Latest MC275 vs cj Classic 62SE?

[Fotoman]

Has anyone had the opportunity to compare these two amps? If so I'd value your thoughts. One of my systems is the latest version of a MAC C22 into a cj Classic 62 SE and I'm wondering what, if anything, positive, I might gain if I were to swap the cj for the MAC. Primary speakers are Sonus Faber Guarneri Homage.

TIA

[Puma Cat]

Originally Posted by Fotoman

Has anyone had the opportunity to compare these two amps? If so I'd value your thoughts. One of my systems is the latest version of a MAC C22 into a cj Classic 62 SE and I'm wondering what, if anything, positive, I might gain if I were to swap the cj for the MAC. Primary speakers are Sonus Faber Guarneri Homage.

TIA

IMHO, you'd obtain a much more musically accurate, involving, and satisfying musical experience by installing a Shunyata Altaira ground hub (e.g, the CG hub) and a set of ground cables for the components in your system than from swapping out an excellent amplifier from CJ for...yet another amp.

It would also likely cost a fraction of the cost of swapping out for another amp.

Cheers.

[Fotoman]

Thanks for your input, Stephan. I'm working with an electrician to improve my dedicated outlet. I may eventually delve further into items like that Shunyata Altaira GC hub.

There is nothing wrong with the Classic 62SE but since I've never owned an all-McIntosh tube system, I thought I'd pose the question for those who have and who also have been able to compare a modern cj amp with a modern MAC tube amp.

I prefer euphonic over "accurate" and hyper-detailed. Years ago I had a conversation with a brilliant audio engineer who has been designing and building high end electronics, for decades. He felt that one of his biggest challenges was to ensure his preamps and amps were listenable and non-fatiguing, except with source material that was dreadfully recorded. I used his tube preamp and mono tube amps for many years until maintenance got to be too expensive and reliability increasingly "iffy."

[Charles]

Originally Posted by Fotoman

Has anyone had the opportunity to compare these two amps? If so I'd value your thoughts. One of my systems is the latest version of a MAC C22 into a cj Classic 62 SE and I'm wondering what, if anything, positive, I might gain if I were to swap the cj for the MAC. Primary speakers are Sonus Faber Guarneri Homage.

TIA

I agree with Stephan about the amps. This is an excellent tube power amp still in production. CJ makes superb gear and it usually meets its published specifications. Keep the CJ amp. In addition, you might want to consider an entry level CJ pre. I'm a believer in sound signatures. If I were going to change gear, I would switch out the C22.

However, I think that you will find the MC275 more accurate, less colored, and more solid state like. It will measure significantly better than the more expensive CJ. It will produce significantly more watts with much less distortion. It's a matter of taste. I personally would not like the more "tubey" sound but many do and I think you are among them.

Regarding the Altiraira, I like Audioquest power management. I think AQ's approach to grounding is different than Shunyata's. The Niagara 7000 for sources and power amps or the Niagara 5000 for sources and power amps solves the grounding problems effectively. I know that Stephan will disagree. I leave it to Garth Powell, Caelin Gabrielle, and Stephan to the debate. Either company makes superb power management gear, IMO.

Best

Charles

[Fotoman]

Originally Posted by Charles

I agree with Stephan about the amps. This is an excellent tube power amp still in production. CJ makes superb gear and it usually meets its published specifications. Keep the CJ amp. In addition, you might want to consider an entry level CJ pre. I'm a believer in sound signatures. If I were going to change gear, I would switch out the C22.

However, I think that you will find the MC275 more accurate, less colored, and more solid state like. It will measure significantly better than the more expensive CJ. It will produce significantly more watts with much less distortion. It's a matter of taste. I personally would not like the more "tubey" sound but many do and I think you are among them.

Charles

Thank you for your post, Charles. Please forgive my confusion but are you saying that the latest MC275 is more or less "tubey" than the cj Classic 62SE?

With regard to entry-level cj preamps, I did have an ET3 for a number of months paired with a cj MV55, but did not care for the ET3. I had to return the MV55, which I did like, because it started to red plate tubes and developed other issues. After I got the Classic 62 I considered better and newer cj preamps but I decided to go with the C22 because of its functionality and because I've never owned any MAC gear. I like the MAC tube preamp. Resale value of MAC gear also is a factor. CJ gear is about as "boutiquey" as I'm willing to go at this point. The cottage industry components I've had lose too much value at resale time, and sometimes build quality and reliability were problematic. From now on I'm sticking to mainstream.

The best sounding tube gear to my ears, in my many years of being "into audio," was the MFA separates which I finally, reluctantly sold after I got tired of dealing with maintenance, reliability issues, and the plethora of tubes required. No fault of the MFA gear but time (decades actually) eventually took its toll, as it is wont to do.

Best,
Paul

[audiogear]

Fotoman, there are a few reviews online pairing the C22 with an MC275 and MC75s.

-The Absolute Sound, by Paul Seydor 10/31/16
-Enjoythemusic.com, by Anthony Nicosia Nov 2015

Sorry, didn't provide links...wasn't sure about forum posting rules.

These reviews may help describe the MAC component synergy. This is all part of the fun. If a dealer is willing to loan and/or accept returns, I'd say enjoy the hunt!

[Fotoman]

thank you Mr. audiogear.
I was able to read both reviews. Mr. Seydor makes a pretty strong case for pairing the C22 with the MC275. It's a cliche' but I'm really looking for my "endgame" tube set up. I already have my SS needs taken care of with a lovely Accuphase E280. I should also mention that I like running the C22 into the amp section of the 280 with my Maggie LRS+. I could stop there, really, but you guys know how that often goes.

[vintage_tube]

I'm a firm believer in matching a manufacturers amplifier with their preamps. IMO, it is the "icing" on the proverbal system synergy aspect of audio.

IIWY, I'd sell the CJ and purchase a single MC275 and load the C22 and MC275 up with Gold Lions and never look back.

If later on you want to go full throttle, purchase another MC275 and have close to 180w per side.

Bob

[Fotoman]

Originally Posted by vintage_tube

I'm a firm believer in matching a manufacturers amplifier with their preamps. IMO, it is the "icing" on the proverbal system synergy aspect of audio.

IIWY, I'd sell the CJ and purchase a single MC275 and load the C22 and MC275 up with Gold Lions and never look back.

If later on you want to go full throttle, purchase another MC275 and have close to 180w per side.

Bob

Bob, I hear you. And thanks very much. And oh, I've had generally excellent experience with the GL reissues.

[Charles]

I rarely recommend a brand over Mac but in this case I do. The CJ will sound more tubey and this is not a bad thing. It's what you like. I think CJ makes superb gear. They will meet their published specs. If you like the classical tube sound, you would love my all CJ recommendation. In addition, you get the bonus of having a current CJ pre and amp, not a vintage piece with a current piece. While vintage Mac gear is generally compatible with current Mac gear, it will not be as compatible as trading in your C-22 for a ET6SE to complement your Classic 62SE amp. I would go with the all Mac or all CJ but my choice for you is easy: go with the all CJ. It totally current and great gear.

Best

Charles