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Questions about Mcintosh tube amp pairing with Altecs

Hello all, I will try to keep this short. I would appreciate some first hand experience if anyone has it. I'm looking to upgrade one of my amplifiers. I currently run 3 systems in my listening room. The most used is as follows : Thorens TD 318 with stock arm and Ortofon 540 Mk2, Rebuilt Dual 1229 with Shure M97XE, and Tidal through a Macbook Air through the C47 DAC.   Mcintosh C47 preamp, and a Sun Audio 2A3 clone with a nice tube assortment. Mostly Audioquest RCA and some XLR where applicable. Speakers are Altec A5 configuration with Hiraga inspired crossovers and added supertweeters. I have an SVS PB16 ultra sub,  and a GSG devastator with Lavoce 21" driver powered by a behringer NX3000DSP.  The other amps in the System are a Mcintosh MC7100, and a rebuilt Kenwood M1D. The other speakers are Altec model 19s, and Altec model 15s. I would like to upgrade the 2A3 amplifier driving the A5s, and move it to the Model 19s for when I listen to them. The amplifiers I'm looking at for the A5s are Mcintosh MC30s, MC225, and MC275. I know the 30's are often said to be the best, followed by the 225. What has me curious though is the MC275 MK6. I've read in the past that the 275 can be harsh compared to the lower powered amps, especially with a horn system, but the MK6 looks like it may be an improvement over the earlier generations. What would be your opinion regarding these amps with these speakers?  I do know the 275 is way more power than I need, but It may play nicely with the Model 19s one day. I'm not dead set on Mcintosh. I love Line Magnetic but they are mostly integrated and I don't want 2 preamps in my signal chain. I have a budget of $5000-7000 USD, and don't mind used if It has good history and maintenance. I'd prefer to stay at 5K, but as stated could go to 7K if necessary. Do you like the MC275 for highly efficient speakers ???  I listen to alot of singer songwriter, Classic rock, jazz, and Bossanova.  What I'm looking for is sweet warm sound with more headroom than I'm getting from the 2A3s. I do like their sound generally but I think there could be more "sparkle" up top. Yes I know my hearing isn't what it used to be !!   Open to suggestions. All opinions are welcome. Thank you all for your time...Adrian
128x128adrianleewelch
mattmiller's avatar
mattmiller
1,497 posts
 
McIntosh makes a ton of products, many of them are very pedestrian sounding (not special). The McIntosh MC275 is NOT one of these products. Buy confidently as this is really one of there more special amplifiers.

Matt M
oldhvymec
5,101 posts
 
I'm a Mac guy and have been for just over 50 years (June).
The first Macs I had were C4s (2) and a C8. MC20s (2) and a Mac 30 Kit.

They powered Imperial Horns and a Imperial Sub, Kits..

MC30s,40,60,75,100,225,240,275s. There is not a single one or pairs that don't sound great. I'm not a huge fan of the MC100 (mil spec ugly)

MC30 when done right are just wonderful. True lovers of great valves too. RCA black plate power valves with Tellies & RCAs for signals.  BTW all Mac like that combo.

The little guy MC225 is where a lot of folks mess up. They use an OLD type of cap that last just about 1000 years. IF they are good leave them alone, if you find a bad one replace the pair, NO fancy caps or polies it will ruin the sound. Check the resistors real close rebuild the PS and use good valves. One of a kind sound. Nothing like a 225

The amps you left out are the MC40s and MC240. I personally like the MC240. When rebuilt with just a minor PS upgrade, a couple carbon comp resistors and good PIO caps it is right in there with "the all time best" HOF crowd. Very special because of 6L6s and THAT transformer combo..

6L6 valve is very misunderstood. The mil spec version is one of the toughest valves on the planet.. I love the BASS response of a 240 not being pushed too hard on the bass but the right combo LIKE an efficient horn. The mids and highs.. Are just to die for.

The 6550 and KT88, (MC60,75,275) units can be harsh but usually it's because of the valve not the actual amp. GE 6550 and Golden Lyon type quality isn't cheap but the difference is night and day in a Mac using them. The new deal CE type transformers are different and sound different. I had 2 CE 275s I kept one. Good amps. They do run cooler than the older and sound cooler too.

 The BOMB is the early MC275s with a little work. 85+ watts per channel and will push those Alec's to there VERY best.

The signal valves are really important in regards to what to stay away from. Sylvania & PVANE, comes to mind. Unless it's for a certain application. That type of valve can be harsh and bright, remove bass duty and just push mids and highs It makes a lot of difference too. It depends on the application.

Macs plus 4 or 5

I'm a Cary fan too.. Just not sure with horns, for small planars, I haven't found a better combo than MY V12R.  A personal all time favorite of mine.. Right there with a Mac MC240 (Samra special).

I'm NOT a huge SET fan either. I must admit though I've herd some good ones.
chorus
976 posts
 
A5's would be tempting to put with a great 300b set amp.
Maybe run without a pre if possible.

I had a Cary 120 running my Altec Maestro M500's. This model
was planned as the next upgrade to the 19. Then Altec folded.  
That pairing produced some good sound especially with certain instruments-Acoustic. 

Line Magnetic makes great sounding gear. 

If you love Mac then why not get the 30 or 60 Monoblocks?

Sounds like you are on the right track.

adrianleewelch's avatar
adrianleewelch OP
74 posts
 
I think the MC 30s would be awesome. Finding a clean pair may be a slight challenge versus the stereo amplifiers but they do come up. The tube rectifiers are what I like about them. Also, I know my system has some other limitations that will be addressed in the next go around. I only get to purchase audio gear once or twice a year and amplifiers are my current focus !  Next will be turntable, arm, cart. 
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