McIntosh MC75 MkIII amplifiers in the house

[jdandy]

My McIntosh MC75 MkIII amplifiers finally arrived about 1:30 PM. It was like seeing Santa Claus come up the driveway. Happy days. Huge grin. Two big burly guys carried the amps upstairs, packed the MC452, and were gone in less than 30 minutes. It did not take long for me to have the shipping cartons opened and the MC75 amplifiers displaying their charms. These are beautiful amplifiers, built like a Sherman tank, typical McIntosh attention to detail. Both amplifiers are in absolute mint condition, not a blemish or a scratch to be found anywhere. I couldn't be happier.











It took me about an hour to get both amplifiers installed after retubing them with Gold Lion KT-88 and ECC83/12AX7, and Siemens ECC801S/12AT7 tubes. John suggested I install them stock and then incrementally change tubes, add Wireworld Silver Electra power cables, and then add the Furutech Flux 50's. My enthusiasm overruled that idea as soon as I had them out of their cartons. Both MC75's are sporting the full enchillada. I couldn't hold myself back. I installed the two MC75's sideways in the rack, one in front of the other. There are two Cooler Guys fans installed on the back of the rack to pull warm air out of the rack cavity so the amps should have a long and healthy lifespan. In the future I may try orienting the amps 90 degrees so that the power cords and Flux 50's go directly out the back of the rack. It was a tight squeeze to get the Flux 50's and the Wireworld Silver Electra power cable installed as they presently sit. I do like looking at the tubes, but this arrangement obscures viewing the second amplifier. Time will determine what installation angle I eventually settle on.








The sound, goodness gracious, the sound. The system has been playing for two hours now and I am already thoroughly bonded with the MC75's. The sound is delicious, flowing, liquid gold to my ears, and the new tubes aren't broken in yet. No complaints with what I am hearing, only a big smile. The MC75's are wonderful. I should have bought a pair two years ago before McIntosh ended production. Being late to the party is still very cool. Color me starstruck.

[bart]

Dan, a hearty congrats!
Enjoy your new babies!

[Masterlu]

Congrats Dan... they look great in your rack; nicely done!

[crwilli]

I am happy for you Dan. It so nice to hear your enthusiasm.

Having compared an MC452 to a pair of MC275VIs on my Strads, I was torn on what was better. My thoughts are documented.

I will be interested in what yours are after having some time to adjust to your new beauties.

[US Blues]

Beautiful Dan. Congratulations, may your new amps sing to you day and night.

[Higgens]

Way to go, Dan. Lookin’ good.

[jdandy]

Gentlemen.......I am still parked in the sweet spot on the living room couch, still smiling, pleased as punch at the sound. First impressions are they sound very much like the MC2301’s in the studio. The lowest octaves are more solid and robust than I remember the MC275 stereo tube amp sounding. Dynamic are punchier, too. So far I am extremely pleased with what I am hearing. I'm not experiencing the slightest tinge of regret over trading the MC452. These two MC75 mono tube amps are keepers.

[JBT]

Originally Posted by jdandy

My McIntosh MC75 MkII amplifiers finally arrived about 1:30 PM. It was like seeing Santa Claus come up the driveway. Happy days. Huge grin. Two big burly guys carried the amps upstairs, packed the MC452, and were gone in less than 30 minutes. It did not take long for me to have the shipping cartons opened and the MC75 amplifiers displaying their charms. These are beautiful amplifiers, built like a Sherman tank, typical McIntosh attention to detail. Both amplifiers are in absolute mint condition, not a blemish or a scratch to be found anywhere. I couldn't be happier.











It took me about an hour to get both amplifiers installed after retubing them with Gold Lion KT-88, ECC83/12AX7, and Siemens ECC801S/12AT7 tubes. John suggested I install them stock and then incrementally change tubes, add Wireworld Silver Electra power cables, and then add the Furutech Flux 50's. My enthusiasm overruled that idea as soon as I had them out of their cartons. Both MC75's are sporting the full enchillada. I couldn't hold myself back. I installed the two MC75's sideways in the rack, one in front of the other. There are two Cooler Guys fans installed on the back of the rack to pull warm air out of the rack cavity so the amps should have a long and healthy lifespan. In the future I may try orienting the amps 90 degrees so that the power cords and Flux 50's go directly out the back of the rack. It was a tight squeeze to get the Flux 50's and the Wireworld Silver Electra power cable installed as they presently sit. I do like looking at the tubes, but this arrangement obscures viewing the second amplifier. Time will determine what installation angle I eventually settle on.








The sound, goodness gracious, the sound. The system has been playing for two hours now and I am already thoroughly bonded with the MC75's. The sound is delicious, flowing, liquid gold to my ears, and the new tubes aren't broken in yet. No complaints with what I am hearing, only a big smile. The MC75's are wonderful. I should have bought a pair two years ago before McIntosh ended production. Being late to the party is still very cool. Color me starstruck.

I see one. Where's the other one?


Okay I just read above. Looks like Salamander rack which means you can add more space

[jdandy]

Originally Posted by JBT

I see one. Where's the other one?

JBT.......It is behind the one in front. I'm not certain I will leave it like this, but for now it works.

[djwhog]

WOW, just amazing Dan! SO do you have an I.V. and a catheter line? I would not get up either, fantastic, enjoy as I know you will sir!