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Debating between Mcintosh SS or tube monos.

I have heard Mcintosh solid state 611 (600 watts) but I have not heard tube monos 2301 (300 watts). Will be using with different speakers overtime.

How much of a difference will I really hear between ss and tubes? Will it be obvious on a really revealing system? Any problem buying a used tube mono that is 4 to 6 years old?

I like the idea of tubes being less harsh and less fatiguing.

Anybody directly compare these two?

jumia
russ69's avatar
russ69
3,519 posts
 

300 watts of tube power puts out a LOT of heat, that would be my main consideration on big tube amps.

jeffreyw's avatar
jeffreyw
269 posts
 

I have a pair of MC611s fed by a C2700. To my ears, I ultimately have a 600W tubed system. I have not heard the 2301s, but I question whether they would provide the bass control of the 611's. I have always been a fan of tubes, but after I assembled this system, I am not going back. 

gpgr4blu
1,088 posts
 

The 2301s provide a touch more sweetness and dimensionality to the presentation than SS. SS has a slightly tighter bottom end, but the 2301s certainly do not lack for bass. I must confess to being a tube fan who in my prior system chose Mac tubes over SS. A 4 year old well cared for pair of monodsis no issue as long as the tubes are not too old. Worse case, replace the tubes.

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