2. amps-preamps
  3. 1343299079

McIntosh MC252 or Butler TDB 2250?

Just what it says. I've only heard an older McIntosh MC275 and an integrated from the 90s, but the MC252 seems both gorgeous and a great amp. I can't audition either model before buying - blame geography!

Has anyone heard both - or at very least, the Butler compared to a McIntosh solid state? I'd love some advice/comparisons. I've got two stereo sets and it will fit in either: speakers are Gallo Reference 3.1s (soon 3.5s perhaps) or Energy 22 Reference Connoisseurs.

Thanks in advance.
shortcuttomoncton
bondmanp
1,465 posts
 
I understand about the shipping charges, but you could also get an in-home trial of the McIntosh, if you're willing to buy a used unit or a b-stock unit. Audio Classics, located near the McIntosh factory in upstate New York. They offer a 7-day return option, but you will pay round-trip shipping. I bought my McIntosh preamp from them 2-years ago, and the customer service has been outstanding.

Another issue is whether you have tubes anywhere in your system. I am a big tube fan, but dislike the hassle of power tubes. Unless you have glass somewhere else (CD player, DAC, preamp), the tube input stage of the Butler will give you the beauty of tubes without the hassle (and heat) of power tubes.

Just my $0.02
shortcuttomoncton OP
2 posts
 
Yes, that was my thought - to add a bit of tube-ness to my system, which is otherwise all solid state at this point.

I'm in Canada, so "in-home trials" mean paying huge shipping and duty charges from the US.
lloydelee21
1,202 posts
 
Hi Rlw3,

I owned ACT 2 and upgraded to GAT about a year ago. i have not heard ACT 2 s2, but have owned CJ for well over a dozen years straight so have some reasonable familiarity with the sound, and also nearly upgraded to s2...so spoke with many people.

Compared with ACT2:
- one enormous difference is treble...the ACT 2 actually sounds hard and strident in comparison. i heard it when i first bought aCT2...but quickly adjusted. But i NEVER realized how hard it would be in comparison to GAT which is 25-30% more detailed, but 100% more natural, fulsome and yet clear.

- Noise floor is next...supremely quiet. I have 95db speakers and not a whisper when the unit is at a deafening 60 with no signal coming thru. Ear within 7 inches of tweeter.

- This gives a more transparent sense of space, detail...but it also allows the natural CJ tonal beauty to come thru without sounding 'laden' with golden hue...this is in my experience a true first for CJ at this extreme level of performance. Incredibly clear but still with far more natural CJ beauty than ACT2.

- Next, the overall balance of the unit is better in terms of even delivery across spectrum. 20% better?

- Extension in treble is better, and bass (very good in ACT2) is probably 15% lower with definition

- Words of advice: power cables matters less here than on other products, and u will need to seriously step up to improve on the stock cable. i do use PAD Dominus. EAT Tube dampers are a MUST...the stock Electroharmonix can get noise...i use Amperex 6922 PQ US White label. Finally, try using HRS nimbus couplers/damper...also big improvement. This a tremendous unit outta the box...these are just improvements for your consideration.

my two cents. ask if any other questions. good luck.
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