McIntosh MC2205 and C32 - Pure Bliss

 

I just had these two McIntosh units serviced and partially-reconditioned. The MC2105 amplifier had some issues - switches, capacitors, etc. The C32 was thoroughly cleaned and I believe some rewiring had to be done to correct a prior botched repair. Both sound great now. Had them back from my repair guy for a couple of months before I finally got around to hooking them up and listening to them. 

They sound splendid. No more noise coming from the preamp - the volume pots are all super quiet now, as well. 

I have them hooked up to a pair of Klipsch RP600M speakers. 

And yes, before you ask... I am using them FOR NOW to stream via Bluetooth from my phone and iPad. :D

Power Amplifier - McIntosh MC2105

Ever since I bought my MC2050, I've wanted an MC2105. Yesterday was my lucky day. A gentleman in Torrance, CA was selling one on CraigsList for a good price, and this meant local pick-up, which is what I was waiting for. 


This is a beautifully-designed amplifier. Functionally, it's nearly the same as the MC2100, but where the 2100 is the "industrial" model - just the chassis and cage designed to hold the components and I/Os, the 2105 is what many people imagine when they think of a McIntosh power amplifier. Blue-green VU meters, simple yet elegant knobs and transparent lettering allowing the light to shine through the front panel glass.... ahhhh. Sorry - geeking out for a moment.


This particular unit sounds terrific as well. The left channel VU seems to be a little more sensitive than the right - not sure which one is correct, but I can get these calibrated if and when I decide to do so. A couple small scratches on the chrome, a little bubbling around the headphone jack, small abrasions on the cabinet - all very well-within my acceptance criteria. This one is a late serial number model, manufactured in 1976. It also came with all the provenance - the owners manual, service guide, brochure, and original McIntosh warranty card. Very cool. Yes, I'm pleased with myself. Please allow me to gloat.  Okay - done.


High-Res Photos HERE.


Have any experiences with a McIntosh MC2105 you'd like to share? Any photos? Please send 'em on in.

Receiver - McIntosh MAC 4200

My McIntosh addiction continues to rage out of control. I found this MAC 4200 on eBay two days ago and thought it would complement my collection well. . .plus it was a local pick-up so I'd save on shipping. See all the excuses I come up with?!?

The MAC 4200 is a mean-lookin' motha. The menacingly-dark faceplate, black pushbuttons, and large red LED tuner window give this unit a real Darth Vadar feel. This is in stark contrast to the white and silver purity of the MAC 4100. This is what the 1980's did to gear design, and even McIntosh decided to follow suit with their receivers. It's okay by me - I love this look.

But this isn't what you wanted to know, now is it? How does it sound?

It sounds every bit as good as any other good-sounding receiver I own. To me, the real strength with McIntosh gear lies in its retention of value, build-quality (MTBF), brand prestige, and industrial design (in the eye of the beholder). Sure, the specs tell me that this puppy will put out cleaner sound (lower distortion) at much higher volume levels than comparable receivers, and this is a good thing, but it's not how I listen to music. Don't get me wrong - I love the idea that, if needed, I could crank this puppy up to near-clipping and it will still output clean sound, it's just that I doubt I ever will. That's what the bigger McIntosh amps in my collection are for :)

I do love the five band EQ and the variable loudness control. Typical loudness controls apply a fixed amount of compensation for listening at low volume. McIntosh employs a separate volume circuit that applies loudness proportionally. Between this and the five band EQ you can cater the sound to your listening volume and environment very effectively.

Here's the data sheet from Berners.

Have any stories or photos of your McIntosh receivers? Leave a comment or shoot me an email - thanks.

Receiver - McIntosh MAC 4100

Just picked up this very clean McIntosh MAC 4100 receiver off of CraigsList. The FM tuner section isn't working, but I'm going to remove the cover tomorrow and do a little poking around under the hood. If that doesn't do the trick then I'll take it to Brooks Berdan in Monrovia for a check-up from the feet-up.

It sounds terrific using my Sony HD radio through the Aux inputs. Dial lights are all good, the cabinet is beautiful. Strange - looks like McIntosh skimped on the cab- vinyl veneer? Will check more thoroughly manana.

Any stories about your McIntosh receivers? Comment below or shoot me an email. Or chime in on the forum!

Preamplifier - McIntosh C32

Why do I collect McIntosh gear? Because every piece I acquire instantly becomes my new favorite - out of all brands.

This C32? My new favorite preamp. Followed closely by my McIntosh C31V. Now granted, I haven't listened to hundreds of preamps. I'll go as far as to say that I'm certain, especially considering advancements in technology, there ARE better preamps out there. Will I ever own one? Dunno. I'm still young and delusional enough to envision a day where vast wealth will provide me opportunities to spend $10,000 or more on a preamplifier. In the meantime though, I'll stick with what, in my mind, is the most beautiful, clean-sounding, full-featured preamplifier I've experienced. That is until I save up enough for a C39 or C40 :)

Want the specs? Let's let Roger Russell provide those.

By the way, if you'd like a higher-res version of the above photo, shoot me an email and I'll hook you up. Let me know the resolution and size.

Have any experiences with your C32 or other McIntosh preamp you'd like to share? Please leave a comment or shoot me an email. hificollector [at] gmail.com

What's it worth?
Good: $700
Fair: $500
As in photo: $650

Tuners - McIntosh MR78

This newly-acquired McIntosh MR78 is the quietest, most accurate, best-sounding tuner I've ever owned. Think: CD-quiet, and you're close. I was listening to it this morning while taking these photos (man, McIntosh gear is hard to photograph well!), and there came a break in between songs before the DJ woke up to talk and I thought I'd kicked the plug out - total silence on FM! Blew me away.

Everything about this tuner speaks of quality construction and first-rate workmanship. The confident, smooth click of the metal knobs, the smoothness of the tuning dial knob - the list could go on, but you know - it's McIntosh. It would be shocking if these qualities weren't there!

Look at my other tuner reviews and you'll find mostly luke-warm reactions. My advice: If you're looking for a tuner under a grand - buy an MR78. Who knows, if you haven't started a McIntosh collection already, this may be a great place to start!

McIntosh MC7270, C31V, and MR7083 - System #2

Finally got around to shooting a quick video of McIntosh stack #2. By the way, shot this video with the new iPhone 3GS and uploaded to YouTube with (several) clicks!

McIntosh MC2505 and MX113 - System #1

Here's the first of two McIntosh systems I've assembled.



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Power Amplifier and Preamplifier - McIntosh MC7270 and C31V

First off, I apologize for the stock photos, but mine look exactly like that - I swear! I'll replace these soon with a shot of the whole system after the tuner arrives next week.

This is a preliminary assessment of this 7270 power amplifier and the C31V preamplifier, as I've only listened to these for about two hours so far. I'm using the 7270 in place of my MC2100 which has served me well for about a year, powering my KEF 105.2. The other components in the lineup, the preamp, tuner, and CD player have been switched out several times over the last 12 months as I opted for more inputs, better CD sound, etc. (you know the drill). I am currently using a Conrad Johnson Sonographe CD player with these McIntosh components and it sounds fine.

Let me address the differences in sound between the MC2100 amp/Adcom GTP350 preamp combo that these new McIntosh units are replacing. There is very little "noticeable" difference. No, my hearing is fine - actually quite a bit above normal for my age according to my doctor. What's missing here? Why aren't I extolling the blatant superiority of the sound coming from this new gear over the old system? Because they both sound REALLY nice to me! And, the only way I'd be able to tell the difference between these two is if they had significantly different sonic characteristics, and quite frankly, those don't exist. Set up a blind listening test where you can instantly switch out the two sets of gear, and I could write volumes about the differences I hear. But - add setup time of 25 minutes between listening to the two systems, and my sonic memory fails me.

So, enough with comparing these two - how does the new McIntosh gear sound?!? It sounds wonderfully natural. The phono stage on the C31V has allowed me to rediscover vinyl, and I had a blast last Sunday morning listening to some of my favorite LPs, including "Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass - Whipped Cream and Other Favorites," and "Stan Getz - Getz/Gilbarto." Both of these were uncolored, very neutral. The percussion and horns of the Herb Alpert sounded spectacular - "live" but not forward. I was IN the studio with his band.

And hey, what's not to like about the looks of this gear? The C31V does not have a full glass face - only partial, with brushed aluminum along the bottom, but that's okay - it still has that futuristic retro-chic like it belongs on the set of Sin City. The Amp. . .masculine but pretty at the same time. Those huge, glowing watt/db meters. . .drool. Both of these units came to me by way of a Craigs List ad, and the seller may have more to unload some day. I'm keeping my fingers crossed! He kept these in immaculate condition, and we worked out a fair price which is always nice.

Still to come? For my second McIntosh system, I should have a McIntosh MX113 preamp/tuner on my doorstep when I get home this evening. This will go with the MC2100 amp. Then, next Wednesday, to replace the Pioneer tuner being used on the system described above, I've got an McIntosh MR7083 on its way. Yes, when I dive into something I go whole-hog. Speaking of hogs, I think it's time to replenish the old piggy bank!

Full system review coming soon after I get the new tuner installed.

Have any stories or photos of your McIntosh gear? Please leave a comment or send me an email.

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Power Amplifier - McIntosh MC2100

So ugly, it's beautiful? Yeah, try convincing you wife of that when you tell her you had to place this on top of the entertainment center because it's too tall or too heavy to fit inside. Believe me, I've tried that argument. Continuing in the long line of marriage-busters that I've brought into the household, I present to you the McIntosh MC2100 power amplifier. This 57 pound beast presents a conservative 100 watts per channel of unchallenged, yummy sound. I've used this on three systems so far, and it's currently driving my KEF 105.2 speakers in the loft.

How does it sound? Well, I won't take the cheap shot of saying "It's a McIntosh. . .duh!" because, well, that's just not me. It sounds great to me, although I suspect this particular unit could need a tune-up. Time does strange things to capacitors and wiring, and even blockbusters like this tank need attention after 30 years. I found a place not too far away that will test it and bring it back to spec for about $300. We'll see how long it takes me to bring it in. Stay tuned.

If you have any stories or photos about your McIntosh MC2100, please leave a comment or send me an email.

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