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#1
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Latest MC275 vs cj Classic 62SE?
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
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Conrad Johnson Classic 62SE, McIntosh C-22 Mk V, Accuphase E-280, Sonus Faber Guarneri Homage, Magnepan LRS+, Rega P6, Hana SL, Gold Note DS-10 with PSU. A pair of REL T5X in and out of the system depending on my mood. |
#2
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It would also likely cost a fraction of the cost of swapping out for another amp. Cheers.
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Lumin P1 streamer/DAC/preamp, Constellation Inspiration integrated TT: Michell Gyro SE MkII, SME V, Koetsu Urushi Vermilion, EAR324. Harbeth 30.2s, REL R-305, Shunyata Alpha V2 ICs, Alpha V2 SPs, Sigma XC, Sigma NRv2, Omega QR-s & Alpha NRv2 PCs, segmented Altaira SG stack w/ Alpha & Omega CGCs, Everest 8000 PD. Remote Server Room: Uptone EtherREGEN, AfterDark Master Clock & LPS, Alita, Battle Angel, (Akasa NUC Roon Core), iFi DC Purifiers (for SMPS used for Alita & router), Shunyata Gemini combo power distributor & Altaira-type CG GP-NR hub, Venom & Alpha CGCs, Shunyata NRv14 power cords for digital components. |
#3
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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."
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Conrad Johnson Classic 62SE, McIntosh C-22 Mk V, Accuphase E-280, Sonus Faber Guarneri Homage, Magnepan LRS+, Rega P6, Hana SL, Gold Note DS-10 with PSU. A pair of REL T5X in and out of the system depending on my mood. |
#4
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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
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__________________________________________ Charles Updated System: Wilson McIntosh Audioquest Amps: McIntosh MC3500MKII (2); McIntosh MC1.25KW (2); MC2.1KW An (1) Preamp: C-12000 An Sources: MCD12000 An; MVP881; MVP851; MR87; Marantz 510LV; ASUS laptop Speakers: Wilson Audio Specialties Chronosonic XVX Sub-woofer: Wilson Audio Specialties Thor’s Hammer (1); Wilson ActivXO Stereo Electronic Crossover Cables main system: Audioquest WEL Signature speaker cables; balanced IC (preamp to main amps); WEL Signature digital coaxial cable for MVP 881/MCD12000; Audioquest Diamond optical (1) for tuner, (1) for MVP 851 DVD player, and (1) for LD player for total of (3); Audioquest Diamond USB cable; Dragon power cords (5 HC cords and 3 source cords for total of 8); Thunder HC power cord for MR87 tuner Cables subwoofer system: Audioquest Redwood speaker cable (1); Wolf balanced subwoofer IC; Wind balanced IC from preamp to ActivXO; Hurricane HC (3); Hurricane Source (1); Dragon HC (1) power cords Power conditioners: Audioquest Niagara 7000 (1) and Niagara 5000 (3); (4) dedicated 20-amp lines. Isolation: Wilson Pedestals; Bassocontinuo McIntosh Ultra Feet; X-material plinth Cabinet: Double Custom Woodwork & Design (CWD) Acoustic Treatments: Room and Echo Tunes Last edited by Charles; 02-28-2024 at 03:05 PM. |
#5
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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
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Conrad Johnson Classic 62SE, McIntosh C-22 Mk V, Accuphase E-280, Sonus Faber Guarneri Homage, Magnepan LRS+, Rega P6, Hana SL, Gold Note DS-10 with PSU. A pair of REL T5X in and out of the system depending on my mood. Last edited by Fotoman; 02-28-2024 at 04:33 PM. Reason: Add my name |
#6
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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!
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Main System: Sf Amati Tradition, B&W DB1 sub, McIntosh C2300, MC501s, MA12000, MCD500, HiFi Rose RS150B, Oppo 105, Niagara 5000, AQ Tornado/Thunder/Blizzard PCs, Robin Hood BiWire (zero+bass), Gibraltar SCs, Water ICs, Cinnamon RJ/E, Solidsteel HF-3 racks. 2nd System: Sf Cremona Auditor M, McIntosh C50, MC275(VI), MA6600, Node 2i, Oppo 95, AQ NRG-4 PCs, Robin Hood Zero SC, Cobra/Nordost Heimdall ICs. |
#7
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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.
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Conrad Johnson Classic 62SE, McIntosh C-22 Mk V, Accuphase E-280, Sonus Faber Guarneri Homage, Magnepan LRS+, Rega P6, Hana SL, Gold Note DS-10 with PSU. A pair of REL T5X in and out of the system depending on my mood. |
#8
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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
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Amps:VAC 450iQ Monos in Silver Flake on HRS M3X2-1921's, HRS G7 Footers/G-Links & Sound Anchor Conecoasters. Preamp:VAC Statement (on order) (Silver Flake) Digital Source: dCS Rossini CD/SACD Transport, Vivaldi APEX DAC, Upsampler Plus & matching Clock (Silver) Analogue Preamp:VAC Renaissance SE Phono stage in Silver Flake with XLR Output Option & with Nordost Valhalla XLR's. Analogue Sources:SME 20/2 w/SME V arm & Nordost Odin 2 Tone Arm Cable, Palo Santos Presentation Cartridge & Akai GX-400D Reel-to-Reel w/relapped heads by JRF Magnetic Sciences. Akai RC-17 cabled remote (original owner since 1974). Vibration Control:TT on HRS M3X2-1921 shelf. Speakers:Wilson Audio Alexia V (on order in Ferrari Argento Silver/Parchment grills sitting on Acoustic Diode Kit). Power Cables:4 Nordost Odin Supreme Reference on amps, preamp & DAC. Ansuz Acoustics C2 on Transport & Clock. Power Distribution:Ansuz Mainz D3 Distributor & Ansuz Mainz C2 1M Power Cable Power Outlets:Furutech GTX-D NCF (R) duplex outlet, GTX Wall Plate & Duplex Cover (x2) on dedicated, same panel phase, 20A breakers. Speaker Cables:2M Nordost Odin 2 Supreme Reference on Nordost Sort Lifts. Signal Cables:Nordost Odin XLR's on dCS DAC & Amps. Digital Cables: Nordost Odin 2's, 110-ohm AES/EBU on dCS Transport to DAC. Clock Cables:5 each 75 ohm 1.25M Nordost Valhalla BNC/BNC Digital Ethernet Cable: WireWorld Platinum 1M Starlight® 8 Twinax Headphones:Vintage Koss Pro IV AA. RCM: Audio Desk PRO Tube Test Gear:Mint late '60's/calibrated Heathkit TT-1A, MaxiMatcher Power Amp & Preamp & Space Tech Labs ATT-3.02 tube test sets. |
#9
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Conrad Johnson Classic 62SE, McIntosh C-22 Mk V, Accuphase E-280, Sonus Faber Guarneri Homage, Magnepan LRS+, Rega P6, Hana SL, Gold Note DS-10 with PSU. A pair of REL T5X in and out of the system depending on my mood. |
#10
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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
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__________________________________________ Charles Updated System: Wilson McIntosh Audioquest Amps: McIntosh MC3500MKII (2); McIntosh MC1.25KW (2); MC2.1KW An (1) Preamp: C-12000 An Sources: MCD12000 An; MVP881; MVP851; MR87; Marantz 510LV; ASUS laptop Speakers: Wilson Audio Specialties Chronosonic XVX Sub-woofer: Wilson Audio Specialties Thor’s Hammer (1); Wilson ActivXO Stereo Electronic Crossover Cables main system: Audioquest WEL Signature speaker cables; balanced IC (preamp to main amps); WEL Signature digital coaxial cable for MVP 881/MCD12000; Audioquest Diamond optical (1) for tuner, (1) for MVP 851 DVD player, and (1) for LD player for total of (3); Audioquest Diamond USB cable; Dragon power cords (5 HC cords and 3 source cords for total of 8); Thunder HC power cord for MR87 tuner Cables subwoofer system: Audioquest Redwood speaker cable (1); Wolf balanced subwoofer IC; Wind balanced IC from preamp to ActivXO; Hurricane HC (3); Hurricane Source (1); Dragon HC (1) power cords Power conditioners: Audioquest Niagara 7000 (1) and Niagara 5000 (3); (4) dedicated 20-amp lines. Isolation: Wilson Pedestals; Bassocontinuo McIntosh Ultra Feet; X-material plinth Cabinet: Double Custom Woodwork & Design (CWD) Acoustic Treatments: Room and Echo Tunes Last edited by Charles; 02-28-2024 at 10:51 PM. |
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