When I first put this system together in 1991-2, I was driving the Martin Logan CLS electrostats with a pair of 140W Audio Research M300 MkII triode monoblocks. The "subs" were a pair of Wilson Puppies driven by a Mark Levinson 23.5 through a Bryston 10B x-over. Later on, I sold the Puppies and the x-over and bought Kinergetics SW 800 subwoofers that were designed to match the CLS's (the "Mini Statement" system.) I never really liked them ;--( I recently moved into an apartment and sold all the Kinergetics stuff and my beloved ARC amps due to space limitations. Began driving the CLS's with the ML 23.5 (very nice) and was resigned to listening to the CLS's with whatever bass they could muster.
When Martin Logan introduced their own subs, I could tell from the physical layout of the three opposing woofers that they had potential, plus I just couldn't imagine Martin Logan putting more sluggish subwoofers on the market;--) I'd been an advocate of "two subwoofers" mostly for easier placement rather than for "stereo bass". But first I thought I'd buy just one ML Depth and see how it sounded. I put it in the middle, crossed over at a mere 35Hz. Incredible! Fast and seamless, just like the Puppies. The omnidirectional woofer arrangement really makes two units unnecessary for good imaging, unless you need more poop.
Four years ago, I bought a new McIntosh MC-275 MkIV in order to drive the stats with tubes again, and it's fantastic! (See my post below.) The Purist cabling and the Depth sub really completed my system to where I'm not making any changes. I have been trying different headphone gear lately -- just for fun!
So now it's summer of 2102, and due to the untimely death of an audiophile friend last year, I had the opportunity to try out some of his very fine equipment, before liquidating it for his family. Only one piece of equipment really 'stuck', and that was an Atma-Sphere MP-3 tube preamp. It is a fully balanced differential Class A design with an all-tube phonostage; 'all-tube' meaning no FET's and no step-up transformers! I'd always wanted to try a tube phonoamp, and I'd always wanted to hear what an MC cartridge (a 'balanced output' device) would sound like when amplified by a phonoamp with balanced inputs. So I got to hear both things at the same time! And now it's time for my incredible Levinson 25s phonoamp and 26s preamp to go to a new audiophile ;~) As a famous Guru said, "Once you get the message, you hang up the phone!"
So for the first time in eight years (2004, when I replaced my ARC SP-14 preamp with the Levinson 25s/26s) my system sounds brand new again! Unfortunately my own body just keeps getting older, so this might be the last time the audio system changes ;~)
Finally, a tube phonostage with balanced inputs; MC cartridge heaven! Replaced Levinson 25s/26s. I never thought that would happen ;~)
Mcintosh MC275 Mk IV -- Shuguang Treasure KT88Z power tubes
Same as the Mk V (the latest 'un-leaded' version) with XLR inputs, detachable PC, and bigger power transformer. Current power tubes are even (slightly) better than my NOS Gold Lions; and only cost $400! The amp itself is a bargain, and its 95w/ch sound is delicious ;-)
HeadRoom Home Balanced Headphone Amp
Drives headphones balanced! 'Crossfeed' feature eliminates 'hole-in-the-middle' effect common with headphone listening. Solid state.
Melos SHA-1
The classic tube headphone amp/preamp from Melos. Better sonics than my HeadRoom unit ;~)
Goldmund Studietto Mk II turntable
It's on a Target wall shelf. Has the JVC quartz-lock motor, Goldmund cones, van den Hul zirconium spindle oil. Replaced the springs with Pandafeet sorbothane isolators -- no resonance, no noise, great bass, direct drive rules!!
SME Series V tonearm
Bought in 1990. Factory serviced in 2004 and installed new van den Hul MC-150S internal silver wiring.
Transfiguration Temper W MC cartridge
0.5mV output, new double ring magnet (yokeless) design. Stunning fit 'n finish. Now broken after 150 hours. It produces an amazing black background against a sparkling top to bottom neutrality, with great transient response and holographic imaging.
Purist Audio Venustas Phono interconnect
It's totally to die for! -- Increases the sonic value of your cartridge by $5000.
Wadia WT-2000 PS-2 CD transport
Wadia's Esoteric Transport w/ the upgraded VRDS heavy-duty Teac platter.
Aural Symphonics Optimism V.2 ST glass optical cable
If you don't have AT&T inputs/outputs on your digital gear necessary for using this glass digital datalink, then you're missing an unsurpassed musical experience from your CDs!
Wadia 27 DAC
Sounds great w/ the AS Optimism 2 glass cable. May consider GNSC mods later on.
Nakamichi CR-7A audiophile cassette
Basically, a Dragon that doesn't reverse (Thank God!) Bought it new with mics and mixer yet!! Analog rules!!
McIntosh MR65B stereo FM tube tuner
Bought it (very) used in 2007 and had it refurbished. Total $700, more than 2X 1962 retail! Amazing sound.
Martin Logan CLS IIz full range electrostat
Owned these starting in 1991 (as CLS II's) Installed new panels 3/11 and they sound better than ever! The Sound Anchor stands improve both the bass (cleaner) and the mid/highs (transient response.) What a difference!
Sound Anchor CLS speaker stand
They get the CLS's off the floor for better staging and keep the panels from rocking, improving the transients (even when I thought they couldn't get any better!)
Martin Logan Depth subwoofer
Better transient response (faster) than the (larger) Descent due to it's smaller, lighter woofers. See my remarks below.
Purist Audio Venustas RCA and XLR interconnects
RCA (1.5m) connects phono preamp to preamp. XLR (8m - 25 feet) connects preamp to amp.
Straightwire Maestro RCA
An 8m pair preamp to subwoofer.
Purist Audio Venustas 2.5m speaker cables
My last speaker cables!
PAD Venustas/Dominus, Aural Thrills and Audio Metallurgy power cords
Purist for the amp and CDT, other stuff elsewhere.
ExactPower EP-15A / SP-15A power units
The EP is a power regenerator. It supplies the amp, sub, speakers, and the SP balanced power unit. The SP supplies the source devices.
Studiotech Performance Series shelf systems
One of audio's best bangs. Price includes shipping. Easy to assemble, great looking and solid!
I'm using the specially designed Sound Anchor CLS stands. They are beautifully made and very sturdy -- especially the panel bracing system which is so important for good transient response. And, they are reaonably priced -- about $575/pair.
If you order a pair, ask them to make them 8 inches high instead of 12 inches, which is way too high unless you'll be WAY back from your speakers ;--) Here's the page:
I see it's been 2 months since my original post, so enough time has passed I think, for me to provide a fair assessment of the new panels' performance (over the old ones.)
As I indicated earlier, I wasn't expecting earth-shattering differences/improvements with the new panels; and that my main reason for changing them was to hedge against MartinLogan's eventual discontinuance of replacement parts for all their legacy products.
As for the performance of the new panels, after a least 100 hours of use at various volume levels, my assessment is this:
1.) Almost all aspects of CLS performance improved by small but noticeable increments. That means things like a (little bit) smoother top end; (a little bit) more efficiency; (a little bit) less time to fully charge (after the signal-sensing circuit applies full wall power; (a little bit) tighter/lower bass extension; etc.
2.) Then came a pleasant, and very audible surprise, and it didn't happen (or I didn't notice it ) until after that first hundred (or so) hours: a much fuller/stronger lower midrange/upper mid-bass. This was the one area that always drew criticism for the CLS's, and one which couldn't be fixed without applying some kind of equalization. And these days, that means digital, so no thanks! Instead, (up until now) I used the "softening" switch to mildly attenuate the upper frequency range, thus giving the lower midrange a little more weight/presence -- unfortunately at the cost of a couple dB in speaker efficiency; but as an added bonus, attenuating the top end a bit made the speaker's notorious hi-frequency impedance drop less of an issue for amplifiers. The changes in the replacement panel(s) were few, but apparently significant. And so I have to assume that the improved lower-mid/upper-bass has to be due to better diaphragm and coating materials, and a little bit higher tensioning. And now, with a stronger lower mid-range, I'm able to run the top end wide open (i.e., no "softening" switch) which of course has the (reverse) effect of improving the speaker's overall efficiency! So it's all good ;~))
As it turned out, there was really no reason for me to panic about replacing them; although in my defense, my CC was already in "mid--swipe" when ML reversed their policy!! All things considered, I'm very pleased with the results and glad I did it for the years of better performance I will enjoy. -- Neil .
I just ordered a set of new panels for my CLS IIz's. These incorporate the latest diaphragm improvements (both the mylar and the conductive coating), high(er) current hookup wire, and "Clear-Spar" section dividers. Has anyone out there already done this upgrade?
My current panels are 17 years old. They still sound great and look perfect. Yet Dana Brown at ML told me to be prepared for a "big surprise". After a ~100 hour break-in, he says the new panels will have even better high frequency extension and more detail than the originals. Anyone already experienced this?
MC275 -- I have actually listened to a C220 in my system for a few days, so your question is easy for me to answer -- absolutely buy the 26S! It is a preamplifier for a lifetime, and you will never regret your decision.
Hello Nsgarch, excuses my English, I read its commentaries on Mcintosh MC 275 in Audiokarma. I have the opportunity to buy a Mark Levinson nº 26s and am undecided, not if decidirmthankse by the Mark Lvinson nº 26s or Macintosh C220.thanks and greetings.
Thanks Nsgarch,presently all stock tubes in a pair of 275IVs with Summits.Have also been following things over at martinloganowners. Was going to go with two quads of EATs a few months ago but now with the appearance of the Treasures.....then to seek out some small tubes......Thanks.
Update -- auditioning a quad of the new black bottle Shuguang Treasure Series KT88-Z's, which, when they're halfway to full break-in in another 100 hours, I will compare with my absolutely terrific quad of NOS Genalex Gold Lions ;--)
But I can already say, that for a hand selected matched quad, including airfreight from Shenzhen China, for under $400, they're right up there with the NOS GL's and very probably the EAT's too. And when you consider the other two go for $1000+ and $1400+/-- respectively, these new Shuggies could be "the ones" we've been waiting for!
TZ -- that's great! And though I'll be very anxious to know what you think, I hope whoever is throwing the party has put the specified 300 hour break-in time on them (OK, I'd settle for 100 ;--)
Pierre - I'm currently ordering a quad of the new Shuguang Black Treasure Series KT88-Z which I already mentioned. I auditioned a quad of (really old!) EAT's. They had almost no transconductance on my tester, so it would be unfair to judge them based on that experience!
I love my NOS Gold Lions, but they are now expensive as EAT's. So if the Shuggies are as good as everyone says, they could easily take over the KT88 market, at only $400/quad.
Specifically, what three kinds of tubes do you have in your amps now? I forgot.
New tube options would replace the 12A type mullards on the 275s. Not our favorite anymore so I know they need to go. Quite the expense for two MC275s. So with that in mind what do you recommend that will improve the midrange smoothness with more micro detail within the soundstage?
McIntosh is, and has always been, about their transformers! The would probably never have rolled their own; just bought them from an OEM made to their specs, like every0one else. Except Frank McIntosh's Unity Coupled Circuit design required a special kind of output transformer with TWO SEPARATE primary windings laid in parallel, right next to each other (bi-filar.) And nobody would make them, or maybe nobody would make them with the precision required, or at a decent price, sooo Frank made them himself -- and McIntosh still does!!
The new MC275 IV and V have new 490V Power Transformers as well. Earlier models had 420V, I think.
I just spoke to an old audiophile friend of mine and I mentioned that I have the 275. He said the secret to the 275 is the transformers. Would you agree? He said it is also one of his favorite amps of all time. He is coming over to have a few cold ones and take a listen.
Researched the Shuguang Black Treasure Series KT88-Z. Will be interesting to see what you discover.
Me too! They've been out almost two years now, but only in the last two weeks, a couple of people whose perceptions and wide experience I trust, have given them very high marks!
So here we go again ;--) Unfortunately, they specify 300 hours of break-in time before they yield all their charms. However, since I've always bought tubes and cables used, so break-in was never an issue; I could "hear" them right away. But now ~ oy!
I shouldn't complain. I usually can't think of anything I'd want to update/upgrade in my system, so here's a chance to have some audio hardware fun ;--) Speaking of which (and I don't mean to be critical, only encouraging ;--) with that terrific system of yours, and TWO 275's!, you could enjoy some new and amazing audio experiences by just (how can I say this diplomatically?) "exploring"(?) some alternative (heh, heh!) tube options ;--)) .
Yes I am. Either the RCA or the Sylvania 3-mica blackplate. Can't decide between them, but can't find anything better. I'm about to try a quad of the new Shuguang Black Treasure Series KT88-Z to compare with my NOS Gold Lions. They supposedly have all the great qualities and specs of the NOS GL's and the EAT's but only cost around $400/quad. I'm using the GEC A2900/CV6091 for my 12AT7.
Knowing that you have experimented more with the MC275, have you tried the 4, 8, and 16 ohm taps with the MLs to determine sonic differences?
Well, I always keep coming back to the 4 ohm (which is the nominal CLS impedance.)
