2. amps-preamps
  3. 1206901912

McIntosh 252 or 275 for my B&W 804s?

I currently run a Rotel setup for my 804s, in stereo. I'm looking into upgrading amp OR preamp first. I've been reading about McIntosh & B&W and like what I see.

I was at my dealer a couple days ago and heard 804s driven by an MC275, C220, and a Mac CD player. I was just blown away. Granted, every component was several setps up from my current Rotel setup, but boy did it sound different!! Unfortunately they didn't have a 252 or 402 for me to audition, so would appreciate your input:
- Thoughts of 275 vs. 252 with 804s?
- Thoughts of 252 vs. 402? I've seen people commenting they didn't hear a whole lot of difference, yet the 402 is supposed to have 6 dB lower floor noise level. Plus the added control. I sure don't need more than 200W in terms of volume.
- If going for McIntosh, should I upgrade pre or amp first?
- Could use all solid state, all tubes, or mix. Thoughts about mixing tubes and solid state?

I'm back home listening to my system...I do miss what I heard these speakers do!!

Thanks in advance for the input!
lewinskih01

Showing 2 responses by lewinskih01

lewinskih01 OP
910 posts
 
Thank you all for the input.

So I'll upgrade the amp first. All of you agree with that. This narrows the options, which is very helpful.

Arthur: my room is actually large, 450 sqft. This would suggest the 252, per your comments. What's your opinion about 2 bridged 275? Doubles the power but also doubles the distortion, I'm told. And what about the 252 + a sub? I've been considering a Rel Storm III as well. I understand these integrate pretty well with B&W driven by solid state, but would it be the same if driven by tubes?

In terms of pre I was considering the Tact 2.2XP because of it's room correction capabilities, which are said to be really something. This would allow for tubes + ss pre.

Thanks a lot!
lewinskih01 OP
910 posts
 
Horseface: when are you planning to try the ss pre with the 275? Would be interested in learning what you thoughts are. I'll try to get to audition the 275 and a ss pre, but would be valuable to know how it sounded to you, in a known setup. BTW, no ofense taken about my setup...I'm aware of it's limitations!

Arthur: Unfortunately I bought my speakers before moving to this place and never thought I would end up with this large a room. And yeah, wasn't intending to run two 275s with the Rotel pre. I did see it as a path down the road. I can kind of follow the EE talk (being an ME). My dealer said bridging these would generate twice as much distortion. Your thoughts? Also, why using these bridged would required replacing the tubes every year?

Thnaks both. Very informative!
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