bart1

I'm sure there are some Mac fans/experts on here, so I'll throw out a question or two. I have a decent midfi system with Meridian CD and Preamp, Sony DVD/SACD, Adcom amps and Dynaudio speakers. I recently had one of my amps go bad and I was thinking of options for replacing it.

Initially, I thought i might try to get closer to a one-box system like an Arcam Solo/NAD Visio/Naim, etc. Then I tried to think of it like an investment and thought about things I might could buy and resell later for not mush loss and maybe improve the sound of my system.

After a bit of reading I am having some serious Mac lust. I would like to do an integrated with remote, but I don't think I'll want to spend that much. I think for now, I will keep the Meridian preamp and try to get a restored MC2105 or something from http://mcintoshaudio.com/ Any thoughts or advice? Anybody with something for sale I might be interested in?

Thanks!

-Bart

Tonydec

You could also check out audioclassics.com, a commercial re-seller, or Audiogon for private sales.

Mac gear can be love hate. It is expensive, even used. Many argue that you can buy better performing gear for the money, but much of that gear doesn't hold value like Mac. Plenty of arguments out there that there are some things they make that is very good, some not so much for what you pay. Like everything, it's personal preference. It took me a while to get used to the classic look of Mac gear. I immediatly loved the tube amps, but the pre's and sources took some getting used to. My prior main 2 channel gear was Primare, which IMHO is just beautiful, clean stuff. I still prefer it to the Mac, but I much love the tubes and what you can do with them!

A.Wayne

Hello,

If you find your current speakers a bit bright then the 2105 will be a good match, if not it will sound dark and sleepy with that amplfier.

Aside,

Older Macs are good investments in that you will be able to sell it for at least what you paid for it, but you have to like the sound of those SS transformer output macs. Also they are only 100 watts/ch , is this enuff power for you ?


regards,

bart1

My Dyns are custom jobs that are an MTM and 4 ohms with a 92 db sensitivity, I think. They like power though. I may look at one of the Macs with 150 or 200/channel, though. Something about the blue meters, build quality and serviceability (as well as resale) really attract me to them, though.

cobalt

If you are looking for vintage Mac eq in A1 condition I have a C26 pre and MC2505 with wood cabinets. Both units are all original and been in storage since the early 80's. They don't come much nicer than these. If your interested let me know.

I do agree that this era Mac eq was some of the nicest looking ever made. I used to become mesmerized by those blue meters although I always find Mac eq to be on the dark side and their new eq is just way to overpriced and not worth the money although build quality is still top notch.

Dean_Fuller

Bart...how much are you looking to spend?

If you are looking at a 100 watt or better Mac amp then your in the 80 to 100 LBS range so a factory shipping box ($100 or so ) and shipping will be $$$. Just something to concider...if your price to spend is $1000 then by the time it gets to your door that same $1000 may be $1300 or more.

They do hold their value though...thats for sure. Back in the mid 80's to early 90's the tube stuff was just picking up price wise but the early SS was cheap. Now even that is bringing crazy $$$.

Tom in Knoxville gets PREMIUM prices for his Mac stuff....If a few hundred dollars difference maters to you, I would look elsewhere. Try AudioGon.com

bart1

Audiogon SUCKS right now! Tom warranties for a year, also. I'm not too far from you, Dean. Work in tupelo.

Dan87951

Audioclassics is top notch! I have bought many things from them! Great people to deal with. You won't be disapointed with the MAC sound at all!

Kevinmacd

Damping on that amp is quit low! Which means high negative feedback. You start getting into the realm of phase shifting. I think you can do much better else where! The only way I woulc consider the Mac is if it were priced real low.
If you are willing to spend some money, but a lot less then new why not look at some used Krell like the KSa or KST 100, pure class A at 200 watts per 4 ohm load! One heck of an amp!

bart1

A.Wayne

Incandescence ...? ...

bart1

Bought a whole system locally that contains the MC225 pictured above, as well as an MX110. Also have an MC2105 on the way.

bart1

New output tubes - sounds even better:

A.Wayne

Sold a mint 2105 a few years back , had No use for it due to speakers , a pity , should have kept it .....

bart1

My 2105 still isn't here, but was fully recapped and restored by Terry Dewick last year, along with new glass. Should be a beauty.