MC5200 or a MC275 with preamp

if you can find a way to listen to the MC275, i would do that. years ago i was auditioning audio research amps - the dealer played equivalent AR SS then AR VT100 amp, and the VT 100 tube amp killed it. was night and day! same speakers, source, cables. - tube amp sound was so much more real, in the room presence. in comparison, the SS $3000.00 was almost unlistenable. the MC275 is a freak of nature! built like a tank/last forever/sound that rivals both mega watt tubes and single end triodes at the same time. even more control than some ss amps. however, many audiophiles value an analytical detailed presentation… thats ok. but if you gonna spend that cash… be sure would not prefer the tubes. personally, once i had a taste of tubes, i could never imagine seeking out a SS amp again.

I like that warm tube sound. I have tried a number of Amps over the past 40 years and I personally find tubes more pleasing. Don't get me wrong I do like the snap and speed of SS which is why I am running a SS amp on the bass speaker and Tubes on the mids and highs. I'm also running a tube preamp. Everyone has their own liking this is just mine.

"So my question is: is THIS tube amp really significantly better than this solid state amp?"

Its a difficult question to answer. You're the one that has to listen to it so it really comes down to what you think. Both are excellent amps but it looks like you only heard the MC5200, and not the 275.

You really owe it to yourself to listen to a 275 before you get one. If it will drive your speakers, chances are that you will like it. But there is no gaurantee. Its possible you may prefer the SS amp.

A couple of other posters recommend the Aesthetix preamp. I do too.

Like Pdreher, I also own (2) MC 275 running mono for my Infinity RS 1-B's on the mids and top end. I also have the Calypso pre and Rhea phono...magic!!!!

RWD (Rick)

If the MC275 is within your budget and provides the necessary power to properly drive your speakers I would recommend that you go for it!

Dear Bobandcathi: IMHO real music is everithing you want but warm. If this kind of colorations/distortions is what you like its fine but that is not a real music home reproduction.

Music is accurate and tubes are not.

Regards and enjoy the music,
R.

Dear Bobandcathi: IMHO real music is everithing you want but warm. If this kind of colorations/distortions is what you like its fine but that is not a real music home reproduction.

Music is accurate and tubes are not.

Regards and enjoy the music,
R.

The amp feeds your speakers. If it's tasty but not enough, your speakers will be hungry:-)

I owned an MC275 paired with an Aesthetics Calypso preamp and it was one of the best amp/pre combo's I've owned. I have no experience with Mac's SS integrateds, but can say with confidence that the MC275 will not disappoint. I'm also very pro tube amp.

I just got a Mc275 VI and it sounds amazing. Playing it with an MC2300. The thing you will notice up front is a much warmer less digital sound. Good luck with your decision.