Monitors w/McIntosh

[GigaBoy]

I've just acquired a '65 vintage MC240 amp. As I understand, this is really a consumer piece, but I'm considering pressing it into service in the studio. I don't know enough about this type of amp to know whether I should expect to use it for mixing/critical monitoring of just listening/enjoying. I'm aware of the color that the amp may impart to mixes and fear mixing through the amp may result in cold (opposite of the warmth the amp will impart) mixes.

What is your take on using these old tube behemoths in a critical mixing path?

Also, I am planning on another set of monitors for use with the McIntosh. Any recommendations on full range monitors in the 12" woofer range. If I were going purely listening with no hopes of mixing on this chain, I might consider old JBL 4311 or the like. That's the approximate size I require for this room. I'm certainly intrigued with the KRK line. But if I had them, I'd sure want to trust that I could mix on the mac/krk combo confidently.

Bottem line, does this McIntosh amp belong in the studio? Thanks

Bill Watson
GigaBoy A/V
Check out my new site at: http://www.gigaboyav.com

Moderator, please remove my site plug if inappropriate.

 

[dimlight]

I would advice against using any amplifier that has a "sound", to do a serious mix but if you know the room/speaker/amp, and how the sound you get in that room translates to the rest of the world, you could use it for mixing, the question is should you?
My advice is NO for music mixing.
For music for video and/or video work yes, by all means (just remember the above)

As for speakers go, it depends on your budget. if you see the tread (above/below) by synergy, you probably already know what my choice was

 

[Mixerman]

If your speakers sound good with the amp, then you should use it. They're ^#$%ing great amps, and are used all the time in critical listening chains.

I think the Quested monitors match up great with the Mac 240.

Mixerman

 

[GigaBoy]

Thanks Mixerman and Dimlight, I'll check out the Quested monitors. Any model specific suggestions in the 12" woofer range, mixerman? I'll be using them in addition (not at the same time) to my current HR824s which are slated for replacement by genelecs, i think.

GigaBoy

 

[GigaBoy]

After a brief search, I have found a demo pair of Quested VH2108 monitors. In my approx 15x20 room, when powered by the Mac MC240, would these have enough poop for use as mains (not nearfields)? Thanks

 

[brad]

....

 

[GigaBoy]

Thanks Brad, there are two versions with an 8" and tweet, these are the ones with the larger cabinets. Brad, would you be comfortable mastering through the Mac MC240 straight into these questeds? Thanks

Bill
GigaBoy A/V
Allendale, IL http://www.gigaboyav.com

 

[Mixerman]

I can't speak for Brad, but I know that Dave Collins uses the Mac - Quested chain for Mastering. They're great amps, don't get bogged down by the fact that they have tubes and they're 30 years old. That's a good thing.

I don't recall you mentioning that you were thinking of using the amp for mains. I doubt that amp is powerful enough for true mains, and what do you need mains for anyway? Personally, I never turn the damn things on anyway.

If you're still afraid, I'll trade you a Hafler for the 240.

Mixerman

 

[GigaBoy]

You're right, not enough power for mains and I don't have the space or $ to get big main speakers.
http://www.gigaboyav.com/controlroom.html

I'll just go out into the studio and listen on the JBL L400s in there when someone wants to zone on sheer volume.

It seems the best to just stack the second set of monitors over the existing ones and use whichever set I feel like. I've needed a second monitoring chain for some time anyway. Actually, I can't wait to hear the Mac through a great set of monitors. I've not bothered hooking it up to the old beater set of EV sentry 100s in the closet. Almost seemed an insult to the Mac.

I know it (the mac) will warm and smooth the sound and I was "afraid" that mixing through this chain would result in the opposite of warm and smooth mixes. That thinking was flawed. If there was a knob labeled "warm", I imagine it would be getting turned clockwise 99% of the time. Can't hear myself saying "it's too warm and smooth".

Ah hell, time to live a little, after a bit more research, I going for it. Mixerman, thanks for the great recommendation, I like what I see so far. And I've found what looks like a real nice deal on a pair. I'm checking on whether I can get them on a trial basis. Anybody got other recommendations they feel are on the same level as the Quested line, before I jump? Thanks all.

Bill
GigaBoy A/V

 

[brad]

....

 

[brad]

....

 

[Mixerman]

That's a negative on the Quested's for me. If I was stationary, I'd defenitely have them. Since I'm moving around all the time, I prefer a powered monitor.

Mixerman

 

[GigaBoy]

Originally posted by Brad Blackwood:
On second thought, it will definitely sound like crap.

You should give the amp to me.


Originally posted by Mixerman:
If you're still afraid, I'll trade you a Hafler for the 240.

Mixerman

I'm starting to think that this McIntosh deserves something like the Questeds. Guys, thanks for the education. I'm quite excited to hear this combo.

 

[synergy]

also worth considering:
http://www.tannoy.com/product.cfm?ID=54

 

[blake eat world]

sorry to use your thread giga, but how is a marantz 2270 at powering a 12" like the Tannoys?

 

[GigaBoy]

So, I got the coolest little Superscope CD player to use with the new McIntosh gear. This little wonder (PSD220) is portable (wallWart/Batteries), has its own little speaker, RCA outs and SPDIF output. What makes it so cool is it has both a pitch and a speed control. Anyway, I hooked it up with the McIntosh Preamp and amp and (here's the ugly part) an old pair of EV Sentry 100s. Here's where I need help. It's been years since I've used these EVs and It seems I recall that they were VERY inefficient. I used them with a 250 watt amp, so it was a non-issue. With the MC240 amp, these things are not very loud at all. Now I realize that the Mac is only 50 or so watts/ch, but it sure didn't seem like 50 watts worth of sound in the room. And, turning the preamp past 3:00 o:clock produce audible distortion. I have no intention of putting these EV speakers back into service (just to test the amp) but the low level has me concerned. Can anyone confirm that EV Sentry 100s are rediculously inefficient? Are there options for getting more power from the amp (choosing different impedances)? I understand that the Questeds are very efficient, What about KRK? JungleGirl, what can you recommend for a passive monitor that is similarly sized to a HR824 as I do have mounting restrictions? (see control rm pic, link above). Thanks again all for the great info!

Bill Watson
GigaBoy A/V http://www.gigaboyav.com

 

[synergy]

gigaboy,

you definitly should go and check out a pair of tannoy's-their coaxial chassis (in principle) is built since nearly 50 years, at a time when there were only tubeamps with much lesser power than yours, and they sound extremly good (especially with tubes".
of course, you can't demand the ultimate in basscontrol from such an amp.
but, try a pair of tannoys before you buy anything else!

 

[radiophonic]

Originally posted by Mixerman:
That's a negative on the Quested's for me. If I was stationary, I'd defenitely have them. Since I'm moving around all the time, I prefer a powered monitor.

Mixerman

What powered monitor(s) do you prefer (and why)?

Regards,

Graham