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McIntosh Tube or Solid State - what way to go?

I own a McIntosh 2275 tube integrated and would like to hear from other McIntosh owners any thoughts regarding preference for McIntosh tubes over solid state. Has anyone gon from tube to SS or the other way within this brand? I am currently trying out the MC7000 and it is sounding good. I am looking to hear from other owners of McIntosh equipment as we are fans of the brand and my question is specific to this brand.
fogwell123
brianmgrarcom
1,317 posts
 
I owned the MA2275 and then switched to the combination of MC402 and C46 while using B&w 802D's. With the 802D's liking lots of power, I could run the MA2275 out of power if pushed, but sonically I would say the MA2275 sounded better overall to me. Unfortunately the 802D's never sounded great in my room with either.

A friend has Mac tube mono blocks and a 402 and prefers the mono blocks.

The MA2275 is a nice piece, don't be hasty. It is my understanding there is even more performance there with some tube rolling, I never did any rolling.
pdreher's avatar
pdreher
1,209 posts
 
I've owned mostly solid state amps (ROTEL, YBA, Plinius, BAT, Forte and a Pathos hybrid integrated) until last April when I tried a McIntosh MC275 MKV tube amp. It was the best amp I had ever had by a lg. margin. Regretably, I sold it to try a simpler, more affordable, albeit very reputable, SS integrated. I instantly realized I made a mistake and would not be satisfied with anything but tubes. So I quickly sold my solid state integrated and moved up to the MA2275.

I did not bother with the stock tubes and immediately upgraded to Gold Lion reissue KT88 and NOS Telefunkens in the 12AT/AX7 slots.

Before you give up on your MA2275, try upgrading the tubes like I did. If you are like me, you might regret going back to SS.
lewinskih01
909 posts
 
My experience mirrors what is being said above. A few years back I was looking for an amp and listened to an all Mc system: a CD player, C220 pre, and MC275 vs. MC252 amps, with B&W 804S (the speakers I owned). While both SS and tubes sounded great, I preferred the 275. This is a personal preference, though. The 252 was very good too.

Keep in mind the speaker needs are key. My 804S don't need a lot of power so the 75 Wpc was enough, and the aluminum tweaters in my view benefit from tubes. As Brianmgrarcom
said above, B&W 802D need a lot more power and have diamond tweaters, so the amp choice is likely different.

I also second tube rolling. It has been very nice for me. Start with the small signal tubes rather than the KT88, as they will make a larger impact.

cheers
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