MC601 to MC275's??

[ptrck887]

Hello all!
Seeking some advice. Recently purchased a Line Magnetic LM-845ia just to see what the fascination with SET amps is all about. My current MC601, C500T, Sonus Faber Guarneri Evolutions with REL G-2's in my small dediticated, treated room is outstanding, one of the most focused, 3D, holographic and immersive systems I've encountered. The one area I would like to improve is on tonal density.....
The LM-845ia was just ok....and as expected had a difficult time driving the SF's. Intersting enough, another feature of SET amps is a wide open holographic soundstage and in that regard it did not come close to matching what I already have with my Mc's. Not surprising as expecting a $4k integrated to compete with nealy $25k worth of Mc gear simply isn't realistic. What the LM-845 did do nicely was impart a sense of richness and tonal density through the mids that was very nice...voices and especialy sax were outstanding. Something I have chased via C500T tube rolling for a couple of years, and I have rolled every 12AX7 and 5751 known to man...none brought out that sort of richness. So to my question, would moving from 601's to a pair of Mc275's add that touch of tonal ricness without losing that huge 3D sound stage that I crave? Appreciate any feed back from those who have already tried this.
Thanks

[damacman]

Vintage MC275s or MC60s will likely give you what you're after. Modern MC275VIs, likely not.

[PMCH]

I had MC601's and purchased 2 MC275 VIs. I ended up preferring the MC601's at that time and sold the MC275's. Changing the tubes in the MC275's was an improvement in sound quality for me also but when I had both amps next to each other I did prefer the MC601's. I now have the MC2301's and they are my favorite, so far.

[MainAnalog]

I can only speak personally about MC452 vs modern MC275. I believe I gave up some low-end crispness (452) but really enjoy the midrange vocals and presence that the 275 (with rolled tubes) give me. I don't listen loudly so that's an important caveat. If you truly need MC601's dynamic range not sure MC275's will work - MC2301's mentioned above would be my recommendation if you need >100 watts frequently

[FreddieFerric]

I wonder if a pair of MC75's might get the OP his desired sound.

[Logan Nolag]

Originally Posted by FreddieFerric

I wonder if a pair of MC75's might get the OP his desired sound.

Isn't the MC75 just half of an MC275?

[W9TR]

I’ve owned the MC 601’s and MC 275V at the same time. The midrange on the MC 275V’s is truly outstanding but they struggle a bit with low end articulation and HF detail.

That said, I still own a beautiful MC 275V and sold the MC 601’s some time ago. Midrange rules!

The latest MC 75’s are said to be as good as MC 2301’s sonically. It that’s true they are giant killers.

Tom

[crwilli]

Originally Posted by Logan Nolag

Isn't the MC75 just half of an MC275?

I think the MC75 has the same power transformer as the MC275 soooo you get twice the power transformer with two MC75s. That is reported to translate into better dynamics.

Having said that, while I haven’t owned MC75s, I have owned two MC275VIs and a pair of the MC2301s.

The MC2301s are the king of the hill of McIntosh tube amplifiers - power, low end articulation, mid-range sweetness and upper end articulation.

[Logan Nolag]

Originally Posted by crwilli

I think the MC75 has the same power transformer as the MC275 soooo you get twice the power transformer with two MC75s. That is reported to translate into better dynamics.

Having said that, while I haven’t owned MC75s, I have owned two MC275VIs and a pair of the MC2301s.

The MC2301s are the king of the hill of McIntosh tube amplifiers - power, low end articulation, mid-range sweetness and upper end articulation.

That makes sense. Would you get a similar benefit from 2 275s in mono mode?

[crwilli]

Originally Posted by Logan Nolag

That makes sense. Would you get a similar benefit from 2 275s in mono mode?

No. In that case each MC275 will be running in mono and yielding 150WPC. Same power supplies, twice the output.