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Sound of Mcintosh MC275 vs. MC7205 thx

Hi Folks-
I've been using an Mcintosh MC7205 solid state amp and love it - just having been using it as a stereo amp until I get the rest of my speakers. I have an MC275 Mk4, which I was going to use for my reference system, and hooked it up to compare it's sound with the MC7205. I was surprised to find that I much prefered the sound of the MC7205. Channel separation and soundstaging seemed much better, and the bass was much more lush. Perhaps there may be some cabling issues with my MC275 that I need to upgrade. For a preamp, I am using a Rotel RSP-1068.
I would appreciate any of your thoughts on this. I am kind of befuddled, because I thought the MC275 would sound as full and lush as the solid state MC7205.
- thanks for any wisdom,
Ted.
lovepianos
nsgarch's avatar
nsgarch
2,524 posts
 
Tennis, the most sonic bang for the buck is replacing the 12AX7's -- V-1,2,5. (If you run balanced, V-1 is out of the signal path, that's why I asked ;--) For a beautiful, well rounded sound with air, sparkle and detail, I'd recommend Telefunkens. If you want a little more dynamic, muscular sound (but still refined) I suggest the RCA blackplate-longplates.

If you want to change the 12AT7's V-3,4,6,7, I'd suggest Telefunkens (RCA's there are a bit too much of a good thing.) If you want to change the power tubes, the KT88's, either the Penta KT88SC's or the Russian re-issue Gold Lions seem to be the most popular. Both provide a little more power and dynamics. I prefer the Pentas.
mrtennis
3,295 posts
 
hi nsgarch:

i am not looking for more dynamics, detail or sparkle. i am looking for a more euphonic sound--laid back, attenuated on the top and a peak in the upper bass/lower midrange. think slow and syrupy.

i bought the amp because i need power. however, it seems to be too "neutral" for my taste. is there another set of kt88s i could use ?
nsgarch's avatar
nsgarch
2,524 posts
 
Tennis, I'd leave any KT88 changes for last (if at all). Now if what you're after is slow and syrupy (we say 'schmaltzy' in my neighboorhood ;--) I think you can't do better than NOS Mullard 12AX7's (the UK ones, not the Holland ones). And if you like what they do in the AX spots, and I think you will, I have 2 matched pair of Mullard 12AT7's I'd be willing to offer you. I don't have any Mullard 12AX7's unfortunately, or I'd let you try a set.
.
mrtennis
3,295 posts
 
hi nsgarch:

if the mullard 12at7 is "softer" than the rca grey plate 12at7, i would be interested in the mullard. how much do you want for the two pair ? i also have a vtl amp that takes 12at7.
cnguyen777
6 posts
 

Mc7205 sounds better than mc275  version VI. I have both.

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