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  #11  
Old 11-09-2009, 08:50 PM
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John.......Thank you for the invitation. If I lived in Louisiana instead of North Florida, I'd make the road trip with CD's in hand. Hearing your XR200's would be far better than auditioning them in an audio dealer's showroom.
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STUDIO - McIntosh C1000C/P, MC2301 (2), MR88, Aurender N10, Esoteric K-01X, Shunyata Sigma spdif digital cable, Sonos Connect, PurePower 2000, Stillpoints, Furutech Flux 50, Michell Gyro SE, Michell HR Power Supply, SME 309, Ortofon Cadenza Black, Wireworld, Sonus faber Amati Anniversario
LIVING ROOM - McIntosh C2300, MC75 (2), MR85, Magnum Dynalab 205, Simaudio MOON Neo 260D-T, Schiit Audio Yggdrasil, Aurender N100H, Shunyata Sigma USB cable, Micro Seiki DD40, Ortofon Cadenza Blue, Nakamichi BX-300, Sony 60ES DAT, PS Audio P10, Furutech Flux 50, Sonos Connect, Stillpoints, Wireworld, Kimber, PMC EB1i, JL Audio f113
VINTAGE - McIntosh MA230, Tandberg 3011A tuner, Olive 04HD, Sony DTC-59ES DAT, McIntosh 4300V, JBL 4312A

Last edited by jdandy; 11-09-2009 at 09:42 PM.
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  #12  
Old 11-09-2009, 08:57 PM
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Jim.......This is the kind of feedback I need. Hearing an opinion from someone who has actually auditioned the XR200's is valuable to me. Of course, we both know that hotel rooms are the absolute worst places to audition any speaker, even when care was given to set the room up acceptably. Dealer showrooms run a close second.
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STUDIO - McIntosh C1000C/P, MC2301 (2), MR88, Aurender N10, Esoteric K-01X, Shunyata Sigma spdif digital cable, Sonos Connect, PurePower 2000, Stillpoints, Furutech Flux 50, Michell Gyro SE, Michell HR Power Supply, SME 309, Ortofon Cadenza Black, Wireworld, Sonus faber Amati Anniversario
LIVING ROOM - McIntosh C2300, MC75 (2), MR85, Magnum Dynalab 205, Simaudio MOON Neo 260D-T, Schiit Audio Yggdrasil, Aurender N100H, Shunyata Sigma USB cable, Micro Seiki DD40, Ortofon Cadenza Blue, Nakamichi BX-300, Sony 60ES DAT, PS Audio P10, Furutech Flux 50, Sonos Connect, Stillpoints, Wireworld, Kimber, PMC EB1i, JL Audio f113
VINTAGE - McIntosh MA230, Tandberg 3011A tuner, Olive 04HD, Sony DTC-59ES DAT, McIntosh 4300V, JBL 4312A
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  #13  
Old 11-09-2009, 09:04 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by two dot View Post
Two of my biggest concerns on this speaker is unavailability and finish problems.

I have been trying to demo them for 6 months... No luck!

Several pairs that I have heard of, have experienced finish problems...

Not a good sign.

I wish that they had a more "forgiving" finish than piano black.

Just my .02...
Stephen.......I can understand those concerns. Not being able to demo a speaker, especially a brand new speaker, even one from McIntosh, makes it difficult to just blindly pull the trigger on good faith.

I have not heard about any finish problems with the XR200 that I recall. What have you heard about finish problems?
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STUDIO - McIntosh C1000C/P, MC2301 (2), MR88, Aurender N10, Esoteric K-01X, Shunyata Sigma spdif digital cable, Sonos Connect, PurePower 2000, Stillpoints, Furutech Flux 50, Michell Gyro SE, Michell HR Power Supply, SME 309, Ortofon Cadenza Black, Wireworld, Sonus faber Amati Anniversario
LIVING ROOM - McIntosh C2300, MC75 (2), MR85, Magnum Dynalab 205, Simaudio MOON Neo 260D-T, Schiit Audio Yggdrasil, Aurender N100H, Shunyata Sigma USB cable, Micro Seiki DD40, Ortofon Cadenza Blue, Nakamichi BX-300, Sony 60ES DAT, PS Audio P10, Furutech Flux 50, Sonos Connect, Stillpoints, Wireworld, Kimber, PMC EB1i, JL Audio f113
VINTAGE - McIntosh MA230, Tandberg 3011A tuner, Olive 04HD, Sony DTC-59ES DAT, McIntosh 4300V, JBL 4312A
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  #14  
Old 11-09-2009, 09:37 PM
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Dan,
I heard them at CES last year. If I recall correctly, they were being driven my MC 1.2KW's a C1000T, MCD 500. Ron was kind enough to play a few cuts from the MS 750, and an album cut. Frankly I can't recall the tunes specifically. I was impressed enough to put them on a short list for a longer audition, along with Vienna Acoustics 'The Music' . They were very dynamic and very clean sounding, with a well integrated overall presentation. It was at the end of a long CES day spent on the show floor, so I can't say I gave them a fair hearing. But there was enough there to merit a closer listen.

Now we're in the same boat, with no local dealer having a pair to audition. I too have a space constrained listening environment and listen in the close field.
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  #15  
Old 11-09-2009, 09:48 PM
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The XR200 is not the speaker that is in demand at Audio Classics.
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  #16  
Old 11-09-2009, 09:49 PM
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First -- right out of the gate -- I have not heard the XR200's. I had dual MC275's and yes, they would power the XR200's; but, would work better with more than what the MC275's can give them. IMO, I would not consider the XR200's with those amps for that main reason. That was one of my reasons for selling the MC275's and moving up to the MC2301's -- I didn't think the MC275's controlled my speakers as well as they should have & was right -- once I received the MC2301's I realized I made the right move.

My dealer, who has a pair, told me they sound best with more than what the MC275's can provide considering sensitivity is a bit low (86db). He's had them powered with MC2301's and said they are awesome (great bass, mids, crystal clear, threw great soundstage) with those amps and cavets that with you wouldn’t go wrong with MC501's or the 1.2kw's. (He has not had them hooked up with those amps).

He reported the following considering amping them with SS gear “I've owned both and prefer the XR200, bass is deeper and much easier to drive due to the top port. Some might prefer the soft domes of the 28's but I found the XR200 array very smooth with no edginess or glare. Had it hooked up to the MA7000 with the MCD500 and it pressurized my 15 by 34 foot room effortlessly. I guess its a matter of preference but I like the newer ported design of the 1k and 200 over the 28's and 30's.”

Someone asked this question & someone familiar with the speakers answered:

Question: "Will the MC501's make this speaker come alive? What would be the minimum amplifier power suggested for the XR200? "

Answer: "MC501's would work great. MC1.2KW's even better."

In other postings, Ron-C is quoted as stating: “Any Mc amp will drive the XR200s including the MC275. XR200 is rated for up to 600 watts music power. Yes the MC1.2K amps will have the biggest sound and the scariest bass but this would be the same with any speaker. For most folks who listen at normal volumes any of the amps will work and the MC501s are an ideal match power wise".

He compares them to the LS360's: "The XR200 is less efficient than the LS360s but that does not tell the whole story. XR200 has more bass extension and weight which makes them sound full at a lower volume where you have to crank the LS360 since it is somewhat leaner sounding. Playing the XR200s at high volume will definitely rock your house. The mid/high design of the XR200 yields a very deep stereo image throughout a room. Perhaps the biggest sweet spot is why these will be so popular. The spaciousness and depth of the image is also one of the best regardless of speaker compared".

Ron-C has also stated "the MA6600” at 200wpc “will power them fine".

Someone who heard them with the Anniversary 75watt tubes stated this “As I noted in my comments from AK Fest, the XR-200's there did not impress at all and I am waiting to hear them at one of my local dealers. It could have been the room, though that was better than last years, or it could have been the equipment driving them. (The Anniversary Edition tubes and some much older tubes).

Another XR200 owner stated: ” Their sound is very reminiscent of my XRT1K's, with sparkling highs and mid-range along with a robust low end. My MC402 seems to be a good match for them.”

Bottom line --with your tube amps
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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 Master Preamplifier (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 Valhalla TA 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 in Argento Silver/Black 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 Bar:Shunyata Everest 8000 w/Omega XC 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:3M Nordost Odin 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 Preamp & Space Tech Labs ATT-3.02 tube test sets.

Last edited by vintage_tube; 11-11-2009 at 08:37 AM.
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  #17  
Old 11-09-2009, 09:52 PM
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I have moved four pairs so far, every owner has never looked back on their purchase.
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Analog Rig: CLEARAUDIO INNOVATION WOOD, UNIVERSAL ARM w/ Da VINCI' CART, 2nd UNIVERSAL ARM w/ GOLDFINGER STATEMENT CART, HRS-MXR REFERENCE RACK-GLOSS BLACK w/ M3X SHELVES, AESTHETIX RHEA SIG PHONO-PRE, BRYSTON BHA-1 HEADPHONE AMP, WW PLATINUM CABLES
Reference System: BURMESTER 911MK3 AMP(3), 088 PRE-AMP, 089 CD PLAYER, 100 PHONO PRE-AMP, 948 POWER CONDITIONER, ACCUPHASE DG-68 VOICING EQUALIZER, AVID ACUTUS REFERENCE SP TT, GRAHAM PHANTOM II SUPREME ARM, BENZ MICRO LP-S CART, GRANDIOSO P1X/D1X STACK, G1X RUBIDIUM MASTER CLOCK, N05 NETWORK PLAYER, SILENZIO MUSIC SERVER, HRS-SXR CUSTOM RACK w/ M3X SHELVES, SONUS FABER AIDA SPEAKERS, JL FATHOM F113v2 SUBS(2) SOUND ANCHOR STANDS(2) WW PLATINUM CABLES

Library System: GRANDIOSO M1 MONOBLOCK AMPS, C1 LINESTAGE PRE-AMP, K1X CD/SACD PLAYER, G1 MASTER RUBIDIUM CLOCK, E02 PHONO-PRE, SILENZIO MUSIC SERVER, AERIAL ACOUSTICS 20T V2, AERIAL SW12 SUBS(2), CANTON REF K1’s, VPI HRX TT w/ SDS POWER SUPPLY, ORTOFON CADENZA BLACK CART, KLAUDIO RCM, SHUNYATA DENALI 6000/S v2, SHUNYATA OMEGA QR’s, WW PLATINUM CABLES
Esoteric/Bryston System: ESOTERIC C02-X PRE-AMP, P-02X TRANSPORT, D02-X DAC, G02-X CLOCK, BRYSTON 28B3 CUBED MONOBLOCK AMPS(4), BRYSTON BHA-1 HEADPHONE AMP, SHUNYATA DENALI 6000/S v2(2) EVEREST 8000 POWER CONDITIONER(2) ALTAIRA CG & SG HUBS, AMR-DP777-SE DAC, SILENZIO MUSIC SERVER, TAD REFERENCE ONE MK2 LOUDSPEAKERS, QUADRASPIRE RACK, WW PLATINUM CABLES
Accuphase/Canton System: ACCUPHASE E800 INTEGRATED, DP570 CD/SACD PLAYER, T1200 FM STEREO TUNER, DG-68 VOICING EQUALIZER, PS530 POWER SUPPLY, CANTON REF K3’s, CANTON REF K5’s, SILENZIO MUSIC SERVER, HRS MXR REFERENCE MAHOGHANY RACK w/ M3X2 SHELVES, WW GOLD CABLES
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  #18  
Old 11-09-2009, 09:57 PM
two dot two dot is offline
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I had one dealer, whose ears I trust, tell me that..."the 501's will drive them but the 1.2K's will make them sing"

That alone just told me, that if I pulled the trigger on XR200 I would be needing 1.2K's soon thereafter.

Mc speakers, and I LOVE them, need A LOT of power.
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  #19  
Old 11-09-2009, 10:01 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Masterlu View Post
I have moved four pairs so far, every owner has never looked back on their purchase.
What did they plan on powering them with??
__________________
Amps:VAC 450iQ Monos in Silver Flake on HRS M3X2-1921's, HRS G7 Footers/G-Links & Sound Anchor Conecoasters.
Preamp:VAC Master Preamplifier (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 Valhalla TA 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 in Argento Silver/Black 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 Bar:Shunyata Everest 8000 w/Omega XC 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:3M Nordost Odin 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 Preamp & Space Tech Labs ATT-3.02 tube test sets.
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  #20  
Old 11-09-2009, 10:02 PM
two dot two dot is offline
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Dan,

I know that the "finish" was one of the big reasons for the late release... finish and cabinet building problems... cost overruns...

My local dealer that has delivered a couple of pair has had finish issues both times...

He says that he feels really bad, when people wait so long, and they finally deliver and the finish is less than perfect...

Still I hear that they ARE the best sounding speakers in that price range...

BAR NONE.... given ample power..
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