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podaypodayson OP t1_jcvyoxi wrote

Sometimes BIFL can be boring (no offense to the socks and cutlery lovers out there!). The McIntosh MC275 has been in production since 1961, and unlike most consumer electronics, is still relevant today after more than 60 years.

I bought mine in 2007, and somehow it’s still running on the original tubes. As long as standard passive speakers are available, the MC275 will be a relevant piece of audio gear.

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holddemaio t1_jcwhd3q wrote

that is a sweet piece of kit. what kind of speakers do you have that feeding? (if you don’t mind me asking)

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podaypodayson OP t1_jcwi020 wrote

I have a pair of Vienna Acoustics Beethoven Concert Grand speakers. Sadly I don’t believe they’re sold in the states anymore, but I find them to be quite wonderful.

https://www.vienna-acoustics.com/speakers/concert-grand-series/beethoven-concert-grand-reference/

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Govt-Issue-SexRobot t1_jcyadfm wrote

I feel like I should dress nicer to browse that website

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contempt1 t1_jczpld3 wrote

Reminds me of being a poor college student but had hi-fidelity tastes and would visit stereophile stores and geek out with staff listening to the little details. Sadly, my now spotify life along with family no longer affords those dreams any longer. Rock on.

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holddemaio t1_jcwkjqi wrote

oh man. i can still remember the first time i auditioned a pair of Vienna Acoustics. they were some of the only speakers i can recall giving me a deep emotional reaction. and those were only bookshelves! i cant imagine what yours must sound like.

I know that Magnolia Audio Video used to carry them many years back but Vienna had to pull out of the stores because they couldn’t build the speakers as fast as they were selling, and didnt want the brand to suffer from lack of craftsmanship (or so the story was told to me).

i bet you’ll enjoy those and the McIntosh forever and ever - thanks for sharing!

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podaypodayson OP t1_jcwllnj wrote

You bet!

And from what I understand the version of the story you heard is correct. The other brands carried at Magnolia at the time were much larger operations and could handle the increase in volume that came much better. Vienna had something like 25 employees at the the time, and there was no way it was going to work. Sumiko (their US distributor) ended up dropping them entirely since Magnolia was their only retail contract. It’s a shame.

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JustJ-that-is-it t1_jcwvn1b wrote

Viennas are great. I had a pair of Sonas Faber, Cremona. Had to sell them as they were impractical living in the city.

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podaypodayson OP t1_jcxrwjc wrote

I love Sonus Faber. They sound incredible and look amazing.

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hacknix t1_jcxn99m wrote

You've hit on what might limit it's lifespan there. Tubes. Eventually, at some point, the tubes will cease being made...

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woden_spoon t1_jcxsc1m wrote

Not sure why the downvotes—there’s been a pretty significant tube shortage for the past couple of years. There are only a few factories that produce them. One closed recently, and another is in Russia where tubes were on the 2022 export ban list. This has caused musicians and audiophiles to hoard tubes, further exacerbating the supply-chain issue.

For those who don’t know, vacuum tubes have a limited lifespan. You can get 5-10 years out of a tube if you only use it occasionally and at low volumes, but if you use them several times a week at higher volumes, they’ll last maybe 2-3 years.

The possibility of tubes becoming unobtainable or prohibitively expensive is very real.

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mega_brown_note t1_jcyctno wrote

I feel like the law of supply and demand means there will always be tubes available … for a certain price.

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Shitebart t1_jcz6ojd wrote

As long as guitarists exist, somebody will still be producing tubes. I don't think tube guitar amps are going anywhere. They've remained strong throughout 20+ years of digital tube amp simulation and I don't foresee that changing

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Somamang t1_jcx6gs1 wrote

That looks absolutely tantalizing. My ears are drooling! I can feel the warmth.

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podaypodayson OP t1_jcxsoxf wrote

Looks great with the lights in the room low as well. McIntosh running, lights down, and a glass of wine is a great way to unwind.

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[deleted] t1_jcyyuon wrote

[deleted]

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podaypodayson OP t1_jcz6v64 wrote

I wish there were more places people could A/B compare them with solid state. Though the MC7300 is certainly a worthy competitor!

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