How does this Mcintosh 240 look??

[Geoman076]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3029530704&category=39783&rd=1

Hello All!!

I am looking to get my first piece of tube gear, and I am wondering how this 240 looks to the experienced people on the board. This amp is within driving distance for me, so I wouldn't have to worry about shipping. All advice and comments are much welcome. Thanks!!

[Ronflugelguy]

Correct me if I'm wrong, I think its the earlier issue, just because of where the speaker terminals are placed. from what i can see,the lettering is good. try to find out what's been done inside, if anything. No mods, although i've heard that Audioclassics is fairly reputable.Its hard to tell what tube are in there from the pics. Jeffery may know. you could email the seller and ask. Repairs and tubes can be the measure of how high you would bid.Just ask the seller some questions.

[Geoman076]

Thanks, I will ask if any mods have been done, and what type of tubes.

I'll report back on my 2 questions when I get a response. By the way, his reserve is $1300.

[Ronflugelguy]

If you can get it for the reserve, could be good. Anything much less, and i would have condition concerns. But then it should be less money, which could be put into restoring. As you can see in my thread, it was a lot of time and work to get my MAC up and running good, but it was worth it, believe me!!!!!!!!!!!NO regrets!

[Geoman076]

Your thread is part of the reason I'm shopping for one! I just want to not get a "lemon" that needs a ton of work. I plan on keeping it forever, so I don't really care if I get a "good deal".

I just want to go Tubes, gosh darn it!!!

[Ronflugelguy]

Geoman, there are different schools of thought on the repair/restore of these McIntosh amps. Steve says have them checked out, and only replace what you have to. Others say, replace all caps and resistors etc. cause they are gonna go out anyway if they haven't ever been replaced(40yr old). I had the tech I used replace what was only needed and i told him i didn't want to have it in the shop next year. If you can have a unit checked out before purchase, then the better. Just plan on some repairs to get back to spec. being needed. As steve says, stock only, they sound fine that way and keep their value. Mine had only one cap replaced in it before i got it, and they found that the wrong value had been put in . So that one was replaced along with everything else. Maybe i could have found one for $2600 that was plug and play, but i know where the unit stands now tubes and underneath. Its well worth the money i have put into it.

[Jeffrey]

Originally posted by Geoman076
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3029530704&category=39783&rd=1

Hello All!!

I am looking to get my first piece of tube gear, and I am wondering how this 240 looks to the experienced people on the board. This amp is within driving distance for me, so I wouldn't have to worry about shipping. All advice and comments are much welcome. Thanks!!

Hi,

Ya mentioned it's within driving distance. Is it close enuf to go check it out in person BEFORE making a bid? ;) There's nothing like seeing it in person b/c everybody has a different definition of "in great condition".

-Jeffrey

[Geoman076]

O.K., hear is what the seller wrote back:

Hi George,

This is some questions and answers that I had sent to someone regarding the amp, hopefully should help you out.

a. Is it in good running condition, meaning no humming or buzzing when playing.
To the best of our knowledge yes, it's in good running condition. It specifically came from Audio Classics with a receipt that it was bought doesn't say anything else, I'm not sure if your familiar with the company or if they still exist. This unit I'm selling for my brother-inlaw, his son passed away quite a few months back and he had a store at one time and it's been in the box ever since. Never used or unwrapped until I had to take these pictures.
b. What are the makes of the tubes that comes with the amplifier

4 - 6L6's : 2 of them are Phillips and I presume the other 2 are the same, they have written 6L6's on them but the lettering is not there.

3 - 12AX7's : 1 is difficult to tell, looks like a Telefunken. The other 2 are Sylvanias.

2 - BH7's : 1 RCA and 1 McIntosh.

2 - 12AU7's : 2 Telefunkens

Thanks and let me know if there is anything else I can help with.

Paul

[Jeffrey]

Originally posted by Geoman076
I just want to not get a "lemon" that needs a ton of work. I plan on keeping it forever, so I don't really care if I get a "good deal".


Hi,

Then maybe ya wanna take your time and wait for a really primo one w/ a buy it now option and scoop it up! :)

-Jeffrey

[Jeffrey]

Hi,

Me thinks that sounds mighty familiar. Me thinks this puppy has been listed on Ebay before. Wonder if somebody backed outta the deal b/c they found something they didn't like. The tube scene sucks! :laugh: Why doncha tell him your buddie thought he saw this one on Ebay before, is he right, and if so what happened?

-Jeffrey ;)

[Ronflugelguy]

Originally posted by Jeffrey
Hi,

Me thinks that sounds mighty familiar. Me thinks this puppy has been listed on Ebay before. Wonder if somebody backed outta the deal b/c they found something they didn't like. The tube scene sucks! :laugh: Why doncha tell him your buddie thought he saw this one on Ebay before, is he right, and if so what happened?

-Jeffrey ;)

Geoman & Jeffery, I have seen this one on Ebay before, now that you mention it! Tubes aren't that good ,as they are definetly not matched. 6L6's need to be replaced probably, and the 12AU7's definetly!!!!!!!Steve will attest to that.

[Geoman076]

Jeffrey,

Thanks, those are some good points to look into. The auction ends Sunday night and I'm working four 12 hour dayshifts starting tomorrow, so I will not be able to look at it in person.

George

[Ronflugelguy]

Originally posted by Geoman076
Jeffrey,

Thanks, those are some good points to look into. The auction ends Sunday night and I'm working four 12 hour dayshifts starting tomorrow, so I will not be able to look at it in person.

George

George, my gut tells me something really smells here, and that $1300 reserve may be kinda high for the suprises inside.

[Geoman076]

Yes Jeffrey, this amp was listed before, but the reserve was not met:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=39783&item=3024805183

I wonder if the seller would give me the 3 days (or maybe longer) to have it checked out, that he had posted in his previous listing?

[Geoman076]

I think you could be correct Ron. Something is smelling a bit sour.:(

[Ronflugelguy]

George, the guy who I bought mine from was a bit nonforthcoming, as I went to see mine at his house i saw other equipment at his house that he told me about, then it showed up on ebay with a different story as to WHERE he aquired it. I really don't believe that mine was owned by his father!!!But live and learn!

[Jeffrey]

Hi George,

To be honest i was concerned about this question/answer:

"Is it in good running condition, meaning no humming or buzzing when playing.
To the best of our knowledge yes, it's in good running condition. It specifically came from Audio Classics with a receipt that it was bought doesn't say anything else, I'm not sure if your familiar with the company or if they still exist. This unit I'm selling for my brother-inlaw, his son passed away quite a few months back and he had a store at one time and it's been in the box ever since. Never used or unwrapped until I had to take these pictures. "


I don't know how you can honestly say it's "in great condition" in the Ebay ad or even it's in "good running condition" in this answer when you appear to be saying you have "never used" it. ;)

-Jeffrey

[Geoman076]

That's a contradiction that I did not catch. It's smelling a little worse now:mad:

[Steve Hoffman]

Be patient, wait for the right deal. Buy as minty as possible. Save your $$ and get when the gettin's good. Don't be impulsive, etc., etc. :)

[Geoman076]

Steve,

Thanks, that's all I needed to hear. I'm in no rush, but I didn't want to let something worthwhile slip through.

George

[Ronflugelguy]

Originally posted by Geoman076
Steve,

Thanks, that's all I needed to hear. I'm in no rush, but I didn't want to let something worthwhile slip through.

George

Estate sales may be the way to go, but it sounds like me, you work alot of hours and don't have a lot of disposible time. Buy cheap with good cosmetics, and spend the rest restoring inards and tubes. Still could come out with something good for an excellent price!!!!Just a thought!

[Steve Hoffman]

Of course. And maybe this is a good deal, but buying on Ebay is always risky when it has to do with Electronics or Cameras or things like that. Sometimes the seller has no idea of the state of something. If the outside looks relatively shiny then the inside must be ok, right? Not necessarily!

If the unit has sat around unused for 40 years, there could be a problem. If it has been used too much or modded or carelessly repaired or left in a damp place there could be a problem.

[jkerr]

Interesting that this unit supposedly was purchased from Audio Classics. I've searched thru AudioAsylum and theres favorable comments about Audio Classics, especially McIntosh. Their prices are higher than ebay but looks like they're good at servicing the equipment. I haven't bought from them but I've been checking out their website. They do have a large inventory.

www.audioclassics.com (http://www.audioclassics.com/)

[Ronflugelguy]

Originally posted by jkerr
Interesting that this unit supposedly was purchased from Audio Classics. I've searched thru AudioAsylum and theres favorable comments about Audio Classics, especially McIntosh. Their prices are higher than ebay but looks like they're good at servicing the equipment. I haven't bought from them but I've been checking out their website. They do have a large inventory.

www.audioclassics.com (http://www.audioclassics.com/)

Does he have the reciept????????

[Jeffrey]

Hi Jeff,

Very true! :agree: Many people say great things about Audio Classics and i believe his ad states that a receipt will be provided. It's the other things i mentioned that would have me a little concerned. :)

-Jeffrey