• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

McIntosh MC2105

cosmoline

cosmoline

Member
Hello,

This is my first time on AudioKarma! I recently bought an MC2105 amp and would greatly appreciate any feedback on a complimentary preamp. I have a pair of Definitive Technology bp2004 speakers and for now I'm using a Technics sl1300 turntable.

Thanks,
Cosmoline
 
Register to hide this ad
+1 for the C28 but then again I've had them paired up for some years. Also, C27 and C29 would do nicely. A couple of other preamps I've liked with the MC250 (smaller brother to the 2105 circuit wise) is the Audio by Alstine (AVI) SuperPAS3x and Audio Research Corp (ARC) SP3A1, Philips 572 Laboratory Series and, Luxman C1000. If you do not mind pairing a tuner with it, there is the McIntosh MX110 (tube), MX112 and MX113. For the prices these go for it is like buying the preamp and getting the tuner for free or vice versa. Now on the cheap, get a Marantz 1060 integrated and pull the preamp to amp pins and use it as a preamp or look for something not mentioned often, a Marantz 24 tuner/preamp.. Really depends on budget and how far you want to go as well as how cazy you are. But, as you found us you probably are already in trouble :).
 
Thanks for the responses. I'd like to hold out for a C29 but not many are available on eBay. there are a few H H Scott and Dynaco preamps though.
 
The higher up the McIntosh ladder you go for a pre-amp, the better the 2105 will sound. The downside is, the more it will cost as well. Although not an exact physical match like the C-26/C-28, a pre like the C-38 is an outstanding piece. So would others like the C-40 that has built in EQ controls. Mark
 
There are some basic things you can do to the 2105 to help improve the sonics. Check in the McIntosh forum's history for those discussions.

You don't have to use a McIntosh preamp. The HK Citation series - Citation 11 or 17 - from back in the 70s are also opportunities and at a lower price as their cosmetics are a bit more utilitarian. Don't let that fool you, though, they're just as well liked. The Citation 11 maintained high marks from the magazines of that era.

Like the Mac pres of that vintage, though, they'll need some updating to get the best out of them.

Cheers,

David
 
cosmoline said:
Hello,

This is my first time on AudioKarma! I recently bought an MC2105 amp and would greatly appreciate any feedback on a complimentary preamp. I have a pair of Definitive Technology bp2004 speakers and for now I'm using a Technics sl1300 turntable.

Thanks,
Cosmoline
Click to expand...

My first "big" system was the 2105/C28 way back when.
I still like the 2105 even at todays standards but I think preamps have come a long way.
Check out Macs C15 and C712 preamps. Not too expensive and they have a remote.
 
let me suggest the MX117 tuner preamp. uncommon but not unusually expensive. very nice tuner and a good visual match.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom