Curious about the latest McIntosh MC75 tube power amplifier
 

I have been interested in the new McIntosh MC75 mono tube amplifiers for the past year or so. I go awhile without giving them much thought, then all of a sudden they are on my mind again. I am interested in hearing from those who own a pair of the current MC75's, what preamplifier you use, and what speakers you drive with the amps. Are you pleased with the power, and most of all are you pleased with the sound the produce? I am considering a pair of MC75 amplifiers for my living room system paired with my McIntosh C2300 tube preamp, and driving PMC EB1i speakers. Let me know what you think.


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Dan I have always favored mono amps for multiple reasons. This amp is so clean and beautiful in appearance. Years ago I owned a pair. Should have never sold them. I hope you give them a try.

Charles.......There's something about mono tube amps that has always appealed to me. My very first McIntosh amplifiers were a pair of MC30 mono tube amps. I bought those in 1968. Like you said, I should have kept them. Alas, hindsight is always crystal clear.

My living room sound system has seen many amplifiers, starting with a MC300, MC275, a pair of MC275's, MC352, MC501's, MC601's, and now a MC452. I should have probably stayed with the single MC275 stereo tube power amplifier. I have heard it said the MC75 amplifiers outperform the MC275, particularly in dynamics and greater control of the lowest octaves. What I still remember about the MC275 operating in stereo in the living room is how magical and liquid the midrange was. If a pair of MC75 mono tube amplifiers are able to best that, I would be quite happy. It's not like I need 450 watts per channel the MC452 has on tap. My PMC EB1i speakers are 89dB efficient and I rarely ever listen to them with peaks above about 30 watts. A pair of MC75's would just be strolling.

Although I haven't made a decision to purchase a pair of MC75's yet, I can't deny I have been thinking about it.

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:D

I would love to have a pair of these for play. Just to switch up the dynamics every now and then vs my Pass amps.

Dan,
I’m trying to recall a few posts on the new MC 75’s by someone who also owned MC 2301’s. Found this:
https://www.audioaficionado.org/showthread.php?t=22121

If they are close to MC 2301’s that makes them winners in my book!

I think MC2301s are the answer Dan! They will be better in every way. You don’t have to push your system to know that. Only a matter of ~2X the cost. My Strads are more sensitive than your PMCs and there is no way I would use MC75s instead of the MC2301s. The sting of the initial purchase will fade with the long term joy of the MC2301s.

Dan, I have the anniversary edition and I loved it...it has the magical midrange of a Tube Amplifier, superb soundstage depth, and Bass are tight and clear!

Highly recommended!

Dan already owns a pair of 2301’s :yes:

Craig.......I own a pair of MC301 amplifiers. They are in the studio system driving a pair of Sonus faber Amati Anniversario speakers. Pure joy.

I have driven the PMC EB1i speakers in the past with a MC275 Mk V and was quite surprised at how dynamic it was, and it certainly had enough power to reach the volume levels I typically enjoy, usually less than 90 dB. That equates to less than 2 watts output power from the amplifier. I could also crank the system to substantial volume levels that exceed what I normally find comfortable, so I have little doubt a pair of the latest MC75's will not drive the PMC's just fine. As I understand it, the latest MC75 mono tube amps use the same power supply as the MC275. That makes each channel considerably more robust that a MC275 can muster. I'm still just kicking around the idea of replacing the MC452 in the living room system. It certainly isn't because I am unhappy with the 452's performance. No way!