If it ain't broke... Sunfire--->McIntosh?

[Lapslah]

I currently run a Sunfire Series II power amp - 300Wx2, with a Sunfire CVTCC (Classic Vacuum Tube Control Center, or "preamp" for short) including the very fine optional phono section. It took me a long time to put these pieces together and I love the performance I get from them. Here comes the wrench...

A friend asked me to give him some information on his recently deceased brother's system. It includes several McIntosh pieces, and I'm finding myself tempted by the MC2205 and C28 combination. I know some will say "keep both". I wish. Best I could do is get the McIntosh, try it for a while, then decide which to keep and which to sell. But just getting the McIntosh would mean an 800 mile cross-country drive (wouldn't want to ship them - especially at 85 lbs. for the MC2205). That would be a lot of time and work for something I might just decide to move along and maybe break even on. I also have not yet received any history or condition on the gear. And after giving them retail values, I wouldn't feel right offering anything less, so I'm not getting a deal.

I suspect I know what's coming - lots of folks here are McIntosh fans, and with good reason. Also, folks in this hobby tend to be on the never-ending lookout for the next system upgrade, but I'm asking anyway. Is switching to McIntosh going to be a huge upgrade that will blow me away? Is this worth pursuing or should I not mess with what I've got?

 

[A23gt]

I’m probably in the minority here, but I wouldn’t feel it’s a significant enough upgrade to warrant paying rental and traveling. (Unless they needed the money and couldn’t find a buyer who wouldn’t take advantage of them)

Thats not to say Mac isn’t one of the stand out brands, and has endured for decades. They have and are. I just don’t know if the amplifier change would be worth it from a financial to sonic improvement standpoint. You aren’t starting from a mid power receiver or something like that. You have a good amp and pre already.

 

[damacman]

Dunno about that ... the C28 is simply not in the same league as your existing preamp. I love vintage Mc but vintage preamps with non-sealed pots and switches (of which the C28 has in record numbers) not so much.

 

[twiiii]

C-28 had some serious mechanical issues and why traded mine in on C-29. MC 2205 is getting long in the tooth. FOr something vintage I would choose the more dependable 7300 or 7150. A 7300 can put out a lot of power if thats what you need.

 

[mbskeam]

Keep the Sunfire.

 

[dosmalo]

I've never been able to afford the price of admission to the McIntosh club but I did own one of the 1st Sunfire model amps hooked to the ML Sequel IIs I had at the time and I will say I have never owned an amp that grabbed those speakers by the throat and made them play like the Sunfire did.
It was like an epiphany.

 

[Lapslah]

Wow, I'm really surprised at these responses. Thank you all. I guess I should be grateful for what I've got!