Older McIntosh Amps--Any To Avoid?

[Alan G]

As I have mentioned in another thread, I am thinking of getting into some McIntosh gear. I currently have a Jolida 502B feeding my Magnepan MG12s. I see that McIntosh has a number of vintage amps in the 100-150 wpc range. Are there any that are especially good and, conversely, are there any models that should be avoided? At this stage I am thinking SS so no need to get into any vintage tube amp debates. Thanks for any input you can provide.

Alan

[Kent Teffeteller]

Hi,

On vintage McIntosh Solid State, just avoid the first generation units as for sonics. They are still reliable. Same goes for tuners.

[Alan G]

Hi,

On vintage McIntosh Solid State, just avoid the first generation units as for sonics. They are still reliable. Same goes for tuners.

I am kind of thinking in terms of a MC2155 or a MC2125. Would these models be far enough along in evolution to provide a good example of the 'Mac Sound'? Thanks!

Alan

[Ian Lascell]

I haven't listened to a 2155 or 2125, but I do have a 2105. I know that it was among their second generation of solid state designs. Their very first ones were built to look like their earlier tube amps. The 2105 is in the more modern style with the blue meters. When McIntosh first started building solid state amps, they tried to voice them to sound like their tube amps. That doesn't mean it sounds just like one of their tube amps, but it does have a warmer presentation than their later amps and especially other brands of solid state amps of that time. I found it to be a warm, powerful, bass-friendly amp when paired with a solid state Parasound preamp. But I found it to be a bit of a mushy mess when paired with tube McIntsoh MX-110 preamp. I bought mine from Audio Classics a few years ago for $600 or $650 in tip-top shape. But I have seen them a bit cheaper elsewhere, which is usually the case with any models. I like to get vintage stuff from Audio Classics because if anything goes wrong in the first year they will repair it for free. I'm not sure if the 2105 will be enough power for your speakers though. Its 105 wpc, but I know your speakers like plenty of power.

[Kent Teffeteller]

Hi,

Both models of McIntosh power amps you mention are very reliable and new enough to have better sound quality and are voiced a lot like their tube amps. You'll love 'em.

[Alan G]

Great. Thanks for the input guys. I hope I can get this done some day soon. Until then anyone else sould feel free to chime in.

Alan

Oh yeah, whoo hooo--100th post!!

[Alan G]

Well I just pulled the trigger on a MC2105. It looks to be in nice condition and was recently serviced by McIntosh so hopefully it will be in good shape for some time. It is rated at 105WPC but from what I have read it typically measures in the 130-140WPC range. I am looking forward to checking out this baby but now I need to find a preamp for it.

alan

[Rybeam]

I have a MA5100, first generation SS. It could use some work. Is it not worth the investment. What is the complaint on these first generation'ers ?

[Ian Lascell]

Well I just pulled the trigger on a MC2105. It looks to be in nice condition and was recently serviced by McIntosh so hopefully it will be in good shape for some time. It is rated at 105WPC but from what I have read it typically measures in the 130-140WPC range. I am looking forward to checking out this baby but now I need to find a preamp for it.

alan

Sounds like a nice amp. :righton: I really like mine. When looking for a preamp, keep in mind my experience with pairing this amp with an MX-110. Bass goes all mushy. If you go tubes for the preamp (especially vintage), be sure to hear the two together first. My experience with pairing with a solid state amp was very positive.

And if your amp doesn't come with the wooden cabinet (they usually don't) keep in mind that you can pick one of these up later for $100-$150. It really dresses up the 2105.

[Flatlander]

I have a MA5100, first generation SS. It could use some work. Is it not worth the investment. What is the complaint on these first generation'ers ?

Do you mean "not worth the investment", because it sounds great already? I love my old McIntosh amps, MC2500. Surely they aren't on anyones avoid list, are they?

I've got 2 of these puppies from my sound company days. One of them was stored for about 15 years and needed some electrolytics replaced when I fired it up, but the other one has been used since the early '80s non stop. It's a tank with great sound, I wouldn't say uncolored, but BALZY!

http://www.audioclassics.com/image/MC2500.jpg

I also have one of these, Mac 60 with an exploded cap and a few blackened Resistors inside. It's on the future project list. It should be worth fixing up, again right?.

http://www.audioclassics.com/image/MC60.jpg

[Rybeam]

I was referring to Kent's comment: "On vintage McIntosh Solid State, just avoid the first generation units as for sonics."

[Alan G]

And if your amp doesn't come with the wooden cabinet (they usually don't) keep in mind that you can pick one of these up later for $100-$150. It really dresses up the 2105.


Ian, Are there different model numbers for the wooden cases? Is there one specificly for the MC2105? Thanks!!

Alan

[sharedon]

Any thoughts on the 225?

[Metralla]

I'd avoid the ones with blue meters on the front. ;)

[Ian Lascell]

And if your amp doesn't come with the wooden cabinet (they usually don't) keep in mind that you can pick one of these up later for $100-$150. It really dresses up the 2105.


Ian, Are there different model numbers for the wooden cases? Is there one specificly for the MC2105? Thanks!!

Alan

Hi Alan,

Yes, there are different cabinet models for different components. Each cabinet usually fits several different models. The 2105 cabinets have the wooden slanted feet, as opposed to the rubber screw-in feet. I think you can see the difference in my photo above. According to Terry DeWick's website, two cabinet models will fit the 2105: L54 and L14. I'm not sure which mine is. Be sure you get the PanLoc hardware for mounting as well. Sometimes it is already installed inside the cabinet, and sometimes you need to pick it up separately. The hardware should be very cheap if you do need to find it. Less than $10 I think. And don't be afraid of non-perfect condition cabinets, particulary if any imperfections are near the rear. I have found that they clean up very nicely with some wood polish.

[Flatlander]

I'd avoid the ones with blue meters on the front. ;)
Please, explain.

[Metralla]

Please, explain.
In case you missed it ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;)

[jt1stcav]

When I still owned my Magnepan MGLR1 planars, I powered them with a 300 WPC (@ 4 ohms) McIntosh MC7200, controlled by an AMC CVT-1030s vacuum tube preamp (a pair of 12AU7s and 12AX7s). This SS amp/tube pre combo worked out nicely with my Maggies, without any soggy mids or bloated bass.

Although I like my pipe organ music rather loud, there were those rare ocassions when even 300 watts wasn't always enough! As power hungry as Maggies are, unless you're playing Bach's Toccata & Fugue in D Minor at over 100dB levels, then 105 WPC (or about 130 actual watts per side) might just be enough for most genres of music at moderate volume.

My take on first-generation Mac SS amps...I also owned an MC250 and borrowed an MC2100. Both amps were in excellent condition and performed flawlessly, and to my ears sounded fan-friggin'-tastic! Sure, they're now very old designs and certainly not be the best in transistor circuitry, but these two Macs definately didn't sound like they were lacking in any dynamics or transparancy, especially through my classic '79 Klipsch Cornwall horn-loaded loudspeakers! They were more than adequate, very musical, and a sheer joy to own and use. Had I not lost my job and went bankrupt back then, I'd probably still have either amps today (my favorite is still the MC250, a true classic that's still widely used today).

FWIW...

[Flatlander]

In case you missed it ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;)
Oh, I see. So, these things are basically junk and I'm wasting my time trying to get music from them and everyone should send them all to you for immediate disposal.

OK :shh:

[Metralla]

Geez Flatlander - we are certainly at cross-purposes here.

[Flatlander]

Geez Flatlander - we are certainly at cross-purposes here.
Not really. I forgot to ;)
Sorry, trying too hard to be funny, I guess.

[Metralla]

Not really. I forgot to ;)
Sorry, trying too hard to be funny, I guess.
No worries.

[JLGB]

Just given yesterday an old MA5100! Beautiful! How do you know year? I know last year of production 1972.

[Kent Teffeteller]

Hi all,

I think the MC 2105 is my favorite Solid State power amplifier by McIntosh. They sound superb either version! They do well with period Preamps like the C 26! On the MA 5100 get the critical capacitors and resistors replaced. I didn't like the MA 5100 until I heard one just restored by Terry DeWick. Switches on MA 5100's can be a weak point with age. On the MX 110, don't buy one unless you have the Z chassis revision. The FM multiplex section has had issues with aging and is hard to work on and McIntosh don't work on them. Get a MX 110 from either Audio Classics or Terry DeWick if possible since repairs are expensive otherwise. Both firms specialize on repairing the tube era and first generation SS McIntosh equipment. Just some tips about this early SS Mc gear to know!

[Sneaky Pete]

I can't shed light on the topic but I do find this thread very funny. Also all those photos are giving me a serious case of Mac envy, love those horrible sounding big blue meters. The look of the amps I wanted to own when I grew up (still want to someday).