase or the luscious wavac amps for styling - the Japanese really know how to do it. Even my Vida has a certain style (except the bloody badge logo) but I can forgive it this sight sin in light of what it produces.
http://i1078.photobucket.com/albums/w483/farflungstar/IMG_20161225_183755_237_zpsv0wuiw0c.jpg
Adey
Sent from my Aquaris E4.5 using Tapatalk
I'm normally not bothered much about styling etc... "it's a tool for the reproduction of music not a fashion statement" is my usual stance over aesthetics.... but Mac gear really is hideous! And yes the TT is really taking the piss!
It's like the Mac stylists saw some Marantz gear whilst having a bad trip.....:D
As with the sound everybody to their own , I do like McIntosh looks plus they stick to what they do for years , it's my 3rd McIntosh amplifier in last 10-12 years and definitely not the last one , I hope:)
http://i1174.photobucket.com/albums/r614/slawekt/XL_MA2275_D_zpsdftfydbo.jpg
Spectral Morn
25-12-2016, 17:37
As with the sound everybody to their own , I do like McIntosh looks plus they stick to what they do for years , it's my 3rd McIntosh amplifier in last 10-12 years and definitely not the last one , I hope:)
http://i1174.photobucket.com/albums/r614/slawekt/XL_MA2275_D_zpsdftfydbo.jpg
Heard that at a show, via Vienna Acoustic speakers and it sounded pretty nice, nice enough that when an opportunity came up to hear a 275 I said yes.
I didn't have much choice , I wanted valve integrated with fair amount of Watts behind to drive my KEF ref. 201/2 , it was between Audio Research and McIntosh and as I don't care for AR much :) when it comes to design and sound it was quite easy to choose .
look pretty good to me. not seen any i wouldnt give houseroom to
Arkless Electronics
25-12-2016, 18:43
It measures as state of the art for a valve power amp in 2016.... and was designed early '60's! Respect due to Mac electronic engineers if not stylists....
The yank answer to Radford in terms of THD, bandwidth, damping factor etc.
I had a MC225 many years ago and was not overly impressed. They are rather like Harley Davidsons, in that they have built a reputation through skilful marketing but are not really that good.
Arkless Electronics
26-12-2016, 00:57
I'll agree on the HD's! The MC225 I'd never come across but the specs are excellent and there are rave reviews elsewhere.... one man's meat?
I had a MC225 many years ago and was not overly impressed. They are rather like Harley Davidsons, in that they have built a reputation through skilful marketing but are not really that good.
As with every audio component is a matter of personal taste , I used to own AR Reference 110 and couldn't get on with it , probably bad amplifier-speakers combination .Prior to MA2275 I had MC402 and in my new little room it was little bit too much , swapped for Manley Snappers and they didn't click , finally went for 2275 and it was it , it must been 7 years since and no itch for change .Audition is a must , is hard to advice without knowing your preferences and accompanying equipment , matching specs to your preamp and speakers would be my first step .
southall-1998
26-12-2016, 10:54
Slav,
Is the 2275 auto-bias?
S.
Slav,
Is the 2275 auto-bias?
S.
Yes , output is self-biasing , you can also use KT88 or 6550 .
Since I bought it I had one failure but it was my fault , I bought tubes from China , didn't think about testing them and they blew protection resistors and transistor .I ordered all parts through McIntosh , received within couple of weeks and it cost just few £ , apart from that nothing ever happened .
MA2275 sports fairly decent MM (47k , 47pF) phono stage as well ( 2x Ecc83) , amplifier is rated 75W but measures close to 90W ,
volage amplifier based on 2xEcc83
phase splitter 2xEcc81 - I do prefer 6201 from Valvo(Amperex,Philips)
2,4,8 ohm speaker taps
you can ran it from separate pre-amp if you wish
one thing to remember and it applies to all tube amps damping factor is quite low(greater than 18 published)
Real life photos , meter back lights on and off , not the best quality (mobile phone)http://i1174.photobucket.com/albums/r614/slawekt/WP_20161226_11_27_44_Pro_zps2h6mqzgc.jpg
http://i1174.photobucket.com/albums/r614/slawekt/WP_20161226_11_37_29_Pro_zpsw1idcgz1.jpg
Shane, if you travel this way in the future you're welcome to pop in and have a listen , mind you I'm on holiday till 16th of January and working mostly away from home so I'm afraid weekends only.
southall-1998
26-12-2016, 12:06
Stunning looking amp!
I'm not very keen on travelling much, thanks to my dodgy ankles! Also, I don't drive either.
But thanks for the invitation, Slav.
S.
Real life photos , meter back lights on and off , not the best quality (mobile phone)http://i1174.photobucket.com/albums/r614/slawekt/WP_20161226_11_27_44_Pro_zps2h6mqzgc.jpg
http://i1174.photobucket.com/albums/r614/slawekt/WP_20161226_11_37_29_Pro_zpsw1idcgz1.jpg
Very interesting to hear the differing reports on the Mac valve amps.
I would love to hear one of their integrateds in my system, either SS or this lovely MA2275.
I think their reputation as music makers would suit me well.
None in Northern Ireland for me to try though and I'm loathe to hand this sort of money out unheard:(
You need to hear one but it must be in your own system , before I went for 2275 I bought MA6900 and it didn't last a single day , luckily I was able to return it for full refund to one of the local dealers , had to pay for collection though.
Berni217
26-12-2016, 19:19
My MC225 is the best amp I have had in my system. Magical with the Shindo Pre amps Aurieges and Monbrison. Mine is vintage fully rebuilt.
Have a read through Jeff Day's reviews of the vintage McIntosh ... http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue77/vintage_mcintosh_experience.htm
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My MC225 is the best amp I have had in my system. Magical with the Shindo Pre amps Aurieges and Monbrison. Mine is vintage fully rebuilt.
Have a read through Jeff Day's reviews of the vintage McIntosh ... http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue77/vintage_mcintosh_experience.htm
Interesting read, thanks.
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