Mcintosh MC240 impression, is it as good as they say it is?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 6 ก.ย. 2024
- #hifi #audiophile #stereo #audioreviews #highfidelity
/ thomasandstereo
Pre-order the Galion at www.galion-audio.com
Be careful of people impersonating me asking for shipping charges / money
Gear used in this review :
Exasound E28 DAC
Mcintosh MC240 Tube power amp
Mcintosh MAC6700 intergrated amp
Willsenton R300 tube integrated amp
Burmeister 897preamp
Silverline Sonata speakers
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As one time I had MC275, MC240, MC225 and a Marantz 8 all together in a system. They all sound actually quite different. MC275 had the power and control. Drive the speakers with true authority with lush. MC240 is as you mentioned, musical. It plays music. Not particular authoratative, not completely sweet or the raw power to give you everything. It's a right in the middle musical amplifier that you can listen for a long time. MC225, be is small but it is the sweetest of them all. Driving the right speakers, it's like listening to music with sugar coating. Delicate, sweet and playful. It's actually my favorite out of the 3. As for Marantz 8, it's totally opposite of all the MAC amps. It's quick, dancing around and feels like a wind just blowing through your system. But over all, all 4 amps are awesom!. At the same time I had other amps in my system as well including Krell KSA-80 (1 pair), Audio Research Classic 120 and Spectral DMA50(a pair). But I still loved the tube ones.
Thanks and nice system. Not i need to find a MC225.
@@ThomasAndStereo Then you must find first the real nos 7591A tubes..................the reissue is not the same has and not the same musical flavour., neither is the life expectancy ..............
@@ThomasAndStereo You should try Ottawa as my MC275, 240 and 225 were sold in Ottawa, where I'm original from, so they may still be somewhere in Ottawa Not sure where you at
@@frankgeeraerts6243that’s the thing with buying this vintage equipment. I got a McIntosh MC2505 off eBay. Cleaned up, recapped and all, and it is probably one of the best amps I own, holding its own against the modern stuff. But I don’t know if it’s what an original McIntosh really sounded like with the restoration, I wasn’t even born back then to have heard it. Thankfully it holds my heart with its visual/jewelry statement.
@@mikeg2491 That's a realy nice story and experience ...ENJOY !
Good sound in the past is and is still the same good sound today..............something like grandma's cake , still as good as today , ( and maybe even better ....)
If the recap is done with good caps .............do not worry ( only never replace electrolytic coupling caps by film caps , thatwill ever so end up ruining the voicing of the original ).........many made the mistake and the amps now sounds lean and clean but also llifeless and musical colorless .
Hva a nice day
You have an Mc240 mid. There were 3 versions early, mid, and late. I can tell by the placement of the speaker terminals and the lettering on the side. The early version is similar but the lettering in slightly different. The late version the speaker terminals are almost in the middle with same lettering as the late model. The early version is the best of the 3 versions in my opinion and I have owned one for years. As you know tubes can really make a tube amp magical. I'd suggest tube rolling and do another review. Pre amp matching also is important. Modern tube preamps sound the best to me. Gotta love this hobby (sickness lol!).
Steven, why do you say the first version is the best?
Ah good to know, thanks.
@@jean-pierrethibaudeau7201 I have been fortunate enough to have owned the other 2 versions of this model. I have found the early version has a sweet spot in the midrange and still gives you deep bass and airy highs. The mid version seems to be more with the highs ( brighter) and still a magical midrange. The late version is more clean ( best way I can describe) sounding. None are bad just different to my ears. I prefer the early version because I really enjoy the mids and bass. One of the techs I know said the transformers on the early version and the types of caps used helps give it the type of sound that differs from the other 2 versions. IDK if that is true or not. I just go by what my ears tell me. Tubes also make a big difference, but that's another worm hole discussion. I hope this somewhat answers your question Jean-Pierre.
@@stevenburke1728 Yes it does, thank you Steven. I have tried a few tubes on my 240 and although it does change the sound a bit, I realized that other factors change the sound even more, like changing the input RCA sockets for new gold ones improves the sound more than any tube change. Also, speaker cables, interconnects, preamp matching, speakers change the sound more than buying expensive tubes.
Which pre do you suggest?
My dad passed away and gave me his Mcintosh 240. I used it for a year and one of the capacitors burnt out. I tried finding a local repair person but couldn’t find one. I found one on eBay but the person informed me that it wasn’t repairable so he ended up posting it on eBay and sold it for parts. I ended up getting $1900 but was really sad because the amp was more sentimental value being it came from my dad. I hope to one day buy a 240 in the future. Loved the sound!
As long as the OPT's are OK it's repairable................they lied to you in the hope you would give or sell it to them..........
@@frankgeeraerts6243 yeah I was very disappointed but hoping down the road I will eventually get one again. The main thing about that amp was it was my Dads that had sentimental value and memories.
@@RadThings Hello Peter..................we all had to pay a price to learn........When I was 16 I gave away a Marantz 8B to a theatre to buy a transistor amp which was told to be the new and better technology , they did it again with digital and the CD, but than I knew better and kept my records and tapes .................the Marantz ......still thinking about it but that''s life..........
@@frankgeeraerts6243 plenty if places to get the Transformers rebuilt. In the UK a friend of mine had two completely hand rebuilt by Sowter in Cambridge UK, better than the originals. Shame the gentleman got ripped off.
@@Gez492 Yes shamefull practice is often common practice today....
Have a nice day...............In the UK there's still some good crafmanship , good for you and your friend.
The barrier strip for the speaker connections keeps it honest. No firehose speaker cables on the 240. I sold McIntosh for over 10 years. Loved what they were about. I go back a long way with the big solid state beasts and the tube products. I also sold Conrad Johnson, and Rogue and other boutique brands, but the McIntosh is so complete. If you have the means, go for it. If not you will get something else anyway. I want a McIntosh again, but probably not a reality. Just too expensive. I love them from a far these days.
Congratulations, Thomas, you nailed it pretty well! Fantastic music intro that honors the MC240. Nice work, carry on with this diversified musical human approach.
Thank you very much!
Glad to meet Mr. Carver with his Amazing speaker. This speaker was made to compete with the Maggies and the Apogee, really amazing! Thanks for another great vid.
I actually owned a MC 240 back in the early 2000’s and if memory serves me right I sold it for less than I paid for it. The market will bear only what the market will bear at the time. No guarantees it will continue to go up in price. Also, as the amp ages it will need restoration work and that gets very expensive. It’s like a classic car there comes a point where it may cost more to restore than what it is actually worth.
Have had a vintage MC275 in almost daily use for last 30 years and have built my system around this amp. Have gone through speakers from KEF, (ok) Celestion (ok), Thiel (surprisingly good with his amp), Merlin (ok) and, Klipsch Heresy (amazing). The amp came with original MOS Gold Lion KT88s (amazing) which still test good. I bought another quartet for the next 20 years. Have also run them with Svetlana 6550Cs (good), Penta Labs KT88s (so-so), EI KT 90s (so-so) and reissue Gold Lion KT 88s (best next to original MOS). The amp came with original Telefunken (12 ax7, 12au7, 12az7) and RCA (12BH7a) small signal tubes. I have replaced most with various NOS Teles, RCAs, Brimars and Sylvanias. The only way I replace this amp is if it blows up.
That amp will outlive you.😂😂
I love that you give us listening samples with always the same (cool) track …great to make comparisons. Thx Thomas 👍🏼
Glad you like them!
McIntosh vintage valve amps and vinyl will always musically touch my soul more than most.
You should make some projects where you take stuff like Mc240 & 270 and E.A.R type of gear, and hardwire them or a powerbar or random amp and hardwire them or just resolder them with Audio Note soldering tin, I think that you would be surprised how much the sound improves. Just by removing all of the clips in these Mcintosh type of amps and low quality speaker terminals, it really helps connect more with the music and get more life/drama/information.
6L6 tubes are by far my favourite……the best available now are the Tungsol 7581 A
See ..Wall of sound 6L6 shoot out …cheers
My favorite reviewer wearing the jersey of my favorite team...
Great video Thomas. To chime in on your question about vintage Competing with modern, I don't think one "Competing" with the other would be the characterization. IMO, they simply sound Different. I've been switching out modern and vintage amps. This is the realization I've arrived at. The gear I've been switching out all sounds good in their own unique way.
I just got one in Utah...SO RESEARCHING WHAT AM GETTING IN TO. now i have cary audio v12,harman kardon citation ii, david berning ea2-150
Hi Thomas, I'm lucky enough to have in my collection an original Rotel Michi rhb 10 Poweramp, and rhc 10 passive control amp. Recently I took them do a Hi-Fi shop near where I live. The owner of the HiFi shop was very keen to listen to my amps with his just arrived set of Gershwin speakers. We couldn't believe how wonderful the amp still was 30 years on, and how beautiful it looked with the Japanese timber side panels. I think you need a relatively exceptional vintage peace to stand up with today's amplifiers. I believe this is one amp that can still hold its own with its modern contemporaries.
Nice!
Enjoyed your break down, really liked the outdoor section. I’m a tube guy myself - can’t help it. Got an R8 and I really like it, but I’m very curious about your Galion.
THANKS FOR SHARING THIS WITH US THOMAS…AND VERY GLAD MR CARVER AND HIS SWEET 🍯😎👀 COOL LOOKING MINI GOT IN THE PICTURE…we have a newer version…The wife’s car 👩🦰😁 …I HOPE YOU KEEP DOING THESE INTERVIEWS… honest and spontaneous 🤗 I can tell by your reaction of surprise …and that he has never heard tube amps before …same thing for me … still showing as you stated it’s a matter of taste and you should make the mug😁👍😍😍😍
In hifi it is all a matter of taste. Thomas your declaration encapsulates every individual's quest for the perfect sound. As with everything, no two people will have the same preference if given a 2 dozen point criteria of the music they like. Unless of course their taste have been cultivated by the same set up and equipments. There is no perfect sound as there is no perfect sound reproduction of a live music. Then there is our changing taste, degradation of hearing, degradation of equipments, etc. My hifi quest ended when I learned how to EQ music I love to how I want it to sound. I'm in a happy place now.
Thanks for sharing.
Best I've ever heard are the Whammerdyne Audio Tube Amps from the USA ! 😍
Best Amps on Planet Earth 😇
I have an MC2100 that is 45 years old and I still love it.
I had it too, I loved it. So full full full body sounding and fluid.
Before watching the video .....................the answer is YES !
With the right nos tubes and 7027A ECG/Sylvania -philips....................beats the 275's on musical tonality and the right swung ................
You never heard a MC 240 when you did not use these 7027A's ( no ri-issues or other brands )
Input ....5751 RCA triple mica blak pmlates or TFK ECC83 Bflat plates............5814 RCA triple mica BP/TFK ECC82...............12BH7A GE...............ECC83 TFK ..............7027A ECG/PHILIPS USA ( = Sylvania ).......
DO NOT change the values of the components or capacitors when you restore one !!!!!!
Mine is from 1962................came still with original tubes and still working fine with these (1992 ).........I drive mostly a pair of Spendor S100 with it ................friends don't believe their ears comparing it to their High end systems.....
I won't sell this amp...............some amps do more or less but no amp does what this one does........listen to the music and forgetting about the amp and speakers.........magic is NOT in the specifications but in the connection to the music!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Let me see if I can get those tubes, Mr. Kanta really wants to use better tubes on it.
@@ThomasAndStereo Yes, and he will like what he hears......a MC240 without criticism... and those tubes are LONGLIFE !
Hi. I'm not an expert. But I found that my mc240 sounded very different depending on the tubes I tried. I have about 5 different sets of tubes and all sets sounded different. I settled on my set of vintage Philips tubes. Had very nice mids and bass ... so, not so bright as you said about yours. Just my 2 cents worth.
Hi Thomas, I am delighted that You found some nice Words
for the Willsenton R300 !
Will You give us a full Review on this Amp ?
Thanks, Ralf
Yes, soon
@@ThomasAndStereo Thanks a lot, I am looking forward to that :-)
In the intro you didn’t mention the MC60 mono blocks, which I feel are the best of the amplifier bunch.
Usually one setup will not give you good sounds to every songs - that's why I have my amp hooked-up to different sets of speakers for this reason. Some speakers sounded better with certain type of music.
Agree.
Long ago we put the mc240 on oscillo test , above 8khz the result went distorted , no nice block waves ..we supposed it was due to output trafos....
So does it mean good sounding gear does not necessariy need to measure good?
I think Thomas your almost throw away comment "it's all a matter of Personal taste" is right on the money. I use a vinttage tube power amp at this time. I have one in my system right now its a totally recapped all point to point wired Grant Lumley ST70 it weighs as much a my house it seems, it's partnered with an EAR tube pre amp and sound in either Ultra linear or Triode is sublime. I expected alot when I heard a 240 at a friend's house sometime ago and was dissapointed that it did very little for me. I'm not saying it was awful, it wasn't awful but it just didn't live up to my expectation. That maybe down to synergies or how I was feeling at the time, or I may simply not get the Mackintosh thing as I recall I really didn't like a Mackintosh integrated that I heard about a year ago paired with Sonus Faber either. Its all about the pair of ears and the brain your momma gave you, if it works for you it sounds great and that's all that matters. I keep listening to as much gear as possible I generally find it's not a eureka moment it's sometimes just a combination of subtleties that sway you one way or other. It simply isn't scientific it's something very organic and personal.
Loved the interview
That Dave Clifford looks like a smart guy!!!!! Lol
Big fan😎
hehe, yes he is.
D mc240 needed to b service by experience tech
Pair it with c22 or mx110
Then only d magic start
how would this compare to Austria made Ayon spitfire tube amp
The 6700 is a solid state product and the 240 is a tube product so not surprising that they sound different.
To me, hearing these McIntosh at their best from the 225 to the big 400 watt solid state, the 240 is really at the bottom and not close to delivering what say a vintage 275 does. I've had a rebuild 225 and it was great and heard the 240 all cleaned up, rebuilt to original spec. It's not in the same league, Thomas. My friend has it and every six months I tell him that among his dozen plus amps, he should just sell it. He hasn't yet. The price continues to climb.
Ah good to know! But it still sounded so good.
@@ThomasAndStereo - it definitely maintains that McIntosh character; they all do really from the vintage tube era. But the 240 doesn't measure up against the 275 which my friend completely rebuilt to original spec. That is a damn monster tube amp that is pure magic. The 225 is very good and it has that charm of history.
I love your work Thomas because you are always striving to give your best take. We all have different rooms, systems, taste and ears. But I value yours because you put so much of your heart into the effort. Great job as usual!
The Willsenton sounds best with Klipschton speakers and AudioQueston cables and cable risers.
One more thing , for room treatment you can also scavenge up some old mattresses found on the side of rural roads for bass traps and egg cartons for wall treatments , plus some straw from the barn 5hat has been soaked in pig and horse piss for the floor . The smell from the urine soaked straw will make your face pucker in a way that opens the ear canals to allow for bass EQ and boost. Well I am going to get busy on this project as soon as I can finish my beer . I will update the test results as soon as I walk the roads near my trailer park and collect enough empty cans to turn in at the recycling center and get the upgrade parts at my local Piggly Wiggly. Yeeeeeeehaaaaaaa. Roll em out .
@@jasontimothywells9895 Don't forget the added bonus of bed bugs from any mattresses found on the side of a road.
Hmm, I love tubes, I run a tube amp (on a set of Harbeth Super HL5 speakers) now. But it's a modern design. Very neutral. I have a little bit of experience with vintage amps as I also own a Luxman R1500E (nicely restored) from 1978. I have heard McIntosh gear twice now, neither of which really impressed me. Still, one was a $150k system with NO acoustic treatment at all, in an apartment with concrete walls and a marble floor. Yeah.. The other was with very awkwardly placed speakers (no other space for them) and no treatment. But I guess, the synergy wasn't really there either..
Would I like to try a McIntosh amp in my current system? Absolutely. A vintage one like yours? Definitely. Perhaps, some day... If only the prices for the equipment wasn't this high... Similar to Accuphase here (new or vintage).
At my job in the early 70's, there were unused MC40 and MI75 amps. I reused them as a monitor amp and for PA uses. The power supply capacitors were bad on some, and had to be replaced through the McIntosh clinic. The real story is that components have improved since then. And then, it was disappointing that the legendary sound started with simple Orange Drop Mylar capacitors at the input which means even at the start, the low freq. sound quality was compromised. So, it is impossible for the sound not to be improved, even with no circuit changes. So, just like the Galleon, the sound could be tailored by changing some of the to more modern ones. Even in the 70's we could get Polystyrene input caps. So, the prices aren't warranted, for even the transformers could be wound with better copper wire today. I think we are fooling ourselves regards to legendary sound tube components.
Can vintage amps compete with new age amps 😃 I will give my answer in an upcoming video Comparrsion
It'll be a solid state battle (Mosphetes)
I think you know whats coming !
Thanks for the video Thomas .
Sounds great!
And thanks Mr.Carver ! Great hearing yout input also !
Shoutout to the og Milan training shirt 🔴⚫️
Oh, I've heard the Carver Amazing Silvers with the accompanying Carver mono amps. And, they do sound Amazing at presenting an orchestral performance. They seem to shine with symphonies. Great sense of space. You think you're actually in a concert hall! Not as amazing with other genres but still very very good! I would think that this tube amp would not be able to power those speakers. They need a TON of power?
Yeah, with 3 12inch woofers, you probably need more juice.
When done correctly, hi fi ages extremely slow in both sound and build quality. That’s my goal, because I don’t turn my system over constantly. CD player being the slight exception. I turn those a bit sooner as tech advances.
In the second section of your video I think there is an argument for detailed neutrality and great speakers, so if the elements are in the recordng it's there and it's going to come out
Thanks for an extremely interesting review of the MC 240....could you tell me what preamp you would you pair with the MC 240?
I had many preamps, audio research, Mcintosh, Modwright, Burmeister and so forth. I don't remember which one I like the most, it has been too long.
LEONID YAMBORKO is hooking me up with Auris Fortissimo. I hope it’s epic. My prima Luna was a little thin on lower mids
Oh , let me know.
@@ThomasAndStereo will come Friday, then break-in and setup, then I’ll let you know. I hear you might get to review Fortissimo.
I was told the 230 and 260 were the special models. Can't recall exact reason. Maybe transformers?
Hi Thomas. I was wondering if you've considered using yhe 240 and bi-amping? I currently do this using a modern C22, 240, and B&W 803's which are not at their best with only the 240. I even tried twin 240's in mono without the mc2205 bi-amp. Then went to an MA 8900. So far nothing has surpassed the 240/2205/C22 combo. I'm also using a Cary 300/303 tube CD player. I have come to believe that this setup brings out the most in any speakers I throw in there. JM Mini Utopias, 803S, Magico A1, and the list goes on. If I may suggest, try finding access to a set of Tannoy 15" Red or Golds and pair them with the 240, even bypass the preamp, amazing grom top to bottom. I sold mine (regrettably) to get the 803D's which are wonderful but would swap back in a second. If I still had room for them! Anyway,. Great channel and I do much enjoy your honest, level heard approach.
Nah cause I sold it already. No space at home so I need to move on.
excellent video
Thank you very much!
What is the sound absorption material in the background?
Vicoustics. They are made of cheap foam but stupid expensive.
i lite the new and hard style music?what amp is a future_proof amp?and where is the 32 bit sampling?......but a Mcintosh can live loger than a man?.....and a concert needs sound corection after 1 hour of playing .......what about the old amps?....and u have a activ microphon for live sound correction ,and what about the delay in a big room?
Of course vintage is the best, and viintage technology, too. Ever listened to field coil spakers? Try Voxativ, Wolfe Von Langa. Free your mind. lol
Listening to your friend's impressions, I wonder if the MC240 would be very good with a high pass filter and quality powered sub to take up the low end?
Yup, possibly an excellent solution.
Thomas I don’t think you need to keep giving the mic back and forth, that mic picks up both people pretty good
It's because I boost the volume in post when I forget to past the mic but the difference is significant.
Hi, Thomas. Love your channel. I have a large McIntosh home theater amp playing into Klipsch La Scala’s (sensitivity 105 dB). I am pretty happy with it. I have never owned tubes. I am considering adding either a McIntosh MC275 or one of the larger Decware amps to the front left and right channels for music listening. Would you stick with solid state, and if not, would you prefer the MC275 or the Decware? Thanks very much for your thoughts!
Well MC275 will have more dynamics and more meat on the bone. Depends if you like neutral or not.
I would not run the LaScala's with the MC275 its just WAY over kill. I own one and also have Lascala's and they work of course but its not the best match IMO. MC30's or MC225 would be a better match if your sticking with McIntosh ( after a restoration of course). Frankly a SET is even better I ran mine with a 2A3 SET, 2.5wpc amp with very good results. you do not need much power with LaScala speakers. Only a hand full is enough big amps on them just don't get out of the low power region and never seem to sound as good as low power amps that are running in their mid range do. The Decware would be a better amp for them IMO. Triode Labs / Finale Audio out of Toronto even better.
@@glennewdick Thanks again for the advice. One follow-up question, if I may ask. I made a deposit on the entry level Decware SE84UFO25 just to get a place in line. (2wpc stereo.). I understand that I can upgrade the order if I wish by simply paying the additional deposit. The SE341.5 has 6 watts stereo, the TORI Jr has 20 watts stereo, and the TORI MK4 has 25 watts dual mono. Steve Deckert recommended the TORI MK4. I would power the front left and right channels with the tube amp, and use the existing McIntosh MC8207 to power the four remaining home theater channels. Of the various Decware options, which would you prefer? Or, should I just stay with the MC8207 for everything, which would keep the system simple? I am happy with the solid state amp as is. But if you believe the tubes on the music channels will make a significant difference in music listening, then I’ll give it a shot. What do you think? Again, thanks for your advice!
@@randymcclanahan5087 I think you need to look at the sound profiles of the different tubes in those amps and make a decision based on that, when your talking SET's they all sound like the tube they are based on. each has a slightly different sound.
I know the 4ufo works very well on my friends new cornwalls. I also have a friend who runs them with 45 tube based SET with 1.5wpc . i'd imagine the better Decwar amps will only sound better, power wise any will do.
mind you If your budget is in the range i'd sell you my 2A3 mono amps. don't like to push my own sale but they are about the best SET I've heard on LaScala's. i preferred the 2A3 over the 300b. mine are currently on canuck audio mart. triode labs is based out of Toronto and makes all their products in house, well other then the special parts they source.
www.canuckaudiomart.com/details/649743745-triode-lab-2a3m-single-ended-triode-monoblock-amps/
again not one to push my own add but they are stellar with the LaScala's so i'll let you have a look and make your own decision.
Try it with kt66 tubes
I don't think this amp can use KT66 or can it because it can handle higher current?
Do you think the MP-701 might pair well with the MC-240?
Sure but it will be a mismatch, the MC240 can benefit from a better pre-amp.
@@ThomasAndStereo Thanks, I am fortunate to have two MC-240s, bought when they were significantly more reasonable in price. Both were serviced after I bought them. I use one with an MX-110 preamp, but the other less pretty looking one has been in storage. I was thinking about bringing that out and trying it with the MP-701 since it’s priced so reasonably and can use so many different tubes.
Try looking at dyanco 70and pas 3 pre.
Get yourself a seamstress to make neat covers for your amps when not being used. I put a thin cover over my tube amp when its not in action and that's not even in storage. I also have a paint brush in the room to dust it down every time before use, and by the way the paint brush has never been used for painting. Mr Dust's not your friend unless your an abstract artist...
Great idea, my wife is a seamstress.
perhaps placing 6l6s into a modern amp eg prima luna would be interesting?
well it has to run at optimal voltage to get the best sound.
That was cool
Hi,
can I use a Mark Levinson 26 with a MC275?
Only if you have RCA out from the ML.
@@ThomasAndStereo Thank you so much,The 26 does NOT have them
Hay, Thomas, thank you for review of MC 240, but I think it is too old, and it at stage where all caps needs to be changed. My other half does not mind me spending on my hobby more than her car as long as it does not come with problem’s. I am sure you know what I am saying, so try and let the past be in good memories and move in, the future. For example purchased Ref6 and original box was in bad shape, so I have to get new box for approval of my other half. So it is time my friend to move on, may I please ask if you did get the required order for your amplifier? Thank You.
Yes it is old but the sound is still nice. Congrats on the REF6, Mr. Kanta also have one and it sounds amazing. Yes I did get the required order.
@@ThomasAndStereo Hi Thomas, if you only come with monoblock tube amplifier putting out 200 - 250 Watts using either KT120 or KT150 tubes, I will be certainly be interested. Please let me know if you plan on producing something like this. Thank You.
Like the Mercedes Benz brand “any mcintos” is worthy 😅
I like watching it getting literally “turned on”
wonder Thomas what you think re.6l6 vs el34 vs kt88 for voice?
I think for voice, 6L6 and EL34 have an edge.
@@ThomasAndStereo Thanks.will try some. el34.
Dude I have never commented before but a fan . You want to really mess peoples minds up put the 240 biamped with a modern McIntosh on the mid bass and subs and watch the nerves jerk !! 😂
I am surprised. The MC240 is a low power tube amp with a low damping factor . The Carver loudspeaker has a very low efficacy. It is also an open baffle design with 4x 12 inch woofers. For these loudspeakers you need a high power ss amp with a high damping factor. So I think the comparison is very unfair.
And I think you knew all this.
Huh? We never tried it on the Carver. He has Carver speakers at his home. We tried it on my Silverline Sonata 92db stable 7 ohm speaker and the Pearl Acoustics. There is no conspiracy here, we were just having an afternoon of fun.
Then I would like to apologise. It was a misunderstanding from my side.
I have a Mc240 and your video makes me want to put it into active service again.
Hey Thomas, have you ever listened to the Genelec 8361A?
I don't think so.
So envy you guys who own it…
I happen to have two of them sitting in storage right now they're very good amps but I don't think they're legendary I also have the Fisher 400 I have a Fisher 500 and a Fisher 600 I happen to enjoy those three also have a collection of Sansui and a few Dinoco as well Marantz receivers I also have a couple of vintage Sony amplifiers so I'm all over the Gambit as far as amplifier equipment I also have a couple of sets of speakers that are Legend they would consider legendary I have JBL 4313 I also have All Tech Lansing voice to the theater so I've been around for a while and I've been collecting this stuff and I listen to a lot of different types of equipment right now in my living room I have Sansui with jbl's and I'm very satisfied with that in my living room you don't need a lot of power in order to enjoy your music everybody is yelling and screaming you need a lot of power you need a lot of power you don't need a lot of power 40 watts of power this morning sufficient and that's all you really need as long as you have a nice quality pair of speakers a good turntable with a great cartridge that's it I'm not into this Jack stuff for digital audio I'm old school I have a real to real I have a cassette deck and a turntable that's it you can keep all your modern digital stuff it's too damn expensive and it's too easy to break down and I don't want to deal with it because on everything that I mentioned to you I can repair I have all the tools I have all the knowledge and I have all the parts to do it so if something of mine breaks I can fix it and that's all I need to know
Nice, thanks for sharing.
Get this man a second mic!
About the bass..................I don't agree ...................this MAC 240 has gtreat bass...........with the right source, cables and the right speakers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! His speakers were not build to be driven by an ampligfier like this MC !.............Anyway when you prefer " performance " as judged today in the audio high end world...........more than the connection you experience with music .............SOMETHING IS WRONG............as it is with most of the high end today...............performance yes but out of harmony and coherence ...........stand out parameters no longer in harmony with the real music..............BUT AUDIOPHILES LIKE IT and the MARKETTING DOES THE JOB..................
Just like a great bmeal......................nothing or any taste dominates or stands out ...........it's the balance of creating the flavour ................the tastefull meal in the past would tast as good today.................we are told and teached to believe otherwise..............NEW IS ALWAYS BETTER....
Well I have to agree with Dave with what we tested but of course the tables can turn with a different speaker, different test tracks, different tubes. All a question of matching and synergy but at my home, 92db was the most sensitive speaker and we report what we hear. Now I just need to find a 96db speaker and upgrade all the tubes in the 240 to redo the test as suggested by Mr. Kanta.
@@ThomasAndStereo Mr kanta is right ..............just like a car needs the right fuel and the right tyres..........and driver. :)
6L6 .. great amp
Too bad not many 6L6 tube amps anymore.
@@ThomasAndStereo I know! Hardly any dedicated ones
I wonder if I would be Mr. Omega
Which one is Recommended the Wilsenton 300B , R8 or R800 ?
3 different kind of sound, depends what you want.
Looking forward to your review of the 300B
@@ThomasAndStereo can you please outline briefly the 3 different sounds ?
6L6 that's it!
Hi Thomas. Love your videos, but I must say this MC240 approach was not my cup of tea. I know quite well the MC240 and it's nice to return listening it to times to times but modern amps at same level have much more sound quality in every aspects. However if you prefer a nostalgic funny moment,why not?
As I said in the video, modern amps will beat it in every aspect, heck I would choose a Willsenton R300 over it but as I told JP, emotional connection is different for all of us and for some people, the MC240 connects them to music like no other amps.
Thomas, What are you doing with a this shirt? If you enjoy soccer,have you seen what did Real Madrid last season?
💯💯
looks like Mc 240's came with different types of capacitors over the years. Bumble Bee caps in early models. Black Beauties in some models. Today i think they use Wima MPK metalized film. Personally, i usually prefer Foil/Film or Paper/Foil in the signal.
Interesting, I did not know.
@@ThomasAndStereo Most discussion around these capacitors is in forums about Les Paul guitars. Not all Bumble bees / Black beauties are the same , some are paper in oil , some are mylar . Depends on year. Remakes are avalible in guitar values from Luxe or Thro Bak. Other valued caps are Vitamin Q and recently Russian K-40. The easy and avalible in many values today are the CDE 715p orange drops. The 715p is hard to beat
If they were that good . They would still be making them this way. It's old tech it's all they had because they didn't know what they have today.
Do you think EVERYONE would agree that a modern Mustang is more fun to drive than a 67 Shelby Mustang GT although objectively the modern Mustang is better.
@@ThomasAndStereo or would rather drive a 2022 Lamborghini better power, better handling, old doesn't mean better , it means limited in knowledge you had what you had .
@@ThomasAndStereo I just bought a pioneer d1s supposed to be delivered tomorrow, well see what it sounds like. You can't get much better than 90,s electronics, they had performance, and well made, newer doesn't mean better either let's be clear on that , the distortion on the d1s is .005 that's as good as it gets, 👌
Note sure if you mentioned this or not but I'm assuming its original. If so then the amp is probably not to spec anymore and that's the reason your amp and the others sound different. All components drift out of spec over time and some fail spectacularly. I've restored a few vintage pieces now and they all sound better after a restoration and bringing them back into spec.
take 2 of these puppies and bi amp a pair of klipsch la scalas to get a huge sound stage thrown at you.
Mono bloc or biamp?
Puts in a tube with cloth, touches a tube without cloth. 😀
Yeah, I wonder why I did that.
How old is your amp? 1960s? Well it's those transformers in my opinion of the quality still remains. That's why these items APPRECIATE
No is a rock amp
well play some music through it
Try tube rolling sir.
Yeah, my audio buddy Mr. Kanta really want to try that.
I had a pair of MC 40s. They are okay but not that special compared to Audio Research and Audio Note. Laughably not legendary, semi-mediocre, useless as a benchmark. Perfectly understandable you never listen to the MC 240.
Hahahahaha brand-conscious
Not at all, we only care what sounds good.
These people are chriminals!
?
The glass is half full or is it half emplty ???? .............So the lie about tube and warmth...........or is it thelack of human warmth in the other technology .
By the way I build tube amplifiers and people ( friends , well experienced audiophiles ) could NOT tell what technology was the amp by listening to it ( tube-solid state or hybrid ) ..............but they liked it ...............and that's right !
By the way .......................the old MC 240 does not HUMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM. silent as a mouse even with the ear close to the tweeters .......;