MC275 vs cj Classic 62SE?

[paolo]

Latest MC275 vs cj Classic 62SE?

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Has anyone had the opportunity to compare these two amps? If so I'd value your thoughts. One of my systems is the latest version of a MAC C22 into a cj Classic 62 SE and I'm wondering what, if anything, positive, I might gain if I were to swap the cj for the MC275. Primary speakers are Sonus Faber Guarneri Homage.
TIA

 

[A-Line]

Latest MC275 vs cj Classic 62SE?

---

Has anyone had the opportunity to compare these two amps? If so I'd value your thoughts. One of my systems is the latest version of a MAC C22 into a cj Classic 62 SE and I'm wondering what, if anything, positive, I might gain if I were to swap the cj for the MC275. Primary speakers are Sonus Faber Guarneri Homage.
TIA

The CJ Classic 62 SE is a excellent basic tube amp as is the latest incarnation of the McIntosh MC275. If you're inclined to try a 275 you'll likely find yourself having to decide which flavor of excellence that you prefer between the 2 tube amps.
I would suggest that you'll find the sound stage to be a bit bigger with the 62 SE vs the 275. Also there's some tonal differences too.

I currently use a CJ Classic preamp with my McIntosh MC2102 tube amp and I found that preamp to be a perfect match sonically, at least to me, with the MC2102. I use this combo for digital playback.

I auditioned about 30 different preamps before deciding on the CJ Classic preamp. It was simply the best preamp under €50,000.00 for my amp.

Cost is not always a indicator of performance but proper and careful matching of components is very important. The CJ Classic preamp was about €2000.00, much less than the other brands that I auditioned like ARC, McIntosh, DarTZeel, Soulution, Boulder, Ayre, Audio Note, Allnic, and FM Acoustics.

Just my opinions.

 

[paolo]

@A-Line
Thank you for your contribution. I still am curious about the MC275 but not enough to arrange for a home audition. I may very well do that come the cold weather. The soundstage I'm getting with the MAC preamp and the cj amp is wonderful. I'm also a big fan of the EL34 tube- I had cj bias my amp for those rather than the KT120 that they generally come with.

 

[A-Line]

@A-Line
Thank you for your contribution. I still am curious about the MC275 but not enough to arrange for a home audition. I may very well do that come the cold weather. The soundstage I'm getting with the MAC preamp and the cj amp is wonderful. I'm also a big fan of the EL34 tube- I had cj bias my amp for those rather than the KT120 that they "normally" come with.

The sound of the 275 really hasn't changed since the 1960's. My dad had one along with the C22 preamp from that era, 1964 to be exact.

Your setup sounds rather nice. No need to audition any new amps if you're satisfied with what you have.

 

[paolo]

A-Line said
"The sound of the 275 really hasn't changed since the 1960's. My dad had one along with the C22 preamp from that era, 1964 to be exact.

Your setup sounds rather nice. No need to audition any new amps if you're satisfied with what you have. "

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Now that's an interesting comment about the 275. Thanks. I'm very satisfied with my system as it now is. A couple of years ago I reluctantly sold my vintage MFA components due to ever-increasing maintenance costs. Since then I've tried numerous tube components - none of which I found satisfactory until now. I really have no reason to change other than curiosity. And we know what that can do to some cats....

 

[A-Line]

A-Line said
"The sound of the 275 really hasn't changed since the 1960's. My dad had one along with the C22 preamp from that era, 1964 to be exact.

Your setup sounds rather nice. No need to audition any new amps if you're satisfied with what you have. "

________________

Now that's an interesting comment about the 275. Thanks. I'm very satisfied with my system as it now is. A couple of years ago I reluctantly sold my vintage MFA components due to ever-increasing maintenance costs. Since then I've tried numerous tube components - none of which I found satisfactory until now. I really have no reason to change other than curiosity. And we know what that can do to some cats....

The 275 is one of those rare amplifiers that was made right the first time around no improvement necessary. You have a very nice setup. Enjoy!