So, How good are Mcintosh MC-60's?

Discussion in 'Audio Hardware' started by Dean De Furia, Aug 20, 2004.

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  1. Dean De Furia

    Dean De Furia Senior Member Thread Starter

    Location:
    Northern NJ
    So, I need another tube amp like a hole in the head BUT I can get a really nice pair (8 out of 10) for what I think is a steal. Mostly original tubes, nice chrome some minor scratches on the transformers, all original electronics underneath, great lettering.

    The question is, Do the SOUND good? Or are they cold like the MC75's?

    Best tubes for them?

    Opinions welcomed.
     
    Dean De Furia, Aug 20, 2004
    #1
  2. Steve Hoffman

    Steve Hoffman Your host Your Host

    Location:
    Los Angeles
    Not cold. Slower because of the tube recs. The 60's were used in many recording studios of the day and most of your favorite American based stuff was recorded and mixed on them.

    The tubes are KT-88's or Tung-Sol 6550's and if you ever need to retube, watch out pocketbook.

    I had a pair for a while but sold them, feeling that my 30's had more of that sonic "character" that I like in vintage gear. Many people swear by them though.
     
    Steve Hoffman, Aug 20, 2004
    #2
  3. Dean De Furia

    Dean De Furia Senior Member Thread Starter

    Location:
    Northern NJ
    I assume the small tubes are the same as the 30's?
     
    Dean De Furia, Aug 20, 2004
    #3
  4. Steve Hoffman

    Steve Hoffman Your host Your Host

    Location:
    Los Angeles
    Small tubes the same, yes, sorry, I didn't see all of your question.

    The big tubes have to be (for the best sound) either NOS Tung-Sol 6550's or Genelex/Gold Lion KT-88's. Tung-Sol's are warmer sounding, Genelex more accurate sounding (but cost more than the amps to retube with new old stock).

    All in all, if you can afford it, a nice pair of amps, but doesn't replace the 30's for true tube character (that I love so much). In other words, less colored, more neutral. Heck, who wants that? :wave:
     
    Steve Hoffman, Aug 20, 2004
    #4
  5. Dean De Furia

    Dean De Furia Senior Member Thread Starter

    Location:
    Northern NJ
    Well, I think it has 3 Tung-sols in it now and one off-brand. I might snag them to see how they sound and sell them if I don't like them as much as the 30's.
     
    Dean De Furia, Aug 20, 2004
    #5
  6. Steve Hoffman

    Steve Hoffman Your host Your Host

    Location:
    Los Angeles
    Better get another Tung-Sol in there though...The output tubes "bounce" off each other in the traditional push-pull manner. Having two different tube brands in there won't sound too good.
     
    Steve Hoffman, Aug 20, 2004
    #6
  7. indy mike

    indy mike Forum Pest

    Location:
    Somewhere in the middle
    Dean - whattya mean by off brand? GE, RCA and some others got their early 6550's from Tung-Sol and branded them with their own logos (I've been reading, Boss)...
     
    indy mike, Aug 20, 2004
    #7
  8. Dean De Furia

    Dean De Furia Senior Member Thread Starter

    Location:
    Northern NJ
    Mike, it does't have the same glass shape as the tungsols, I think it's a Sylvania.
     
    Dean De Furia, Aug 21, 2004
    #8
  9. indy mike

    indy mike Forum Pest

    Location:
    Somewhere in the middle
    Woof - not the "Coke bottle" glass shape, eh? Back to the drawing board...
     
    indy mike, Aug 21, 2004
    #9
  10. rickl

    rickl Forum Resident

    Location:
    Minneapolis
    Doesn't everyone have Tung-Sol KT-88's in their office at work? Some ask questions about 'em but most don't notice (or the Sony R2R manual or ...).

    rick
     
    rickl, Aug 21, 2004
    #10
  11. Steve Hoffman

    Steve Hoffman Your host Your Host

    Location:
    Los Angeles
    There are only two shapes, the coke bottle shape and the later GE straight up and down (like a condom) shape.

    You don't want to be mixing those types; they sound totally different from each other.
     
    Steve Hoffman, Aug 22, 2004
    #11
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