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McIntosh MC 275 Mk IV or V with Harbeth M-40.1?

I've had my Plinius SA-102 for longer than any previous amp (almost 3 years) and have been very satisfied with it's reliability, musicality and build quality, but I'm very intrigued with finally trying a classic tube amp.

I listen to classical, jazz, vocals & acoustic rock at moderate volume levels, so I'm thinking the 75 WPC of the McIntosh MC 275 (mk IV or V) would work fine in my 15' x 21' x 7' basement set up. The Harbeth M-40.1's sensitivity is 85dB/W/m, 6 ohm nominal. Suggested amplification: >50W (Stereophile's review of the M-40.1's noted excellent success when driven by a 35wpc Shindo push-pull amp)

I've researched other tube amps from Rogue (M120's & 150's), VTL (ST-150), Manley (Snappers), Cary (120S), Audio Research (VT-100 MK III) and Quicksilver (V-4's). Ultimately I'm leaning heavily towards the Mac MC 275 (Mk IV or V) due to its not being a monoblock, it's a classic unit with excellent build quality and good resale value, and it's known to be reliable and is easy to bias.

Preamp is an Aesthetix Calypso with NOS tubes and my sources are digital and FM.

Comments from those experienced with later model McIntosh MC 275 and/or Harbeth M-40.1's would be appreciated.

Thanks - Paul

128x128pdreher
bongofury
1,160 posts
 
My father had the original 275 for 40 years with never a sick day. I concur with the 40.1s--incredible speakers that will play to the amps strengths. I can also recommend ATC 19s and Spendor A6s.
toetapfactor
77 posts
 
IMO, I would think the Mac with the 40.1s would be too much of a "good thang".Never heard them together ,only in seperate system and wouldnt own either..guess thats what makes this an interesting hobby..
pdreher's avatar
pdreher OP
1,212 posts
 
Toetap - Before making the plunge, I too was concerned that the Harbeth / McIntosh tube amp combo could be "too much of a good thing"... but IME, the two really sound great together.

I know your not a fan of either Harbeth or McIntosh, but I recently left behind several years with Dynaudio C2's & C4's driven by solid state... and while those combos provided exciting & exhilarating sound, I've found I prefer the more relaxed & organic sound provided by the retro combo of the Harbeth & Mac tube amp. I think some of my change in preference has to do with age (I'm 45) and musical preferences.
ryder
1,690 posts
 
Glad the McIntosh worked out for you. The 40.1's are truly great speakers and I can imagine wonderful music being reproduced in the room by the glowing tubes of the McIntosh MC275. Hope you would attain an even higher level of sound and musicality with the use of different/higher grades of tubes.

Musical preference always matter in this hobby as everyone hears things differently. Hence it is important to mix and match components in getting the ideal sound that the listener wants. "Too much of a good thing" for one can be "just right" for another.

Have fun rolling the tubes. Enjoy~
pdreher's avatar
pdreher OP
1,212 posts
 
Ryder - Thanks for the kind sentiments. I know you've been experimenting with various amplification for your SHL-5's. I highly suggest you buy an MC 275 MK V. I'm still listening with the stock tubes and Miles Davis "Kind of Blue" redbook CD has never sound so wonderful on any of my previous systems. This amp is something special and has really transformed my system ;o)
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