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RE: MC-225 vs MC- 240 vs Marantz 8b

andreas75, hi. Why is the MC-225 considered better than 240? That may be a question for the ages. The 225 and other McIntosh tube amps share the Unity Coupled Circuit which is a clever way to have operation slid more towards Class B for: longer output tube life, vanishing of certain types of distortion, less current draw at idle, etc. A great deal of the 225's sound can be attributed to the 7591 tube (Westinghouse). Sometimes there is a happy combination between output tube and transformer that cannot be predicted or explained by theory. I believe the 225 versus 240 is a classic example of this. Back in the day McIntosh was often demonstrated with Klipsh. Sales people were encouraged to link these two. A cozy sales agreement? Maybe. McIntosh had the 'look' as well - lustrous paint and lots of chrome. If your expectation is 'more power equals better sound' you are operating under under a delusion. Better sound is not a horsepower contest. A MC-225 and a pair of Marantz Model Two are in my collection. The 8 and 8B follow the Model Two's and could be said to be derived from them. If I had to sell one or the other it would be the 225. I enjoy both but the Marantz would get my vote as superior. As Pak suggests it would be a good idea to audition the 8B versus 225 and let your ears decide. If you want to talk about any of this drop me a line. And above all, Happy Listening.


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