MC225 Amplifier... doesn't seem to push the lower end of my ADS speakers very well... 1). Is there a speaker which might sound similar to the ADS line, but is more compatible with this amplifier? (note: I don't think I want to go the Klipsch/horn route). 2). if the power supply is rebuilt, will that alter the strength in the lower register, or is that unrelated? thanks, Steven

First, welcome! I've got a couple of these little amps that have been rebuilt, too. They will, indeed, produce plenty of well-controlled bass.

To answer your questions:

- A fully rebuilt power supply will go a long way to returning the amp to its original specs. There are a couple of other things that should be done to get the best from the '225: rebuild the bias supply and swap the coupling caps especially in the early stages. This will improve the bass slam further and the keeping the bias voltage right on spec will ensure that the final tubes are producing the cleanest signal they can.

As for speakers, I've used my '225 with Altec 604s, JBL 4425s, KLH Model 5s, UREI 809s and Quad ESL63s, and Magnepan 1.6QRs, among others. The results of each combo was a bit different. The KLHs and the Maggies didn't get quite as loud as the Altec/JBL/UREIs but there was plenty of bass slam once I got the speakers setup well. BTW, the updates to the amp will also create a solid and stable sound stage, too.

So, my conclusion is that they're quite at home with most any sort of reasonably efficient speakers in a reasonable size room. Depending on how you listen to your music, the combinations may work for you. Average loudness you listen and the size of the room are 2 factors that come into play here in addition to watts per channel and speaker efficiency.

I'd be a bit more concerned with their use with a set of ADS speakers - as you rightly suggest due primarily to efficiency considerations. BTW, are you confident that these don't need some attention, too?

Hope that helps.

Cheers,

David