2. amps-preamps
  3. 128061-70972

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
yyman23 OP
145 posts
 
Yeah, I should have tried it on my system, and I was a bit silly not to even open the box because I wanted to keep its value. It's a McIntosh. It doesn't matter!
Luck has it that I may be able to get another MK IV and put an end to this and see for myself if it makes a difference. 
My XRT 28's are rate 1200 watts and sound great and pretty loud with only 75 WPC from a single MC275.
I'll post my impression if I get to test another MK IV. (or 5)

almarg's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
almarg
9,670 posts
 
Effischer, thanks very much for the nice words, informative references, and good comments.  Interestingly, I took the "Weber's Law" test four times, using four different settings of the volume control on the computer.  On the low volume trials within each test my answers were MUCH better (averaging 85% correct) than on the high volume trials (averaging 30% correct).  So between the two conflicting references that are cited at the second link you provided, my results would indicate that the Weber's Law reference is the correct one.

Thanks again.  Best regards,
-- Al
 
nascimento1958's avatar
nascimento1958
6 posts
 
I will try to pass my experience, I have a C2300, two MC 275 MKV and a pair of Tannoy Westminster Royal, I do not need a lot of power. One channel of the MC275 plays the low frequencies, another channel plays the mid and high frequencies of the right channel, with the other MC275 the same in the left channel! I found this combination, better than bridge, better channel separation, better sound stage!
dlr944
6 posts
 
Wondering if anyone has tried MC275’s in mono mode recently or general impressions of MC275’s in stereo mode?  Is the tube sound favorably compared to Primaluna 6 mono, 7 mono or evo series?

thanks
g_nakamoto's avatar
g_nakamoto
348 posts
 
i've read the magazine 'stereo review' since the early 70's to their retirement. julian hersh said to increase volume by 3 decibals you need to triple your power. who is right here??
More to discover