Mc 240 vs. Prima Luna


Good morning all, hope everyone is well and ready for the holidays. 

I may need someone to talk me away from the ledge. (fairly normal state for me these days).

Story is this. I have been saving to add a second McIntosh 240 to my system. I have one now that does a fine job powering my Klipsch Heresy IV's. It was recently refurbished by Audio Classics in Vestal NY. (by the way, can't reccmomend them highly enough, especially Ryan).

Anyway, I'm getting close to being able to pony up for the second 240. Plan is to bridge them in mono and have 80 WPC effectivly. 

However.... I have been reading much about the Prima Luna's. Modern.. Warm... ability to roll several tube types.. sweet mid, good low end..

Do I stick with my original plan, get the second 240, (built in the US, tank like construction, known sound and cool factor).

Or do I chase the neat new shiny Prima Luna's ?

Any thoughts are welcome..

Doug

 

 

128x128Ag insider logo xs@2xdoyle3433

@oldhvymec 

I am now curious what my system would sound like if I used my one of my MC275 amps to power the lowers on my speakers and one MC275 to power the mids-highs in my speakers. It might be worth trying this setup to run the MC275s in stereo instead of mono since my horn speakers can be bi-amped. I can’t try it for two weeks though. 

I would sure give it a try femoore12. Just so everyone knows, I do NOT use valves to run bass. 300hz and down is SS.

80hz and below is normally GR OB servo subs

100-300hz is direct coupled to 12k class Ds and 6, 8" mid bass drivers per column and I use a 2496 active XO.

300hz up is all valves and I use a hybrid line source of 8" Monsoon planars and normally a single Aurum Cantus ribbon tweeter. I use a lot of their drivers. They have a great AMT too.

I do have one system I listen to when I’m in my work room. MC225, MX110z, Sony ES777, Thoren 124 and a pair of tricked out Infinity RS4bs. That system is old as dirt, but the system I listen to most of the time.. The only place I use tubes for bass and it is the smallest Mac (25 wpc) I own. it’s funny. Sure sounds good.. It’s actually my favorite for itty bitty, Just don’t tell anyone.. LOL

Regards

As a McIntosh and PrimaLuna owner, there could be pros and cons to either depending on what you value as an owner.

MC240:
You know you like the sound paired with your Heresy's. Another 240 may (or may not..because mono) be more of a good thing.
McIntosh gear has a reliable support network, long term reliability, and holds its value. Also made in the USA, so yay!

PrimaLuna:
I own an Evo 300 Power amp and is about as maintenance free as you get in tube amplification.

Tube variety...you may get the warmth you seek with a new issue TungSol 7581a tube set, but overall, the new PL gear is pretty neutral compared with tube amps from the 60's. KT88s and KT150s sound fairly punchy and quick, and while the KT150s will net you a few bonus watts, it seems every other tube coming off the line is faulty in some way. Teething issues? Perhaps. Sh!t luck on my part? Probably.

Warranty: 3-year warranty if you register it. Also...made in China for what it's worth.

Out of curiosity, any reason the AudioClassics 9B isn't in the running at this price point? It's a VAC amp in a vintage Marantz suit.

 

 

@oldhvymec 

I plan on giving this a try once I get home in a couple of weeks. I also use a servo sub for everything lower than 80hz. I love the combination of the servo with my horn speakers. I have been thinking about upgrading to a pair of the dual servo flatpack from GR Research. 

@doyle3433 

My apologies for discussing something other than you Mc240 vs Prima Luna question. 

 

I ran  pair of  Mc 240 years ago and it was just ok at best..I  also owned the prima luna..I opt for the rprima Luna without thing twice