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Tube monoblock options?

Anyone have a good suggestion for tube monoblocks? I've been holding out for a used pair of MC75-III's, but hard to come by. The system is comprised of Oppo-205, Mcintosh C52 and McIntosh MC275-6.  I don't want to get another 275, since my dealer told me that "just because you can bridge the 275, doesn't mean you should".  Anyone have a comparable option to the mc75? Entire system is balanced, so would like to stay away from SE.
lilchris9
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
lilchris9

A bridgeable amplifier can potentially supply as much as 4x as much power in mono mode as in stereo mode, depending on the specific design, but that increase in power capability is usually accompanied by several sonic downsides
As bridging any good stereo amp takes a hit sound quality wise, for the sake of more watts.

Pity your 3 way Focal Kanta No.2’s aren’t bi-amp’able, (you could do it if you have the skills) then you can put the MC275 or 75 on the midrange and tweeter where it will sing doing 300hz and up, and then just use a Class-D or linear grunter, on the 2 x per channel bass drivers from 300hz down.
https://www.stereophile.com/images/1018FoKan2fig1.jpg

Cheers George
willgolf
936 posts
 
What is your budget?  What speakers are you driving? 
lilchris9 OP
29 posts
 
Driving focal kanta 2's. Budget is $10k. My apologies regarding bridging. My audio rep stated that you can parallel the 275, but shouldn't. 
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,794 posts
 
How big is your room? That and how lively it is will say a lot about how much power you need.


johnss
570 posts
 
would agree with atmasphere, how much power do you need and what are you driving?
if you need big power with Balanced inputs Series 2 or 3 of the VTL MB-450 should do the trick.
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