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First Mac.......tube or SS?

kerouacknew said:
the link gives me an error message. What is it? Or maybe i don't want to know> LOL
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The link is for a listing of a McIntosh MA 2275 integrated amplifier that was listed in the Bartertown section of AK. You have to be an AK subscriber to be able to participate in the Bartertown forum which is why you're getting the error message. The asking price was $4,500 however.

I think you are on the right track with the MC250: It is the least expensive vintage McIntosh amplifier that will sound like the [almost] most expensive vintage McIntosh amplifier...IMHO.
 
62caddy said:
The link is for a listing of a McIntosh MA 2275 integrated amplifier that was listed in the Bartertown section of AK. You have to be an AK subscriber to be able to participate in the Bartertown forum which is why you're getting the error message. The asking price was $4,500 however.

I think you are on the right track with the MC250: It is the least expensive vintage McIntosh amplifier that will sound like the [almost] most expensive vintage McIntosh amplifier...IMHO.
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The MC2100 is common and can seem to sell at same or less that the MC250. A really nice 250 just sold for a bit over $600 plus shipping.
 
Pio1980 said:
The MC2100 is common and can seem to sell at same or less that the MC250. A really nice 250 just sold for a bit over $600 plus shipping.
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Yes, and I've also noticed a similar trend between the values of MC 2505 vs 2105 lately. Difficult to understand why...
 
62caddy said:
Yes, and I've also noticed a similar trend between the values of MC 2505 vs 2105 lately. Difficult to understand why...
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Relative commoness, I suppose. I'd like to find a mate for my MC50 rather than a stereo chassis for a relatively reasonable price, but would look a local 2100 if tempting. My problem is being convinced the price /performance ratio makes sense beyond the handsome nameplate and chromed chassis.
 
Pio1980 said:
Relative commoness, I suppose. I'd like to find a mate for my MC50 rather than a stereo chassis for a relatively reasonable price, but would look a local 2100 if tempting. My problem is being convinced the price /performance ratio makes sense beyond the handsome nameplate and chromed chassis.
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Man, you gotta' get over that . . . how long will you sit on the fence? It's beyond time. A single MC50 is the LEAST expensive way for you to enter the world of McIntosh amplification. AND, should you decide it's not for you (and you won't), you'll have a pair of MC50s to sell - hell, I'd buy those!
 
damacman said:
Man, you gotta' get over that . . . how long will you sit on the fence? It's beyond time. A single MC50 is the LEAST expensive way for you to enter the world of McIntosh amplification. AND, should you decide it's not for you (and you won't), you'll have a pair of MC50s to sell - hell, I'd buy those!
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Let me ask this, SQ only considered and not resale, you and Mac 275 vs MC2100.
MC50x2 vs MC60x2. MC250 vs MC240.
 
Hey could i just ask a quick question. What is the difference between the Mc250 and the Mc50. Solid state?
I was going to buy the MC250 but i see a couple MC50 on Ebay at the moment.Could u tell me the difference between the two.
They are both 50 watts no?
 
Pio1980 said:
Let me ask this, SQ only considered and not resale, you and Mac 275 vs MC2100.
MC50x2 vs MC60x2. MC250 vs MC240.
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Speaking for myself, I can hear no discernible differences between an MC2505 and MC240. I say this using an amplifier switcher for instantaneous comparisons - not after disconnecting and reconnecting amplifiers. Cannot speak for the other models.
 
62caddy said:
Speaking for myself, I can hear no discernible differences between an MC2505 and MC240. I say this using an amplifier switcher for instantaneous comparisons - not after disconnecting and reconnecting amplifiers. Cannot speak for the other models.
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I've heard others say similar, but give the solid state amps the nod for better bass performance.
 
If pressed, I would also have to give the nod to the bass of the MC2505 - but just barely perceptible.
 
Of the amps you proposed, I believe I would take the MC60s - I've owned three pair and greatly miss them.

Like caddy says, I believe you'd be hard pressed to tell the MC240 apart from the MC250. Hard to say on the MC50s but I'd venture to say that would be a step up given what we've all experienced with mono blocks.
 
damacman said:
but I'd venture to say that would be a step up given what we've all experienced with mono blocks.
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That's my opinion!!

If money is a problem at this point I would go for the mono blocks at the same price as the stereo amp.

However and this is a big however once you have mono blocks that's it your done and that's all the power you get.

I was going to state earlier that if the choice was the 250 that I would plan on getting another one later to bridge and have 100 watt mono blocks. A stereo amp gives you a bit of room for choices, if one unit has a problem you still have a system. You can split up stereo amps for other systems and mono blocks you can't.

I still don't know why mac just came out with the MC75 when they already have the MC275. I would think it's to just grab a few more sales with parts they already have from the 275. It's is a lower budget buy in for tube monos though but you sure give up a lot over the 275s.
 
Industrial applications, commercial applications, and for domestic applications with LCR - very popular with Klipsch dealers then.
 
Of the 240 and pair of 75s that I overhauled for the gent in Atlanta, I think I preferred the twins but would have wanted to like the 240 as much. Dunno why they seemed to be different as topology is basically identical except for the shared single ps.
 
Thanks guys for all the info. I really appreciate your thoughts.
I have a deal made on a Mc250 for $525US. I just have to pay for it.
I think this is a good inexpensive start for me and i could keep my eyes open for another one in the future.
There is a pair of Mc50 mono blocks on Ebay i was looking at as well but they are around $1000 US.
Think i am just going to buy the 250 and then concentrate on finding a decent pre.....hopefully tube.
Thanks again guys :)
 
Today, a single V1 MC 275 sells for considerably more than a pair of V1 MC75 as far as I can tell.

MSRP of current MC75 is $3,750 or $7,500 for a pair; $5,500 for a single MC275.

On the question of whether audible sonic difference exists between a pair of monos and the same version in a stereo unit, I humbly remain skeptical - especially where McIntosh is concerned. But I'll defer a final judgement on that until I've been able to make a critical comparison for myself - with the aid of my trusty amplifier switcher of course...:)

Meanwhile, to the OP, I'd certainly not rule out a pair of MC50 by any means - especially since a pair are not going to be significantly more expensive than route of a single MC250 - unlike the $2,000 premium today for a pair of current MC75 over MC275. (That I could never justify under any circumstances)
 
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