daveneumann
Well-known member
I am currently using a McIntosh 275 V amp with my Spires. My room is 12 X 25 X 8. I listen to mainly acoustic rock, jazz, vocal and some big band, usually in the 85 db range. I am using a McIntosh C2300 preamp.
While I really enjoy this combination, there are times during dynamic peaks and with complex music, when I feel the 275 looses steam and the music sounds a bit congested and looses some of the beautiful quality I hear at lower levels.
So I am down to two directions and wanted to get your opinions. First, I could get another 275 and go to monoblocks. I think the result of this would be to retain everything I like about the combination and the qualities of tubes, but give me more headroom with less congestion on the dynamic peaks.
The other direction is to get a Mc252, with 250 wpc. I would then use the 2Ohm output taps. I think this would give me plenty of power, but would also result in a different sound.
I wish there was a McIntosh dealer nearby so I could audition the 252 in my system. Unfortunately the closest one is a 4 hour round trip. So I am thinking Audiogon for this purchase.
I like the idea of having both a tube and SS amp, so I could switch back and forth. At the same time, I don't want to be disappointed with the combination of the Spires and the 252.
If anyone has any direct experience with higher powered tubes amps and solid state amps with the Spires, I would appreciate your thoughts.
Jeff Dorgay - I know you used the 275 and the 252 with the Spires and would like to get your perspective. I read your comments in the CLX review, but was wondering your point of view on going with two 275's versus the 252.
Thanks all.
Dave
While I really enjoy this combination, there are times during dynamic peaks and with complex music, when I feel the 275 looses steam and the music sounds a bit congested and looses some of the beautiful quality I hear at lower levels.
So I am down to two directions and wanted to get your opinions. First, I could get another 275 and go to monoblocks. I think the result of this would be to retain everything I like about the combination and the qualities of tubes, but give me more headroom with less congestion on the dynamic peaks.
The other direction is to get a Mc252, with 250 wpc. I would then use the 2Ohm output taps. I think this would give me plenty of power, but would also result in a different sound.
I wish there was a McIntosh dealer nearby so I could audition the 252 in my system. Unfortunately the closest one is a 4 hour round trip. So I am thinking Audiogon for this purchase.
I like the idea of having both a tube and SS amp, so I could switch back and forth. At the same time, I don't want to be disappointed with the combination of the Spires and the 252.
If anyone has any direct experience with higher powered tubes amps and solid state amps with the Spires, I would appreciate your thoughts.
Jeff Dorgay - I know you used the 275 and the 252 with the Spires and would like to get your perspective. I read your comments in the CLX review, but was wondering your point of view on going with two 275's versus the 252.
Thanks all.
Dave