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Moscode 402au vs Butler TDB2250 vs McIntosh MC275

I am using a McIntosh MC275 with an Aesthetix Calypso preamplifier and Sehring 703 speakers (86dB at 8 ohms). The Mac has great mid-range timbre, detail, and high end extension, but the bass and soundstage width could be better. I primarily am a fan of rock music, but find I mainly listen to more laid back music (Norah Jones, Feist) with the Mac because hard rock doesn't sound all that convincing. So I am looking to buy either the Moscode 402au or the Butler TDB2250 to replace the Mac, having read good comments about both hybrids, hoping for better bass and soundstage without sacrificing too much mid-range warmth.

OK, long preamble over...has anyone compared the MC275 to the Moscode or Butler? Any thoughts or advice?
mcondon
mcondon OP
235 posts
 
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...
blindjim
3,092 posts
 

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
mcondon OP
235 posts
 
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.
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