Audio Research versus McIntosh tube amps: anyone experience or compare both?
As stated in the title of this thread, considering both brands. I'm looking for a new or near new tube amp to run my Joseph Audio Pulsar's. Have been using a Pass XA25, which sounds a little lean with this speaker. Looking for a touch of tube warmth and bloom, but still good detail.
Considering a new McIntosh 275 MkVI or possibly a preowned ARC Reference 75SE. New ARC costs more than I want to spend ($6K range or less). Preamp is ARC Ref 2 MKII BTW.
Would appreciate any insight for those who have experienced both. Thanks!
@bobbydd I have owned several VAC amps... the least favorite of which was a Phi 200. It was well built, but the sound quality was disappointing for the price paid. McIntosh MC275 MKV was superior. Both the ARC Ref 75SE and the McIntosh MC275 are good choices... and resale value is high, assuring you will lose little to nothing if/when you choose to resell.
|
Agree with emergingsoul. The D 52 transistor amp malfunctioned and blew up a pair of Proac speakers. The VT 100 has the power tubes mounted horizontally, against manufacturers advice. One blew up and took out traces on the circuit board. Then power supply transistores went bad and had to be replaced. It was almost impossible to bias the tubes because the 6922 drivers had to be biased as a group which was very irritating. The physical design was poor because the four drivers were below the power tubes and baked them like an oven. The amp ran very hot. My D 70 has tubes mounted vertically as they should be and have not been a problem. I love the amp, but it still is a pain to bias. This might be important to you.
|
