2. amps-preamps
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Amps and integrateds w/ similar sonic sig to MC275

Hi folks,

I've been out of the audio realm for a while, but I now want to put together a small system with good performance. I have had a lot of experience listening and owning some good gear, so I am not a beginner.

As far as amps goes, I've owned SS (Pass Labs) and tubes (McIntosh), and in my last nice system I had the MC275 (production model after the Gow version, but before the version with the modern speaker terminals) running. I probably never should have sold it... I really enjoyed the sound; engaging and lively, with some base slam when needed. Overall, it was all the amp I needed, and probably could be again, but I'll need to buy another one.

Since I do need to buy an amp, I feel I should do a reasonable search before I get the MC275 again... I like to know that I have evaluated all my reasonable options...

The first question is what amps would you recommend as a sonic twin to the MC275?

Because I was thinking a small system, I was thinking possibly of an integrated instead. Can anyone recommend any integrated amps that have a similar sonic signature to the MC275? I will probably be buying used, and probably don't want to go over the price of an MC275 used unless there is a real compelling reason (at that point, I'd probably go for the MC275 again).

I don't have a speaker selected yet, but will be looking at the Totems, Sonus Faber, and similar. Not big floorstanders, but probably not the bookshelf versions.

Thanks. If I need to provide any more information, let me know...

---Michael
mjm6
pubul57
3,712 posts
 
" is it fair to say that at least some of the sound from the MC275 is a result of the KT88's? If I consider KT88 amps from other companies, is there a likelihood that there will be a sonic similarity, or is it likely that the circuit topology of the amps plays a greater role in the sound than the power tubes?"

The circuit is the thing, same tube can sound incredibly different depending on the circuit. I would absolutely not assume that another KT88 amps will sound like the MAC on the basis of the tube being used. Does not work that way in my experience.
magfan
1,583 posts
 
If you settle on SS, the Pass integrated, in the form of the int-30 is the obvious way for you to go. Plenty of power, being nearly 3x the rated 30x2, by the time it reaches redline. This will drive any speaker you are currently considering, including the Totems. While 88db / 8ohm would seem to indicate a fairly easy load, the final measure would be phase angle. That is, how reactive a load the speaker really is.
pubul57
3,712 posts
 
I will second the notion that the XA.5 based Pass amps and integrated are among the finest SS amps made and the one that most tube lovers would have the easiest time living with - it does seem that Pass amps, at least the Class A amps are very conservatively rated in the effective power output - the 30 watt amp was way more than enough power to drive my 89db Merlins as loud and dynamic as I would ever want to listen to them.
mjm6 OP
43 posts
 
Thanks you two...

I first got an Aleph 3 years ago before it was declared a 'giant killer' because I loved the sound (the most tube-like that I had heard from a SS amp). I added an X-150 in another system and still was very pleased...

Lost most of that in a divorce, along with my Hales Concept 3's, Sonic Frontiers pre, and EAD transport and DAC (the wife liked audio as well...), ugh.

Pass Labs is certainly where I would consider if I don't go the tubes route.

---Michael
pubul57
3,712 posts
 
If you loved the Aleph, you really appreciate the improved bass performance you'll get with XAs, especially with "difficult" speaker loads - first rate gear, but not tubes:)
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