Speakers for Mc240


I have not posted for many a long year but have started to get dragged back into this ruinous hobby. I am based in the United Kingdom and have just come into possession of a Mc240 and a MR67 tuner. They are both boxed and  have been only owned by 2 people since new, I know one of them, they even have the instructions and the service guarantees unfilled. I have decided to build a system around them. My vinyl front end is sorted so looking for suggestions on preamps and loudspeakers. 90% of my listening is jazz with the rest opera and 70's rock, soul etc. Any suggestions pleased.

zola1970

Look into an AVA FET-Valve CFR all tube line preamp. $2299.00

For speakers, the Fritz Carbon 7 SE have a smooth impedance curve and are a perfect match with any tube amp. $2950.00 per pair and you’ll want some sturdy 24” stands. 

for speakers, we need a better idea of the size and use of the space, (and prior speakers you have liked).

i.e. small space, my prior office setup was a small pair of Wharfedale 225 speakers with 6.5" driver and a single self-powered sub, just enough from the sub that the small mains (like the Fritz mentioned) didn’t sound small or the amp need to try too hard. Larger space, I would prefer larger speakers, like my change to the AR-2ax, OR, a stereo pair of self-powered subs located near the stand mounted small mains.

I love my Wharfedale Super Lintons with my Mac equipment but limited to moderately high listening levels. If you wanted to rock the house out, I would suggest other options. Probably Sonus-Faber.

Listening to a hot rod MC240 as i peck out a somewhat informed reply…. i vividly remember it coming in the door in 1965…. I’m currently running some TAD ME-1K with a JL sub but the amp is capable of a lot…you can see it paired w all sorts of speakers from ESL-63, Cornwalls, etc in my virtual systems pages.  Since you are UK based, i would get the best NEAT you can afford keeping in mind a well sorted MC240 will typically make 52wpc , or any of the 200 ish mm BBC spec speakers. you also might be shocked how good a NAIM preamp might sound w 240 ( i actually know…vs just reading about it… ditto the 110Z

also do not be afraid to use Mullard in the front end of the 240. Do absolutely make sure the filter caps are in good shape… the power transformer is… rare…and near unobtanium….

have fun. enjoy the music

I can recommend JBL 4349s. I think they would do well with that classic preamp-amp pair. Or go Bosch-style with Ohm Walsh.