McIntosh MC240 vs MC 275

I'd like to hear them!

You could get thee another mc240, have a pair of 80 wpc mono-blocks.

Play very dynamic music loud with your existing one, then play with two, decide: keep/use the pair, or original single was enough all along.

You will know if more power is beneficial (and live with the additional tube heat) and keep the 6L6 sound.

IF you go mc 275, you move to KT88 sound (or 6550's), more heat, and the potential for a 150 wpc mono pair of mc 275s in the future if change gets in the air again.

note: I just read that the stereo 16 ohm taps are not available when bridging these models into mono blocks. those XRT20 speakers say they are 8 ohm, not an issue, I just mention it as my vintage speakers are 16 ohm.

Ah, so many choices, and all good ones. Thanks. 

100boardwalk OP

10 posts

I know this thread is a little old,but was wondering what you think of the newer mc stuff.I have a mx110z and I'am trying to decide what amp to get.I have a Adcom 545 now.The Adcom sounds good but I want to try either a mc or CJ or AR.

I'am looking at vintage 240,275 or maybe newer mc152 ss.

Thanks

I think with Mac most folks feel the vintage stuff sounds better. That said this is just what I've read I am not a Mac user just a tube fan.

Funny you should ask now. I just switched from the 240 to the newest version of the 275. For this comparison I’m using the Sonus faber Cremona M’s with a Sonus Cremona Subwoofer M along with a McIntosh C53 pre. As jond suggests, I generally favor the vintage sound, and the 240 does sound really good with the Cremonas. These speakers are pretty efficient and match well with the old school warmth of the 240. On the other hand, the 275 is brighter, more articulate and detailed. Some might say closer to a SS sound.  In this case, I don’t really favor one over the other; they both possess qualities I enjoy. My other speakers- vintage Mcintosh XRT 20’S, match really well with the new 275, so I do think the speaker pairing can be important. My next comparison will be with the MC 2205, another vintage gem! The 2 new Mac components have been great so far and will probably stay with me for the duration along with the vintage models.  I do not have any experience with CJ or AR, but I do also use a Moon 700i integrated and it has been excellent.