McIntosh MC 275 Mk IV or V with Harbeth M-40.1?


I've had my Plinius SA-102 for longer than any previous amp (almost 3 years) and have been very satisfied with it's reliability, musicality and build quality, but I'm very intrigued with finally trying a classic tube amp.

I listen to classical, jazz, vocals & acoustic rock at moderate volume levels, so I'm thinking the 75 WPC of the McIntosh MC 275 (mk IV or V) would work fine in my 15' x 21' x 7' basement set up. The Harbeth M-40.1's sensitivity is 85dB/W/m, 6 ohm nominal. Suggested amplification: >50W (Stereophile's review of the M-40.1's noted excellent success when driven by a 35wpc Shindo push-pull amp)

I've researched other tube amps from Rogue (M120's & 150's), VTL (ST-150), Manley (Snappers), Cary (120S), Audio Research (VT-100 MK III) and Quicksilver (V-4's). Ultimately I'm leaning heavily towards the Mac MC 275 (Mk IV or V) due to its not being a monoblock, it's a classic unit with excellent build quality and good resale value, and it's known to be reliable and is easy to bias.

Preamp is an Aesthetix Calypso with NOS tubes and my sources are digital and FM.

Comments from those experienced with later model McIntosh MC 275 and/or Harbeth M-40.1's would be appreciated.

Thanks - Paul

128x128pdreher

Showing 2 responses by toetapfactor

IMO, I would think the Mac with the 40.1s would be too much of a "good thang".Never heard them together ,only in seperate system and wouldnt own either..guess thats what makes this an interesting hobby..
Pdreher..I understand that retro thing as at one time I collected vintage Mac tube amps and ran JBL/Tannoy/Altec for years.Much to my surprise I found what was really missing when I drop coin on a pair of Avalons over 10 years ago.Detail,energy,dynamics,huge 3-D soundstage etc and I never looked back.McIntosh has that cult following and yes it has super resale value but certainly not in the same sentence with any of the forementioned attributes.The same applies to Harbeth excluding resale value.Like I stated we all have our opinions and own taste, thats what makes it fun and interesting OBTW ,Im actually older than you so dont blame age for stepping backward LOL.Enjoy the system