@Gearjunky, no prob! Not sure where you’re located, but if you’re ever near SouthEast Michigan. You’re welcome to check em out. Always willing to show a fellow Mc/Klipsch fan.
They sound killer, and all the “mods” are Klipsch parts. The Eminence woofer is the same as the Klipsch k-42, they’re the OE for it. And the Tweeter, which isn’t totally necessary is made for and used by Klipsch in some of the new heritage models. So it’s still a “Klipsch”, not just any old frankenspeaker. Lol
Anyway, you’ve got A LOT of great gear. I’m sure whatever direction you go speaker wise, you’ll be pleased!
On another note, after stacking both Mc240’s with NOS Matched Quads of RCA Black Plates, NOS matched pairs of Telefunken12AX7’s, NOS Telefunken 12AU7’s and NOS RCA Black plate 12BH7’s.
I decided to try “rolling” the V1 12AX7 spot between NOS Mullards, Amperex Bugle Boys, and the previously mentioned Tele’s.
While all 3 sounded stellar, the Tele’s are my pick. They’re just better across the whole spectrum. Not by a ton, the Mullards were 2, and the Amperex were 3rd(surprisingly)
I may try to add more Mullard and Amperex tubes in the other locations, perhaps the Tele’s effected sound. Again, I’d be tickled with any of the three. Splitting hairs here. Just some tube advice/opinion’s imho.
All I know is, newer tubes just don’t sound as good in a 240. I know I know...Macs circuit isn’t supposed to be picky with tubes, and it isn’t. I’m just saying, there was an audible difference with Sovtek output tubes, mixed with an array of cheap Eastern Block and Asian current or recent production tubes.
It’s worth the extra $ to pop for the Vintage US or Euro tubes in something as classic as a Mc240.
In the MX-110z I have all NOS Tele’s, except the 6D10 has a NOS GE(sometimes a Raytheon, which I think is a rebranded Ge) and the 6U8’s are NOS GE. Can’t find my Tele’s...I will tho...one day. Lol
This tube selection has brought me what I find to be the best sound for “strapped” MC240’s with an MX110Z, in MY system.
I don’t see much info out there about this configuration. I’ve searched. So I figured I’d put my opionion out there. Apparently there aren’t too many people running MC240’s in mono. Which surprises me. With as many out there as there are, and some people feeling the vintage Mc tube amps don’t have enough power. A restored strapped Mc240 will give a 100 watts a channel. 100 Mc tube watts will power ALOT of speakers. I’ve run 88db 4 ohm B&W’s to concert level without a hint of distortion or “stress” on the amps. AR3’s too. Not exactly “efficient” speakers.
Lemme tell ya, with a Set of Klispch heritage soeakers like Cornwall’s, LaScala’s or my Super Heresy’s. It’s killer, all those being above 102db.
I’ve got a set of Bozak 302a’s I did the “Tobin” mods on. Those are about the best damn midrange on earth with Mac tubes. I actually working on a Mod to integrate some ESS HEIl AMT tweeters, which is the “weak spot” if there is one on those ole Bozaks. Rudy really made some stellar speakers. Haven’t hooked the 240’s to my Quads yet. Still need to do that, I just love those with my Carver setup.
Anyway, I’ve had a few “pops” today. So I’m getting off track and thread hi-jacking. So I’ll leave it with this.
Regarding Vintage 6L6 McIntosh tube amps. If you want a nice NOS US tube, go with the GE’s, like Steve Hoffman recommends. It’ll save you some cash, and they’re awesome. I mean, everyone should at least hear or try some RCA BlackPlates and see what they sound like on their system. I love em, most due, some say they’re over rated, or a “guitar players tube”....that gives to much “high end”.
I’m not in that camp. I think the highs are sweet and sparkly, not harsh at all. Maybe their amps need attention? Or maybe it’s system or hearing differences. Most likely. The Bass Punch is also DRASTICALLY improved in my system. Now the mids, well....I live for them. As PWK said, “we live in the midrange”. I’m not sure I’m sacrificing much, but I do notice a more pronounced midrange with my NOS GE 6L6’s in. Perhaps it’s better, or the less pronounced highs and bass are the reason. Not that they are bad with the GE, just different than the BlackPlates.
I’ll also throw out Vintage NOS Sylvania as a choice. Kinda between a GE and an RCA. At any rate, this is all “splitting hairs”, as they all sound stellar and relay the “Big Mac sound”!
I do however prefer the Vintage Mac to the New Mac tube offerings. This the MC275 V sitting unused in my basement. I’ll break it out someday. Lol