Moscode 402au vs Butler TDB2250 vs McIntosh MC275

Mcondon - The first integrated I tried after separates was a Musical Fidelity Nuvista M3... a big disappointment. I knew instantly that it was all bling, with little substance... I listed it within 3 days of getting it. Even ended up paying the next owner to get it's caps replaced, even though the guy I had bought it from had just had similar repairs done 6 months prior.

Next, I went back to McIntosh and used the MA2275 tube integrated for about 3 months. The MA2275 is a very nice integrated. I really liked it... excellent build quality and very good sound. It just did not provide enough drive for my big Harbeth's and did not have the transparency or soundstage that I had grown accustomed to with my previous favorite separates setup (MC275 MKV & Aesthetix Calypso). I doubt I will ever down-grade again unless it's out of financial necessity.

A friend had a Moscode 401 and upgraded to a 275 and was very happy. Like you he thought the 275 had a weaker bass. He also bought a second 275 so he could run them mono.

Bob

Well, I switched to speaker cables from Clear Day Cables and placed the MC275 on a Mapleshade amp platform. Those changes, which were fairly inexpensive, have significantly improved the bass and dynamics of my system. So for now I am happy with the Mac and Aesthetix. They really are transporting with well recorded music.

The Moscode still appeals to me, mostly because the extra watts would help with my relatively inefficient speakers. But for now, the Mac is fine...

Mcondon

Honestly. inproving upon the transparency control, and dynamics of the MC 275 is easily done by going with The Butler TDB 2250, or better yet, the Dodd 120wpc mono blocks like the MK II's or later. both are more affordable than the new Moscodes. Both IMHO outperform the MC 275.... I have a Mac dealer in town... and why I now own both Dodd and Butler amps instead of the MAc.

That said, I do really like their SS amps, 402 & especially the 602. I feel the 602 or 500 wpc monos are life time amps. Really no need to go anywhere from them... in SS of course.

It's good you are digging the Mac amp. And discovering various iso gizmos very well can & do contribute to altering the sonic product. A Nice amp stand or small tuned rack from someone like Sound anchor will still further elevate the audio presentation... or such was my own exp. I have both amp stands and a towering 6 level filled rack, from Sound Anchor. Couldn't be happier with either. Also a pr of tall speaker stands. All helped improve coherency and presentation imaging.

TC

Blindjim, I appreciate your insights and recommendations. I have read great things about the Butler TDB2250 and you are the second person who has said they prefer it to the MC275. That said, these impressions were at dealerships with stock tubes installed. The MC275 becomes a different animal with NOS tubes...much more transparent and airy than in stock form, which sounds thick and slow in comparison. In any case I spent about 10 hours listening to music this weekend very very contented. The cable change really made a surprising amount of difference. But I will keep my eye out for a Butler. Maybe I will even try it for a 10 day money back trial period. The Dodd looks like a great amp, but I don't have space for them.