C34V questions

[JFB4548]

Hello everybody! Wow, I just found this Mac thread and have been reading everything posted! I have been a Mac guy since High School when I bought a mint used MA230.

My questions is about my 'newer' stuff and how time affects the overall sound. My current pre is a C34V, which I purch. new, back when Mac didn't even have the completed instruction book ready, so it came with a white copy and the final showed up in the mail weeks later! Anyway to the point of the post...I have several issues with it in the sound department. First off the overall sound is at time very flat and at high volumes it gets very messy for lack of better verbs! The soundstage is very one dimensional and overall harsh when compaired to the sound when I pump my CD straight into my amp. Also the Compander, not a feature I used much, but when swithced on, it completely stops the signal, everything goes dead quiet! I don't see much about the C34V anywhere so I am kinda feeling around for info about it in general and if my sound issues are due to age or other issues.

My power amps are MC 2155, MC 2205 and MC 7270. The seem to be in great shape but again the age question comes into play. Is there any upkeep I should have to keep them in spec?

Thanks for your time!
John

 

[Victor]

Welcome John
If you have been reading the posts I'm sure you won't be supprised by my answer. The capacitors are always what I suspect first, your preamp is 20 years old and those capacitors don't last forever. To get if fixed right could cost several hundred dollars (preamps have LOTS of capacitors) so you need to give it some thought, but if it was fixed right I bet you would get another 20 years enjoyment out of it. I would send it to Terry DeWick (see bottom of page for banner) or you could send it to McIntosh, as far as I know McIntosh will still service any solid state equipment they sold.
You could always get a new McIntosh preamp. I am vary impressed with the new stereo preamps from McIntosh, I use a C2200 and love it.

Good Luck,
Victor

 

[Negotiableterms]

I believe Terry is actually looking for things to do right now, and from what you've said, the improvement will not be small. The C34V is a good model, and there's no way it's performing properly if the CD-direct-to-amp sounds materially better.

There are considerations in choosing Terry vs McIntosh. First, Mc is likely to be more costly. Second, they will only bring the unit up to its original specs, using parts similar to the originals. Terry may be able to use more modern, better parts for an even better result (ask him, I've no idea).

On the other hand, getting it back from Mc will come with one of those little stickers that says Mc re-certifies that it's up to specs at this date. If you're thinking of re-selling, those are worth something. To my continuing astonishment, I believe Mc will fully service any Mc component ever made.

 

[Victor]

To my continuing astonishment, I believe Mc will fully service any Mc component ever made.

I could be wrong but I don't think McIntosh will service the original tube equipment from the 50's and 60's. Still this means McIntosh will service anything up to 35 years old, which also astonishes me and keeps me buying more McIntosh equipment.

Victor

 

[ron-c]

The stickers are from the McIntosh clinics so we do not use these any more. The C34V does not have a history of needing much service. You have a very reliable unit. Changing burned out bulbs or cleaning switches should cover most of it.
If it ain't broke....

Thanks,
Ron-C

 

[JFB4548]

Welcome John
If you have been reading the posts I'm sure you won't be supprised by my answer. The capacitors are always what I suspect first, your preamp is 20 years old and those capacitors don't last forever. To get if fixed right could cost several hundred dollars (preamps have LOTS of capacitors) so you need to give it some thought, but if it was fixed right I bet you would get another 20 years enjoyment out of it. I would send it to Terry DeWick (see bottom of page for banner) or you could send it to McIntosh, as far as I know McIntosh will still service any solid state equipment they sold.
You could always get a new McIntosh preamp. I am vary impressed with the new stereo preamps from McIntosh, I use a C2200 and love it.

Good Luck,
Victor

Thanks everybody! I emailed Terry and he thought the problem might be related to the Compander issue.

"Sounds almost like the C34 is compressing at high levels, this problem may be tied in with the compensator problem, loading the signal path and limiting the level of the driver when pushed for more volume.Repair should not run to high ... with possibly replacing some of the IC's with higher grade parts".

I wonder if Santa will loan me a few bucks, cause I'm kinda low on doe just now!