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McIntosh MC 275 Mk IV or V with Harbeth M-40.1?

I've had my Plinius SA-102 for longer than any previous amp (almost 3 years) and have been very satisfied with it's reliability, musicality and build quality, but I'm very intrigued with finally trying a classic tube amp.

I listen to classical, jazz, vocals & acoustic rock at moderate volume levels, so I'm thinking the 75 WPC of the McIntosh MC 275 (mk IV or V) would work fine in my 15' x 21' x 7' basement set up. The Harbeth M-40.1's sensitivity is 85dB/W/m, 6 ohm nominal. Suggested amplification: >50W (Stereophile's review of the M-40.1's noted excellent success when driven by a 35wpc Shindo push-pull amp)

I've researched other tube amps from Rogue (M120's & 150's), VTL (ST-150), Manley (Snappers), Cary (120S), Audio Research (VT-100 MK III) and Quicksilver (V-4's). Ultimately I'm leaning heavily towards the Mac MC 275 (Mk IV or V) due to its not being a monoblock, it's a classic unit with excellent build quality and good resale value, and it's known to be reliable and is easy to bias.

Preamp is an Aesthetix Calypso with NOS tubes and my sources are digital and FM.

Comments from those experienced with later model McIntosh MC 275 and/or Harbeth M-40.1's would be appreciated.

Thanks - Paul

128x128pdreher
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pdreher OP
1,212 posts
 
Ryder - Thanks for the kind sentiments. I know you've been experimenting with various amplification for your SHL-5's. I highly suggest you buy an MC 275 MK V. I'm still listening with the stock tubes and Miles Davis "Kind of Blue" redbook CD has never sound so wonderful on any of my previous systems. This amp is something special and has really transformed my system ;o)
ryder
1,690 posts
 
Hi Pdreher. Thanks for the recommendation. Will keep the Mac in mind. I knew the MC275 was something special since the sonic attributes appealed to me even though I was using a pretty lousy preamp on it the last time I tried the MC275 MkIV. Still trying out some amps to get a feel of things to come. Will get to listen to the Naim XS in my system this coming weekend, hopefully.
toetapfactor
77 posts
 
Pdreher..I understand that retro thing as at one time I collected vintage Mac tube amps and ran JBL/Tannoy/Altec for years.Much to my surprise I found what was really missing when I drop coin on a pair of Avalons over 10 years ago.Detail,energy,dynamics,huge 3-D soundstage etc and I never looked back.McIntosh has that cult following and yes it has super resale value but certainly not in the same sentence with any of the forementioned attributes.The same applies to Harbeth excluding resale value.Like I stated we all have our opinions and own taste, thats what makes it fun and interesting OBTW ,Im actually older than you so dont blame age for stepping backward LOL.Enjoy the system
tzh21y
1,654 posts
 
You are right Toetap, some of us like the way real music sounds, and the 275 reproduces music in a more realistc and enjoyable fashion than any amplifier I have heard regardless of cost. Unfortunately, for me, it took many years and many lessons before I finally broke down and admitted to myself that McIntosh equipment has a high resale value for a reason. I did not want to admit it to myself for a long time. The 275 is one of their very best and is an absolute steal for the money. Harbeths sound nothing like JBL's by the way. As far as Avalon's are concerned they are good speakers no doubt about it, but the Harbeths sound pretty good and the gap is nowhere near how you put it. Have you ever heard Harbeths? If you did, you would know this. The Avalons have more bass but I am not sure that necessarily makes them better as in a revelation as you put it. Bigger isn't always better.
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