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To monoblock or not to monoblock McIntosh MC275's

Hi everyone,

I'd appreciate your opinions on the matter. I currently own an MC275 MK IV, running McIntosh XRT 28's. It sounds great - even though the XRT's can handle up 1200W and the MC275's output 80-90W.

I got my hands on a NOS (still sealed) MK IV, and I'm debating whether I should keep it and run as them monoblocks. The reason I'm not trying it personally, is because I don't want to open that new one that's still sealed.

So my dilemma is -  would running 2 MC275 as monoblocks make a BIG difference in sound quality?

I'm sure it will be louder, but for the sake of the argument, if my sound is now 100% - in your opinion
(hypothetically speaking) will it improve it to say 103% or 120%? Will I notice a big enough difference?

Thank you!
yyman23

Showing 2 responses by souravhifi

souravhifi's avatar
souravhifi
7 posts
 

Adding to this 6 years old thread, as recently I'm planning to upgrade to 275 Mk 6 in monoblock setup.

I have been already running 275 mk 5 in monoblocks for the last 13 years. And my experience is very much similar to that @lissnr detailed in his post. Broader, deeper sound stage, more airy representation, defined placing of instruments.

However, I must say that the strength of monoblocks became more obvious when I moved from c2300 to c12000 and also added dCS Rossini as the frontend player. (My speakers remained the same in the last 13 years - Sonus Faber Cremona M)

Currently thinking of upgrading from mk5 to mk6 in monoblock setup. Originally I was considering 2301. But given the price difference and size of my room (13x15x11) I thought of moving to mk6. Also heard mixed feedback on 2301.

Anyone, here have experience with running 2301s ?

 

Regards,

Sourav

 

souravhifi's avatar
souravhifi
7 posts
 

@yyman23 c2300 is a great pre-amp. I had it for 10 years till I saved the fund for c12000.

C2300 is the only pre-amp in that range which is analog only. All of its successors C2500, C2700, C2800 etc, all have digital inputs. Because of that, I could sell C2300 at a price very close to the price at which I bought it.

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