Opinions Please

[feinstei]

Anyone who runs a MC-275 Gordon Gow version or above should used the balanced inputs on the MC-275 if possible. Tube V1 (a 12AX7A) sole purpose is to convert the unbalanced inputs to balanced.

Thus, if you use the balanced inputs on the MC-275, you eliminate the "sound path" from going through tube V1. I found the difference done via blind A/B testing to give me a tiny bit better stereo image.

[PeterMusic]

Originally Posted by Charles

I don't know about a MC275 but in most instances, especially regarding expensive loudspeakers, this is not possible. My dealer for example has two 1.25KW's in their main system in the store. These things weigh in at 157 lbs apiece. They charge about 80 dollars per hour per person for installation. It would be unrealistic for me to have them move two 1.2KW's (147 lbs) out of the way and haul two 1.25's up my stairs for a demo. In addition there is the question of "Do you box them up"? Same for the MC275's. Do you box them up and then unbox them? It's a big deal to haul around very expensive equipment and they are totally responsible for it if it is damaged and hauling it around out of the box is very dangerous.

I am seriously considering 1.25KW's to replace my 1.2's but I will not ask for an audition. Far too impractical.

Well yeah, at some point it becomes physically impossible, this varies by person and circumstance, and 157 lbs. is past that point for most of us.

Personally, I would pay (have paid) for demo transport and set up, and my system is much more modest that yours. Not to judge too much--but if you're dropping $25K on amps, I'm guessing you're in the neighborhood of $100K overall. Don't you want to spend $200 or $300 in labor to make sure everything's as good as it can be?

Back to this particular case--it is not the same for the MC275, which weighs in at a svelte 67 lbs, and it comes in a box that is doable for a civilian or two to carry and set up.