The Dynaco Tube Audio Forum

Would you like to react to this message? Create an account in a few clicks or log in to continue.
The Dynaco Tube Audio Forum

Dedicated to the restoration and preservation of all original Dynaco tube audio equipment - Customer support for Tubes4hifi VTA tube amp and preamp kits and all Dynakitparts.com products


5 posters

    VTA 70 vs Mac 240

    Pat R.
    Pat R.


    Posts : 57
    Join date : 2015-02-26
    Location : SE Pennsylvania

    VTA 70 vs Mac 240 Empty VTA 70 vs Mac 240

    Post by Pat R. Tue Jan 19, 2016 6:37 am

    Somewhere I read (here?) that the VTA 70 compares to a Mac 240.. Today I'll be receiving a new to me Mac 240 that was restored by Audio Classics in NY. The seller is delivering it and auditioning my system. For power amps I now have an HK Citation II and an VTA 70 that I built last winter. I absolutely love both of these amps. I especially love that I can switch the VTA from UL to Triode mode. I currently use the VTA with EV Aristocrat speakers and a Citation II preamp. With the price of Mac equipment never seeming to come down, I couldn't pass up purchasing this one. It's local, it's getting delivered and it's restored electronically by a well known company. But I have a feeling that unless these is some magic hiding in the Mac design it's not going to out pace the VTA 70 in performance. Although it might have a leg up in the wow factor of being a Mac.

    Have any members here had the opportunity to compare the Mac 240 to the VTA 70..

    I just set this shelf up and unfortunately the VTA 70 is tucked in there sideways.  Crying or Very sad This will do for now but I'm going to have to do something about it later.
    [img]VTA 70 vs Mac 240 E8c5b55d25e3b1d250881af276f04980[/img]
    avatar
    wildiowa


    Posts : 237
    Join date : 2012-03-19

    VTA 70 vs Mac 240 Empty Re: VTA 70 vs Mac 240

    Post by wildiowa Tue Jan 19, 2016 8:28 am

    Where is the Citation II power amp?? Has it been modded in any way?
    evoroadster
    evoroadster


    Posts : 45
    Join date : 2015-06-16
    Age : 74
    Location : Honolulu, Hawaii

    VTA 70 vs Mac 240 Empty Re: VTA 70 vs Mac 240

    Post by evoroadster Fri Jan 22, 2016 9:40 am

    I am interested in any response to the OP's question. I am ready to move on to my next project and am undecided between a vintage McIntosh or a VTA70 build.
    Bob Latino
    Bob Latino
    Admin


    Posts : 3260
    Join date : 2008-11-26
    Location : Massachusetts

    VTA 70 vs Mac 240 Empty Re: VTA 70 vs Mac 240

    Post by Bob Latino Fri Jan 22, 2016 2:13 pm

    Below is a forum link from a little over 2 years ago from a post someone made about comparing a VTA ST-120 with a McIntosh MC-275. Power levels on these two amps are similar. The comparison should be similar to a comparison of the VTA ST-70 and the Mac MC-240 which also have similar power levels.

    Comparison of a VTA ST-120 and a McIntosh MC-275

    Bob
    avatar
    hogzilla


    Posts : 14
    Join date : 2015-09-04

    VTA 70 vs Mac 240 Empty Re: VTA 70 vs Mac 240

    Post by hogzilla Fri Jan 22, 2016 4:34 pm

    Very interesting read. I have a MC275 and love it. Now kind of want to check out the ST-120.

    I recently bought a Fisher 500B and the guy selling it had a ST-70 along with two Manley mono blocks. He said he felt a little buyers remorse with the Manley's and found himself going to the ST-70. Said pretty much what was written in the article. He had them running into a pair of Klipschorns. Sounded great.
    Pat R.
    Pat R.


    Posts : 57
    Join date : 2015-02-26
    Location : SE Pennsylvania

    VTA 70 vs Mac 240 Empty Re: VTA 70 vs Mac 240

    Post by Pat R. Tue Jan 26, 2016 4:19 pm

    wildiowa wrote:Where is the Citation II power amp?? Has it been modded in any way?

    I just noticed a typo in the OP. That is a Citation I preamp used with my VTA 70 and EV speakers.

    The main system has the Citation II in it. I'll be putting the MC 240 there in place of the Citation II.

    I was just hoping to learn more about how folks think the VTA stacks up against a MC 240. I'll read the article Bob posted in a minute.


    As to my Citation II poweramp. All of the McShane mods have been made. It's a clean and powerful amp that sounds absolutely wonderful. But then I can say the same thing for the VTA 70.. The Citation is probably one of the heaviest Poweramps I've come across (isn't it?).. I'm not looking forward to moving it.

    Sponsored content


    VTA 70 vs Mac 240 Empty Re: VTA 70 vs Mac 240

    Post by Sponsored content


      Current date/time is Thu Mar 28, 2024 9:50 am