2. amps-preamps
  3. 1198939834

Mac 275 questions........

After some months of up's and down's with my ASL Hurricanes (just seemed to never stay operational for longer then 2-3 months) I have decided o retire them and get the McIntosh MC 275 (2 amps).

I have some questions for you all and appreciate any input you may have (especially form Mac owners) but opened to all.
My speakers are Infinity RS 1-B's and I will be using the amps to drive the top end of the system (EMIM's and EMIT's). I have a Perreaux 3150B for the bass columns. The Infinities are rated at 4 ohms.
I plan to listen to one amp on top ( I will get one amp in a week) and then when I get the 2nd amp ( a week later) run both in mono.
What will I hear with each application? First with one and then with both? Also can any of you let me know if any of you compared the Mac 275 (in mono) 150 watts with the Hurricanes 200 wpc? The Hurricanes were great but I just could not live with them being up and down so many times.

Thanks to all for your input.

RWD (Rick)
rwd
rwd OP
695 posts
 
Just an update....the Mac's are in but I am only using one so far. I want to get a good understanding of whay one can do and then put them in mono. Hold tight!

Rick (RWD)
ggavetti
143 posts
 
Nsgarch, I have read wonderful things about the EH KT-88. Have you ever tried them in the Mac 275 or 2275? Thanks.
nsgarch's avatar
nsgarch
2,524 posts
 
Gavetti, it's the EH's that Mac now uses as their OEM power tube. They are both unreliable and crappy sounding -- one getter, low vacuum/thin bottle, yuk! I can honestly say I have experienced these attributes first hand! Back in the day, when the MC230,40,60,75 etc. established their great reputation(s) Mac was using genuine english Gold Lion and Gold Monarch KT88's from England and American Richardson KT88's. Along with original GE and Tung Sol 6550's. Of course they only cost Mac a few bucks a tube back then ;-) At least Audio Research uses the (fairly decent) SED (formerly Svetlana) Winged "C" tubes.

I have read folks saying nice things about the EH KT88's too, but I can't help wondering about their hearing!. At least the damn things didn't blow up on them!
bosrt
77 posts
 
Do the 12Ax7s and At7s need to be matched?
ggavetti
143 posts
 
Really?!? I didn't realize they are using EH! When did they start using them? My amplifier is 3 years old, and I was under the impression they used different ones. That's good to know. I have a 2275, and was about to replace stock tubes with a set of EH KT-88 based on a set of rave reviews I have read. I guess the safest bet is to get the reissued GL. Most people seem to be happy with them. By the way, I completely agree with your assessment of the NOS TFK 12AX7's. I bought them for my 2275, and the sound improved considerably. It's much cleaner, detailed, and airy.
More to discover