Quote:
Originally Posted by jbaudio68
Last question (I'm having some wine so the courage is up): does mc ss with tube pre come close to Mc tube sound or is it just different? It's a huge question for me directionally and I'd appreciate any input. -JB
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Jeremy.......That is a loaded question, no pun intended. McIntosh tube sound covers a great many years of tube based amplifier production. My first McIntosh tube amplifiers were a pair of MC30 mono amps that McIntosh introduced in 1960 for $120.00. Their sound was quite different from the MC275 stereo tube power amp introduced in 1961 and sold through 1970 for $444.00. The tube sound of the original MC275 is quite different from the MC275 MkV and 50th Anniversary Edition in the current catalog. All of those tube amplifiers sound different from McIntosh's MC2000, and the newest MC2301 tube power amps. The evolution of McIntosh tube amplifiers has continuously brought newer technology and higher quality internal components to their designs, and is clearly reflected in each amplifier's voicing.
When I did a direct comparison of the McIntosh C1000C/P solid state preamplifier to the C1000C/T tube preamplifier (
http://www.audioaficionado.org/mcint...vs-c1000t.html) I was surprised to discover there were far more similarities than differences in their sound. McIntosh manage to build two completely different components while managing to maintain a very similar and cohesive sonic signature between both of them. The same does not hold true, though, for their power amplifiers. Each power amplifier has a particular voice that makes the amp's personality independent of the others, although there is a common thread of excellence in sound woven through all McIntosh amplifiers. In their MC2301 tube amp design there is a faster sense of pace, rhythm and timing that differentiates it from the other tube based power amps. The MC2301 tube power amp also compares quite favorably with McIntosh's newest solid state offerings.
OK, I've said all that to say this. All preamplifiers and power amplifiers, no matter the design concept or the manufacturer, have a sonic signature. Putting any two components together to assemble a preamplifier/amplifier package is as much about component synergy as it is about sonic signatures. It has been my experience with the solid state power amplifiers I have owned, most sounded best to me driven with tube preamplifiers. I can also tell you that the C1000C/P solid state preamplifier I drive my MC2301's with creates an incredible sonic performance. Ultimately it boils down to your taste, not mine, on what tickles your fancy. My suggestion to you is to audition the gear you are most interested in owning, preferably in your home, and make your decision on what gives you consistent goosebumps, and what doesn't.
Cheers......
