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Marantz 8B or 9 reissue vs McIntosh tube amps
- Thread starter dj_AmTraX
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I've been listening to a VAC 8B reissue for about a month-this is in comparison to a pair of MC 30's, both amp setups run through a MX 110.
The 8B is bit more refined to my ears with better resolution.
The MC 30's have a much sweeter midrange-almost holographic at times, with fuller bass.
I also have a MC 225 I need to rehab for another comparison. I'm doing my own amp shoot-out and hope to settle on one unit.
Do not have any comparison to the bigger Mac's or Marantz 9's.
Paul
The 8B is bit more refined to my ears with better resolution.
The MC 30's have a much sweeter midrange-almost holographic at times, with fuller bass.
I also have a MC 225 I need to rehab for another comparison. I'm doing my own amp shoot-out and hope to settle on one unit.
Do not have any comparison to the bigger Mac's or Marantz 9's.
Paul
Brian
An Old Geezer
Finding a pair of 9s is almost impossible and buying them is equal to buying a decent car. The 8b rissue probably would best be compared to a MC225 that has ben gone through as the original 8/8b was the competition for the MC225. The 5 was the competitor to the MC30 and the 5 vs 30 difference would be the same as Paul's evaluation of the pros of the 8b over the MC30 but less of the pros of the MC30 over the 8b, if any.
The 9 had no direct competing amp from Mc (mono power amp) except the MC275. The 9 made the 275 sound like a muddy, slow, detailess weakling. And the MC275 is a very good sounding amp imho. Yeah, the 9 is just that good.
The 9 had no direct competing amp from Mc (mono power amp) except the MC275. The 9 made the 275 sound like a muddy, slow, detailess weakling. And the MC275 is a very good sounding amp imho. Yeah, the 9 is just that good.
KentTeffeteller
Gimpus Stereophilus!
Hi,
I like both amps and use them. We have Model 9 monoblocks (restored originals) and a 7W preamp. We have McIntosh 225, 240, 275, MC 30, MC 50, MC 60, and more. We have all the McIntosh tube preamps. I like a pair of MC 30 power amps with a C-20 or C-22 preamp best in the McIntosh camp. I have no experience with the reissue Model 9 Marantz amps. The only reason why we can really afford Marantz tube gear is that a musician friend gave us the Marantz gear and some other gear when she moved into an assisted living home. We gave her a McIntosh MAC 1900, a MCD 7000 in cherry condition, and a pair of B & W 801 speakers for her new home and transferred her old LP and open reel collection to CD. She's happy and enjoys playing her piano and hi-fi for all. She still plays in the local symphony and visits us frequently and hears her old system. She's also our piano teacher.
I like both amps and use them. We have Model 9 monoblocks (restored originals) and a 7W preamp. We have McIntosh 225, 240, 275, MC 30, MC 50, MC 60, and more. We have all the McIntosh tube preamps. I like a pair of MC 30 power amps with a C-20 or C-22 preamp best in the McIntosh camp. I have no experience with the reissue Model 9 Marantz amps. The only reason why we can really afford Marantz tube gear is that a musician friend gave us the Marantz gear and some other gear when she moved into an assisted living home. We gave her a McIntosh MAC 1900, a MCD 7000 in cherry condition, and a pair of B & W 801 speakers for her new home and transferred her old LP and open reel collection to CD. She's happy and enjoys playing her piano and hi-fi for all. She still plays in the local symphony and visits us frequently and hears her old system. She's also our piano teacher.
EasyRiderNYC
Tubed
Brian
An Old Geezer
Sadly, I sold my last set of 9s a good number of years ago and long before the advent of reproduction amps (or reissues if you prefer). Yeah, I know, big mistake, right up there with my 1st marriage. I heard the original repro 275 and it reminded me very much of the original in sound but did not have an oppurtunity to compare it to an original. I think the reviewers found it to be a pretty close faithful reproduction of the original sound. To add to the mix, also consider the early ARC tube units. I settled on a pair of D76a power amps as log term owners over both the Mc and Marantz units. Of course at the time of deciding on them 9s were already scarce and retubing them is a bit of a dollar challenge as they use a lot more tubes. Them with the SPC3A1 that is based on the Marantz 7 but improved made for an extremely wonderful listening experience that I preferred over both the best at the time of Mc tube and Marantz tube.
With the going prices for both Marantz tube and Mc tube gear today, I think there are alternatives for those who want very good sound and tube gear without the premium associated with the name.
So we understand my thinking I have been a Mc system owner since the late '60s and can not think of giving them up.
With the going prices for both Marantz tube and Mc tube gear today, I think there are alternatives for those who want very good sound and tube gear without the premium associated with the name.
So we understand my thinking I have been a Mc system owner since the late '60s and can not think of giving them up.
