I'm a Mac guy and have been for just over 50 years (June).
The first Macs I had were C4s (2) and a C8. MC20s (2) and a Mac 30 Kit.
They powered Imperial Horns and a Imperial Sub, Kits..
MC30s,40,60,75,100,225,240,275s. There is not a single one or pairs that don't sound great. I'm not a huge fan of the MC100 (mil spec ugly)
MC30 when done right are just wonderful. True lovers of great valves too. RCA black plate power valves with Tellies & RCAs for signals. BTW all Mac like that combo.
The little guy MC225 is where a lot of folks mess up. They use an OLD type of cap that last just about 1000 years. IF they are good leave them alone, if you find a bad one replace the pair, NO fancy caps or polies it will ruin the sound. Check the resistors real close rebuild the PS and use good valves. One of a kind sound. Nothing like a 225
The amps you left out are the MC40s and MC240. I personally like the MC240. When rebuilt with just a minor PS upgrade, a couple carbon comp resistors and good PIO caps it is right in there with "the all time best" HOF crowd. Very special because of 6L6s and THAT transformer combo..
6L6 valve is very misunderstood. The mil spec version is one of the toughest valves on the planet.. I love the BASS response of a 240 not being pushed too hard on the bass but the right combo LIKE an efficient horn. The mids and highs.. Are just to die for.
The 6550 and KT88, (MC60,75,275) units can be harsh but usually it's because of the valve not the actual amp. GE 6550 and Golden Lyon type quality isn't cheap but the difference is night and day in a Mac using them. The new deal CE type transformers are different and sound different. I had 2 CE 275s I kept one. Good amps. They do run cooler than the older and sound cooler too.
The BOMB is the early MC275s with a little work. 85+ watts per channel and will push those Alec's to there VERY best.
The signal valves are really important in regards to what to stay away from. Sylvania & PVANE, comes to mind. Unless it's for a certain application. That type of valve can be harsh and bright, remove bass duty and just push mids and highs It makes a lot of difference too. It depends on the application.
Macs plus 4 or 5
I'm a Cary fan too.. Just not sure with horns, for small planars, I haven't found a better combo than MY V12R. A personal all time favorite of mine.. Right there with a Mac MC240 (Samra special).
I'm NOT a huge SET fan either. I must admit though I've herd some good ones.
The first Macs I had were C4s (2) and a C8. MC20s (2) and a Mac 30 Kit.
They powered Imperial Horns and a Imperial Sub, Kits..
MC30s,40,60,75,100,225,240,275s. There is not a single one or pairs that don't sound great. I'm not a huge fan of the MC100 (mil spec ugly)
MC30 when done right are just wonderful. True lovers of great valves too. RCA black plate power valves with Tellies & RCAs for signals. BTW all Mac like that combo.
The little guy MC225 is where a lot of folks mess up. They use an OLD type of cap that last just about 1000 years. IF they are good leave them alone, if you find a bad one replace the pair, NO fancy caps or polies it will ruin the sound. Check the resistors real close rebuild the PS and use good valves. One of a kind sound. Nothing like a 225
The amps you left out are the MC40s and MC240. I personally like the MC240. When rebuilt with just a minor PS upgrade, a couple carbon comp resistors and good PIO caps it is right in there with "the all time best" HOF crowd. Very special because of 6L6s and THAT transformer combo..
6L6 valve is very misunderstood. The mil spec version is one of the toughest valves on the planet.. I love the BASS response of a 240 not being pushed too hard on the bass but the right combo LIKE an efficient horn. The mids and highs.. Are just to die for.
The 6550 and KT88, (MC60,75,275) units can be harsh but usually it's because of the valve not the actual amp. GE 6550 and Golden Lyon type quality isn't cheap but the difference is night and day in a Mac using them. The new deal CE type transformers are different and sound different. I had 2 CE 275s I kept one. Good amps. They do run cooler than the older and sound cooler too.
The BOMB is the early MC275s with a little work. 85+ watts per channel and will push those Alec's to there VERY best.
The signal valves are really important in regards to what to stay away from. Sylvania & PVANE, comes to mind. Unless it's for a certain application. That type of valve can be harsh and bright, remove bass duty and just push mids and highs It makes a lot of difference too. It depends on the application.
Macs plus 4 or 5
I'm a Cary fan too.. Just not sure with horns, for small planars, I haven't found a better combo than MY V12R. A personal all time favorite of mine.. Right there with a Mac MC240 (Samra special).
I'm NOT a huge SET fan either. I must admit though I've herd some good ones.