Author Topic: Mcintosh Preamp/Amp  (Read 2085 times)

Offline bwdst3

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Mcintosh Preamp/Amp
« on: February 24, 2017, 07:32:02 PM »
You guys have any experience with Mcintosh preamp/amp combos?  Was thinking of maybe trying to find a MC2105 or 2505 and pair it with a Mcintosh preamp. Mostly for vinyl listening. Maybe with my Polk 10s or Spicas. Ever since I saw the setup at the Grateful Dead exhibit at the Rock Hall a few years back I've been curious.

bmwr75

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Re: Mcintosh Preamp/Amp
« Reply #1 on: February 24, 2017, 07:59:53 PM »
Where's @MacGeek when you need him?   Am sure he will be along soon to respond.

OldiesButGoodies

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Re: Mcintosh Preamp/Amp
« Reply #2 on: February 24, 2017, 08:21:39 PM »
Where's @MacGeek when you need him?   Am sure he will be along soon to respond.

Yes - this question was custom-made for Macgeek.  He is the in house expert in all things Mcintosh.

Offline Sir Thrift-a-Lot

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Re: Mcintosh Preamp/Amp
« Reply #3 on: February 24, 2017, 09:51:22 PM »
More importantly, which Spicas do you have?   I had a pair of SC-50s.   Mine are the first ones that show up on a Google image search.

Offline bwdst3

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Re: Mcintosh Preamp/Amp
« Reply #4 on: February 24, 2017, 10:41:19 PM »
They're TC-50's.  I really like them.

Offline MacGeek

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Re: Mcintosh Preamp/Amp
« Reply #5 on: February 25, 2017, 07:37:40 AM »
Sorry-I have been on the road.  The basic questions are how much power do you need/want and what is your budget?  As I recall, the Spicas can't take truly big power, but it's been awhile and I may very well be wrong, or maybe it's model dependent.  I should preface my comments with a note:  I have never been into tubes, so this is all transistor gear.

If going with an integrated, and vintage, I always liked the MA 6200.  For separates, the MX 113/115 pre-amp tuners provide good value and are superior to the MX 112/114 and the MX 117 was the best of the bunch, but can get pricey.

My favorite preamps are the C-32, C-33, C-30 and C-37, with the C-33 and C-37 at the top of the list.  I never cared for the sound of the C-26/C-28.  Some describe them as "tube like", but the newer vintage pieces out perform them.

With amps, it's all over the map.  Can you live with-out meters?  If so, my favorite is the MC 7100, or the non-glass front panel MC 2150., which has the autoformers.  The 7104 is a four channel amp, but it can be bridged and has balanced inputs.  With meters, I especially like the MC 7200 and the MC 2155/2255 series.  While the MC 2105/2505 have meters and get raves for, again, being tube-like, they have never been favorites of mine.  They are the first generation transistor models and I believe later models were improved.  The 2105 has been know to be troublesome at times.

I have owned a number these models and heard them all at one time or another.  Sometimes deciding what to buy comes down to value (some of this gear, in show room shape, can be expensive).  I now have only a couple of vintage MAC pieces, preferring newer, "used" models and my favorites are the ones I have now.
Mac stuff, Sony HDR-F1HD AM/FM/HD tuner, Denon DRS 810 cassette, Denon CDR-W1500 CD recorder, Music Hall MMF-9 w/B&O MMC2, B & O 4002 w/B & O 20 CL, Revox A-77

Offline MacGeek

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Re: Mcintosh Preamp/Amp
« Reply #6 on: February 25, 2017, 07:40:37 AM »
I should add, this is all just my opinion.  If you want to start a fight, get two people together and start talking about which gear is best.
Mac stuff, Sony HDR-F1HD AM/FM/HD tuner, Denon DRS 810 cassette, Denon CDR-W1500 CD recorder, Music Hall MMF-9 w/B&O MMC2, B & O 4002 w/B & O 20 CL, Revox A-77

Offline bwdst3

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Re: Mcintosh Preamp/Amp
« Reply #7 on: February 25, 2017, 09:45:15 AM »
Whoa. Thanks. This is great. I really appreciate the thorough response. Now to start hunting around and see what I can turn up. Thanks again!

Offline MacGeek

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Re: Mcintosh Preamp/Amp
« Reply #8 on: February 25, 2017, 08:14:38 PM »
https://washingtondc.craigslist.org/mld/ele/6009763604.html

The MC 2200 in this add may be worth considering, but it looks rough cosmetically.   

https://cleveland.craigslist.org/eld/5994898022.html



If the price is right, this C-35 may be an option, but the C-37 corrected a few things and is a better choice, IMO. 

Whoa. Thanks. This is great. I really appreciate the thorough response. Now to start hunting around and see what I can turn up. Thanks again!
https://akroncanton.craigslist.org/ele/5969280116.html
Mac stuff, Sony HDR-F1HD AM/FM/HD tuner, Denon DRS 810 cassette, Denon CDR-W1500 CD recorder, Music Hall MMF-9 w/B&O MMC2, B & O 4002 w/B & O 20 CL, Revox A-77

Offline Sir Thrift-a-Lot

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Re: Mcintosh Preamp/Amp
« Reply #9 on: February 25, 2017, 10:20:03 PM »
Did you notice the Akron ad is actually a guy in Pittsburgh?

Offline MacGeek

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Re: Mcintosh Preamp/Amp
« Reply #10 on: February 25, 2017, 10:43:42 PM »
Yes-he had that add posted on Pittsburgh CL awhile ago.
Mac stuff, Sony HDR-F1HD AM/FM/HD tuner, Denon DRS 810 cassette, Denon CDR-W1500 CD recorder, Music Hall MMF-9 w/B&O MMC2, B & O 4002 w/B & O 20 CL, Revox A-77

Offline bwdst3

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Re: Mcintosh Preamp/Amp
« Reply #11 on: February 26, 2017, 09:33:49 AM »
Right on. Thanks for the lead.