MAC 4280 Part II

[62caddy]

I received my MAC 4280 back from Audio Classics for a tuner alignment, chassis cleaning and for an intermittent right channel pre amp output. This unit has circuitry that cuts the connection from the main amp from the pre amp when RCA connector is introduced at the main amp input making traditional U-jumpers unnecessary. To correct the problem, a solder repair and a switch replacement was done. I have been running the receiver for three weeks and am happy to report that I am very satisfied with the performance of the MAC 4280. They tested the unit and the main amp tests at 86 watts @ 0.01 THD at 2,000 Hz and aligned the tuner. I then performed a side by side comparison with the venerable 4100 and honestly neither I nor my friend who owns the 4100 could hear any audible differences between the two. The 4280 also seemed to have a superior tuner section and was able to pick up more usable stations than the 4100 but that may have to do with the more recent service work on the 4280. However we both prefer the 4100's 5 band EQ obviously. Although I never really missed or cared much about having a remote control operated receiver before but I must confess that it would be hard to give it up now plus the 4280 also uses the traditional rotary volume control which, combined with remote function makes it (I believe) the only MAC receiver thus equipped. I spoke with Audio Classics rep concerning the 4275/4280's somewhat dubious reputation and they responded basically that they never heard of any quality/performance issues with those units. On the contrary, they sold well and "our customers love them". Their service department reports that historically, the 4275/4280 require no more maintenence than any other McIntosh unit of similar vintage. While the MAC xx00 units probably have beefier output stages and were "thoroughly Binghamton", the 4275/4280 used some imported circuit boards but the final design was McIntosh's. Personally, I would have no problems recommending one but I'd also suggest a thorough going-over servicing as one would perform on any piece of vintage equipment.

 

[mrz80]

Is the volume control on the 4280 a rotary encoder that steps an electronic volume control up and down like the remote circuitry, or is it an actual pot, and the remote control operates a motor coupled to the pot shaft? My Sony ES CD player's volume control is the latter; an odd arrangement I don't recall encountering before.

 

[62caddy]

Is the volume control on the 4280 a rotary encoder that steps an electronic volume control up and down like the remote circuitry, or is it an actual pot, and the remote control operates a motor coupled to the pot shaft? My Sony ES CD player's volume control is the latter; an odd arrangement I don't recall encountering before.

I would have to say it's an actual pot driven by a small motor; you can hear the sound from the motor as you operate the volume from the remote. I have a Yamaha receiver that operates the same way.

 

[MX117.MC7150]

Nice to hear your MAC4280 is sounding good and working well. I'm a big believer that all vintage tuners need an alignment. Old caps simply driff a bunch.

Believe all the older Sony ES units with a remote use a motor driven volume control. Both my 80ES and 90ES preamps did.

And, the primary reason I no longer listen to vintage McIntosh is not the improvement in sonics (small) and more power (can be huge), but because I need that damned remote.

 

[62caddy]

Nice to hear your MAC4280 is sounding good and working well. I'm a big believer that all vintage tuners need an alignment. Old caps simply driff a bunch.

Believe all the older Sony ES units with a remote use a motor driven volume control. Both my 80ES and 90ES preamps did.

And, the primary reason I no longer listen to vintage McIntosh is not the improvement in sonics (small) and more power (can be huge), but because I need that damned remote.

I'm afraid to say I couldn't agree more. Especially when watching DVDs with huge dynamic range, the remote function becomes all but a necessity. Who knows, there may be a MAC 4300 in my future after all- (pushbutton volume control (ugh!) notwithstanding) But the 4280 will do very nicely for now.

 

[mrz80]

We handled the volume issue by running all video/TV related audio functions through the TV set, and using its remote, with the 4100's volume cranked. For turntable or CD music, changing the volume mid-stream's not really an issue for us.

 

[MX117.MC7150]

With the great majority of my listening in the same room as my office/work shop, between the phone(s), wife, grandkids and other interuptions, I find the remote a critical piece of gear. Sign of the times, I guess.

While I also prefer knobs (analog) for volume and tuning in a station on the tuner, the MAC4300 would be my first choice for a receiver (though some might fairly consider the MA6600 with TM2 tuner module a receiver). The basis would be a cosmetic rather than performance based selection, as am guessing your ears are correct.............. they likely all sound quite similar from the MAC4100 thru the MAC4300.

 

[62caddy]

We handled the volume issue by running all video/TV related audio functions through the TV set, and using its remote, with the 4100's volume cranked. For turntable or CD music, changing the volume mid-stream's not really an issue for us.

That's true, however the regulated audio outputs from my television are very low level which requires cranking the volume at the receiver, as you put it, which results in a lot of background hiss. Plus the TV's own speakers will be heard. Therefore, I must set the television to "fixed output/speakers off" which results in a much stronger output so the receiver volume does not need to be set at such a high level. The overall result is much more satisfactory in my particular application.

 

[mrz80]

That's true, however the regulated audio outputs from my television are very low level which requires cranking the volume at the receiver, as you put it, which results in a lot of background hiss.

Hiss hasn't been a problem for us, unless the volume's cranked ALL the way 'round, which I never do (unless I'm home alone, and working in the back yard ).

Plus the TV's own speakers will be heard. Therefore, I must set the television to "fixed output/speakers off" which results in a much stronger output so the receiver volume does not need to be set at such a high level. The overall result is much more satisfactory in my particular application.

Ah. I can shut the speakers off on my TV and the line outs will still be variable with the remote.