How many power amps is too many?

[tubelectron]

My apologies : not all are strictly Power Amps...

DIY Dept.





Audio Research Dept.



McIntosh Dept.




Marantz Dept.




Sony Dept.



T

 

[Refugee]

I'm trying to find out! buy broken and repair....repeat

 

[Snappahead]

Mc 225, MC 275 (2) MC250, MC2100, MC2105, MC205, MC502, MC 7108, Sherwood S 5500ii.

And I sold off 4 in the last year or so.

 

[damacman]

So is your SAE 2600 from December up and singing? They made some great gear.

Not yet but it goes to Cornell next week!

 

[damacman]

My apologies : not all are strictly Power Amps...

DIY Dept.

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Audio Research Dept.

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McIntosh Dept.

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Marantz Dept.

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Sony Dept.

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T

Yes!

 

[sberger]

MC225, 30's, 240, 2105, a Quad 303, and several cheap, Chinese chip amps, which sound great. They're all connected to 8 pairs of speakers to play at my whim.

I also have a few Crown amps ready for backup if needed.

I like variety in my sound.

 

[Mike Gibson]

I'm down to just two in the system. I did have a fairly nice 275 but someone talked me out of it.

 

[62caddy]

I did have a fairly nice 275 but someone talked me out of it.

So I've heard. It must have been a tough decision.

 

[Mike Gibson]

So I've heard. It must have been a tough decision.

It was and it wasn't if that makes any sense. I didn't want it to just sit around but I hate to see it go at the same time. I think it's going to a good home so part is a relief.

 

[62caddy]

It was and it wasn't if that makes any sense.

Been there and it makes perfect sense.

 

[Snappahead]

It was and it wasn't if that makes any sense. I didn't want it to just sit around but I hate to see it go at the same time. I think it's going to a good home so part is a relief.

I know the feeling. I have a beautiful 225 that doesn't get used enough but I know if I sell it I'll regret it.

 

[Madman1]

I want to list mine, but I’m too lazy right now and worried about carpal tunnel from typing.

 

[w3jn]

Oboy, where to start....

MC2500, MC2205X2, MC275, homebrew push-pull 300B, Heathkit AA100, Bogen DB-230A, Bogen RP-40, Sansui 5000, and a couple of random tube mono amps and solid state receivers doing sacrificial test bench duty.

 

[bystander]

Presently: MC2505, MC2105, MC2100, MC2200, 2 x MC2300.

Then there’s the preamps...

 

[tubelectron]

Aw, sorry : I forgot to mention the two last ones of the list...

My Accuphase E-560 with AD-50 (phono) and DAC-50 (DAC) option cards :



My (resttored) BELL 2420 from 1964 :



Sorry, not power amps again, but integrated ones...

T

 

[damacman]

Presently: MC2505, MC2105, MC2100, MC2200, 2 x MC2300.

Then there’s the preamps...

Well, you definitely like a certain era! I always wanted a pair of MC100s just 'cuz.

 

[tarior]

Number of amps you have = X
Number of amps you need = X+1

 

[twiiii]

I have 14 channels from two MC 207's and I use 12 of them to power my 7.0 HT system with the front L & R tri amped and the center bi amped. Gives me two spares. I have the cables run to bi-amp the rears, I even have the bi-plug in crossover cards. I just don't see the need. I am also not into Atmos. So the spare channels are taking a nap or extended vacation. I was going to use them to power my rejuvenated Stereo system. But stronger mono amps instead.

 

[cspyon]

MC225, 30's, 240, 2105, a Quad 303, and several cheap, Chinese chip amps, which sound great. They're all connected to 8 pairs of speakers to play at my whim.

I also have a few Crown amps ready for backup if needed.

I like variety in my sound.

Your collection, 225, 30 & 240 trio, shines! No matter how many vintage McIntosh gear they have, I don't rate them much if they don't include the trio.

 

[jdcarlson]

I am in a similar position as the original poster.
I ave ended up with 11 Mac amps.
That is not including the MHT200 wich has several built in amps - but that is not a "pure" amp.
I have some "entry level" receivers, but they are not "pure" amps.
My problem is that my wife and I have moved into an apartment in a retirement center. Thus space is VERY limited. Using KLH Model Nine speakers (24" wide each) and a 77" OLED Sony TV, with a mahogany credenza (exact width of the TV) holding seventeen electornics components under the TV. The system takes up one whole wall of the apartment.
There are several amps in closets, and some still at my old office.
At age 80 I cannot lift the MC2500s, the MC2255s, the MC2205s, or the MC7270s. Which takes away the audio enthusiast joy of swapping out amps to find out which sounds the best - i.e., I cannot even lift them. The one amp I can lift is a MC2505.
Currently I am using two MC2255s (which I had to get my grandsons to move) driving the KLH Model Nines. That combination gives me sufflcient clarity and definition (plus more bottom end than I expected from electrostatics), and I really do want to make any changes.
At one time I thought I would give my son and grandsons the Mac gear as an inheritance, but (as is the case with many of the new generation) their definition of good sound is mp3 through cheap earbuds.
So I may end up selling everything except what I use every day.
For the original poster, my answer would be one always needs amps more than one currently has.
Thanks for listening (or reading).

Jim