McIntosh 275 Tubed Mono Blocks...

[Robin]

"but this amp has definitely gone up in value."

Only in the mind of this seller!! Neither one of his amps are as good as the new MC275 MkIV or now the MKV. And the tubes are hype! The new stock Russian McIntosh tubes are better than ever. You should read Steve Hoffman's and Ron Cornelius' posts on Audiokarma. (Ron is the Mcintosh Product Manager.) Buyer beware!!

Neil,

Excellent! posts...

Thank you....

[Robin]

Could a Marantz SA-7S1 CD/SACD player connected directly with a McIntosh MC275 Mk IV, technically work, without a peramp? If I ran unbalanced cables connecting the two together?
I was reading the owners manuals for both of these pieces of electronics. I found that the Marantz SA-7S1 produces 2.5 V RMS for unbalanced output. While the McIntosh MC275 Mk IV's unbalanced input sensitivity is rated at 1.2 V RMS.

The McIntosh MC275 Mk IV has volume controls for unbalanced only. The volume level adjustment controls knobs are located on the amplifier, for both stereo and mono for unbalanced only adjustments. This means that I could use unbalanced, short run, low resistance high quality cable (1 meter cable) directly from the Marantz SA-7S1 to the McIntosh MC275 Mk IV and control the volume from the amplifier, correct?

I think this could work.... What do you guys think? Could this combination work without a preamp?

[aliveatfive]

Could a Marantz SA-7S1 CD/SACD player connected directly with a McIntosh MC275 Mk IV, technically work, without a peramp? If I ran unbalanced cables connecting the two together?
I was reading the owners manuals for both of these pieces of electronics. I found that the Marantz SA-7S1 produces 2.5 V RMS for unbalanced output. While the McIntosh MC275 Mk IV's unbalanced input sensitivity is rated at 1.2 V RMS.

The McIntosh MC275 Mk IV has volume controls for unbalanced only. The volume level adjustment controls knobs are located on the amplifier, for both stereo and mono for unbalanced only adjustments. This means that I could use unbalanced, short run, low resistance high quality cable (1 meter cable) directly from the Marantz SA-7S1 to the McIntosh MC275 Mk IV and control the volume from the amplifier, correct?

I think this could work.... What do you guys think? Could this combination work without a preamp?

Robin -

It would definitely work. But what a pain in the butt swapping cables every time you wanted to change the source!

[Robin]

Robin -

It would definitely work. But what a pain in the butt swapping cables every time you wanted to change the source!

aliveatfive,

That is great news... Thank you!

I know and agree - It will be a painful but it would be temporary pain, only until I had saved-up for a, ARC ~ Ref III or ARC ~ LS-26 or a Cary SLP-05, depending on which one I choose during the auditioning phase on down the road...

Thanks again...

[Tube60]

I've listened to both vintage and new-build MC-275s, and, IMOPO, the Citation II is a better sounding amp. Problem is, you'll need to run them through a pre-amp of some sort, passive or active, because the CII has no input level controls. If you're interested, get yourself a pair of CIIs and get them rebuilt properly ( see Jim Mcshane's Website ) and then bridge them into mono. IMO you'll be surprised...... just my .o2!

[Robin]

Tube60,

I posted a photo of the Citation II in the "Tubed Amps" thread. Thanks for the recommendation as well.

Neil,

Thanks again for the recommendation of "AudioKarma" forum for McIntosh information:



http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=54



I have been reading a wealth of really wonderful / useful information regarding the McIntosh MC275, including your old posts regarding various topics. It seems you are quite knowlegdable and informed about your MC275.
For instance, I had no idea McIntosh was using lead-free solder for their circuit connections for the newest version of the MC275 Mk V, just so that McIntosh can sell them in Europe.

Thanks again.

[benleeys]

....... I'm torn though, I want so many things form my system right now... An Anthem D1 (D2), a Blue-Ray player, a new source - SACD / CD player (like the MCD201) or Tubed mono-blocks.... It's hard to decide what I to save-up and actually purchase first, second, third etc. Can you or anyone out there, give me counsel in this area?

Sleepless in Calistoga...

Robin,

What is it that you like so much about the Anthem D1/D2 ... or dislike? I am trying to make up my mind about it. Would very much appreciate your honest thoughts.

[Robin]

Robin,

What is it that you like so much about the Anthem D1/D2 ... or dislike? I am trying to make up my mind about it. Would very much appreciate your honest thoughts.

benleeys,

As you know, I do not currently own the Anthem D1 or D2 processor. I do appreicate how it is built. These are the things I like about the the Anthem D1 and D2:

1). The Anthem company stands behind their product, as well as the ML company.

2). The Anthem offers up-grades of older processors to the newer model i. e., D2 up-grade to D3...

3). I have auditioned the Anthem D1 with the Anthem P5 and they sound excellent together. Since I currently own the P5, it would be an excellent match.

4). The porcessor just is wonderful with HT and reproducing the sounds / dynamics the film maker intended. Amazing sound to my ears.

5). Quality matterials, electronic design and craftsmanship. An excellent piece of high-end HT gear.

Joe or Zippy ~ currently owns the D1. He has excellent prespective and insights on the D1 and D2.

HTH

[benleeys]

benleeys,

As you know, I do not currently own the Anthem D1 or D2 processor. I do appreicate how it is built. These are the things I like about the the Anthem D1 and D2:

1). The Anthem company stands behind their product, as well as the ML company.

2). The Anthem offers up-grades of older processors to the newer model i. e., D2 up-grade to D3...

3). I have auditioned the Anthem D1 with the Anthem P5 and they sound excellent together. Since I currently own the P5, it would be an excellent match.

4). The porcessor just is wonderful with HT and reproducing the sounds / dynamics the film maker intended. Amazing sound to my ears.

5). Quality matterials, electronic design and craftsmanship. An excellent piece of high-end HT gear.

Joe or Zippy ~ currently owns the D1. He has excellent prespective and insights on the D1 and D2.

HTH

Many thanks for your comments, Robin. It's good to know that an item in one's system never become obsolete too soon, especially with some notable manufacturers coming out with a new 'reference' every 6-12 months these days.

Basically, I'm looking for something that will serve as a high-end preamp for 2-channel audio as well as HT processor without compromising too much as against a good dedicated preamp.

If you are reading this, Joe, I would also be grateful for your experience with this piece of equipment.