This model of McIntosh doesn't even have the blue meters lol. And considering non-sonic attributes, the McIntosh amps will hold value a hell of a lot better than Prima Luna. They'll basically never go down.
Mc 240 vs. Prima Luna
Good morning all, hope everyone is well and ready for the holidays.
I may need someone to talk me away from the ledge. (fairly normal state for me these days).
Story is this. I have been saving to add a second McIntosh 240 to my system. I have one now that does a fine job powering my Klipsch Heresy IV's. It was recently refurbished by Audio Classics in Vestal NY. (by the way, can't reccmomend them highly enough, especially Ryan).
Anyway, I'm getting close to being able to pony up for the second 240. Plan is to bridge them in mono and have 80 WPC effectivly.
However.... I have been reading much about the Prima Luna's. Modern.. Warm... ability to roll several tube types.. sweet mid, good low end..
Do I stick with my original plan, get the second 240, (built in the US, tank like construction, known sound and cool factor).
Or do I chase the neat new shiny Prima Luna's ?
Any thoughts are welcome..
Doug
Showing 3 responses by mulveling
I disagree that doubling up the current tube amp won’t gain you much. I have a pair of VAC 200iQ tube amps, and running mono is a clear and significant improvement over a single amp in stereo mode. I have 96dB / 8 ohm speakers, so the increase from 100 Watts/ch to 200 doesn’t seem like it should be meaningful. But very clearly, the pair of mono amps is much better - and it’s not always just about raw power, anyways. Also heard this same effect with the same amps in my friend’s system. And 3dB is a LOT, when you’re near your preferred listening volume in a familiar system and you’re an audiophile. "3dB isn’t much" is good forum fodder for the HT guys. With op going from 40 to 80 watts, I’d be surprised if the improvement isn’t significant. I’d stick with the McIntosh plan. |
I've heard the nasty downside of bridging, with solid-state amps which I loved in stereo mode (Phison A2.120 SE), and they lost their sweetness in mono/bridge. But tube amps can be a different story, probably in part because you can change taps to manage the different impedance. Also they won't just "double down" the current & power while straining the PSU and output stage. My VAC switchable mono/stereo tube amps sounds by far the best in mono. But @oldhvymec has experience with the MC's, doesn't like bridging them, and that trumps theory. So that's a solid vote against mono/bridging the MC240... |