Amp for Focal Scala Utopia

Hi guys,

Thanks so much for your replies!

Jimateo - I have not got my speakers yet so not tried the Mc with them as yet- they might be great, although I do worry about the 3.1ohm dip causing a little difficulty for the mc275.

Jaxwired - the Bryston sound is a little too clinical for me - I used to be a Bryston owner and left the brand for more musicality, which I found with the mac. I did miss the extreme resolution of the Bryston tho.

Pdreher - I am running gold lion kt88s and 12ax7s as I found these to be the best tube sound for my taste. I thought the c2300 was meant to be pretty darn good? I mean many of the guys on audio afficionado are running the c2300 as their pre with 601s for example.

Lapierre - I am using Nordost Vishnu power cords. What does the fuse do and what brand?

Dev - appreciate the warning. The devialet is off the agenda now as my dealer is offering such pathetic exchange prices!

I have considered the 2 mc275 route also bud wife not too keen about floor space. Lol.

Thanks and please keep your suggestions coming!

IMO I have to agree with your thoughts about the 275 being too slow and not detailed enough for your speakers,that was my reasons for moving on with that amp when I owned one a few years ago.I think thats one of the down sides of McIntosh.I also dont think an additional 275 would solve your issues really.Although I havent heard the new MC452,its touted as being faster with better detail than what Mac has done in the past.Might be worth a listen

Hi Missioncoonery - yep the mc452 is on the audition list for sure.

This might sound mad, but a dealer suggested the bel canto ref1000m mk2 also. Any thoughts from you guys on this? Would the c2300 and bel canto monos work I wonder?

Replacing the cheap 25 cent fuse will not produce a measured improvement but IMO improves the overall smoothness and little details heard from the likes of percussion and some voices. I use both manufactures in my system:

HiFi Tuning Fuses $39
IsoClean Fuses $29

Gold or Sliver are available.

Vishnu power cords delivers greater bass depth and weight, so you should be set with the MC275. If your using Golden Lion KT88 you should be getting close to 90 watts power and extended headroom.

Insight...most of my music experience is listening to fast instrumental jazz and latin and with emphasis on percussion and drums. Obviously I don't think the MC275 is slow IMO based on my music selection.

If the cost is not an object, I suggest to you to give a listen to the power amp Burmester 911 MK3 and preamp Burmester 088.