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Klipsch Cornwalls vs. JBL L110 speakers with McIntosh MC2205

I am considering a vintage 1978 pair of Klipsch Cornwalls or a 1979 pair of JBL L110 speakers- both will have updated crossovers (and woofers for the JBL). I would like your input as I will not have the luxury of a side by side comparison. As well, I will be running either pair with a McIntosh MC2205 (rated 200W RMS per channel @ 8 ohms. Should I be concerned about the amp just idling rather than using more of its' power due to the efficiency of the Cornwalls? Or, is it an advantage to have that much headroom? Thank you for your input on both the speaker selection and the amplifier question.

128x128musicearlyadopter
stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,288 posts
 

I have the JBL L100’s being driven my a 200wpc McIntosh MA6600 integrated amp.  I am planning on also getting a pair of the Cornwall IV in the near future to rotate in and out of the mix.   I have plenty of power and it is never too much. 

jasonbourne71's avatar
jasonbourne71
908 posts
 

JBL fan and owner here! So you know what I could say! Don't change the L110 woofers! That will alter the voicing - and probably not in a good way! They come from the Ed May era! Why choose the 2205 amp? That is a rather long-in-the-tooth design! There are much better vintage amps available for less money!

musicearlyadopter's avatar
musicearlyadopter OP
25 posts
 

JB, Thanks for the validation on JBL! I misspoke when I said new woofers- I had mine re-coned so they are original. I was a McIntosh retailer from 1971-1975 and have a special connection to MAC. I had my MC2205 , C-28, and MR 67 recapped, new glass on the C28, and near perfect walnut cabinets located. It is the look I wanted, recognizing there were better values in SS gear. Thanks to all!

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