I want your feedback. Here s what Im looking for.
OBJECT
To create the most realistic soundstage to listen to in my NYC apartment on the lowest possible budget.
Objectives Met:
- This system simply images better than any other stereo system Ive ever heard. Period. The sound state is about 9 feet wide, and every noise is EXACTLY where it should be, and ever sound so clearly comes from a single point that sometimes I look behind the speaker to see where the instrument it.
Issues:
- To me the midrange sounds a little hollow, almost like there too much treble and not enough bass, even though the speakers have a great low end.
o I think this is the room as there are hardwood floors, the speakers fire in the direction of a window that creates a reflective surface, and the room is 50ft long.
Any suggestions on how to improve the mid-bass sound would be appreciated.
How much more volume/mid-bass would I get running a different amp? Or another Mcintosh 275 run both run mono?
System edited: Just added the focal speakers that you see in the pics. I use there for a 5 channel surround sound system. Because i live in a nyc appartment i left the sub outta the system but would buy one if i ever move to a house. These speakers have lots of low end so i don't really need them. People who like Bose speakers are always really surprised there better than Bose out there lol.
As per your comment about tubes, Im not interested in more base. The speakers already have great bass that digs quite deep. Im looking for more midrange tone, a more solid, deeper midrange.
Do you think the tubes will help? Have you had this experience with Mcintosh Amps? Any thoughts on sound deadening the room and the windows behind the speakers?
The speakers are 9 feet apart, the sound stage sounds about 12-14 feet wide. Sounds appear to originate in the walls to the sides of the speaker, its truly amazing. The system has incredible depth. I couldnt say sounds originate much in front of the speakers, but they do go about 6-8 feet deep. So voice tends to be about 6 feet high, or just at the top of the speaker. I havent tried to angle the speakers up! What do you mean? To adjust the tension rod at the back so the speaker is on a slight angle or maybe put spikes only of the front of the speaker to angle it up?
I forgot to say that you should roll the small signal tubes in the amp. (the 12ax7's). Get the Telefunkens or any NOS for that matter. You will see a dramtic increase in bass from just that simple change. 3 tubes, probably 100.00 bucks. You will be amazed. Everything will be better. Better yet, roll the 12at7's and you will even notice better detail if you can believe that. You will love it. Look into the small signal tubes. they make the biggest difference but all are voiced differently and Andy from Vintage Tubes can help you with that. Or any reputable tube dealer. Have fun!! You have the goods for sure.
You could be right. My local Hi End shop has the quads and the Mcintosh tubes together and it does sound amazing. then he rolled the tubes in the Preamp and what a difference! Do you have your speakers angled up to get a taller soundstage. I was wondering about the height of the soundstage. Your speakers are my dream to be honest. I have heard many systems and none sound like your combo. It is a fantastic synergy. One of the best in "High End" for sure. People say that McIntosh is not a 3 dimensional sound. Ha Ha. Just take a listen to your setup and I bet you will have a hard time finding any setup that is more 3D than that one, trust me. Congrats on a true reference gem. You do have arguably the best of the best.
Tzh21y - the tubes are brand new, as is the amp. Less than 30 hours on it strait from Mcintosh. It is a match made in heaven, but i think the deeper you get into this stuff, the more your looking for.
I used to own Quad 63's with the full Crosby mod for many years.
I eventually went to Atma-Sphere amps because they gave the fullest sound (especially in the mid bass) with the quads, which I found lacking in other amps at the time both tube and solid state.
I don't own Quads any longer (actually I'd love to hear your system) but I have stuck with Atma-sphere over the years, even eventually becoming their NYC dealer (talk about devotion to a product). You are welcome to come listen to the Atma amps/pre here in our uptown loft, and are about to get a new 16 ohm speaker in specifically to mate well with OTL's.
I'd love to compare notes with you as we're both in NYC. I'm always looking for feedback trying to improve the system and room, and happy to do the same for other people's systems.
Cool system, I agree the ESL 2905 is one of my favorite all time speakers. I've heard them out here on the West Coast[SF Bay Area] with several tube monoblock systems. The one thing about the Quads is they are very sensitive to up stream amplification, preamps they really are pretty picky! I have nothing against Mac gear in general but I would have to say with your speakers they may be a just a bit bland, maybe bass weak. Amps I've heard them with in order of price, form silly to very affordable! Viva Linea, Viva Aurora[845 amps] ARC-110T asl AQ1006 845 DT MKII, Jolida JD3000a mono blocks I'm sure their are many others.
The ARC and Jolida's I've seen for a very good price on Audiogon. If you get a chance to listen I think you will make up your own mind. The Jolida are 200 wpc but don't sound like it, they also have a LOT of low end grunt and great mid-bass. 211/845 triod amps have a sound and control all their own. ARC, just makes great stuff! Something to check out if you can.
