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Mcintosh neighbor deal.

UZJmac

UZJmac

New Member
My neighbor has his dads old Mcintosh system sitting in the garage with the original boxes. He’s offered to sell the entire kit to me at a good price (I think). There’s 3 units in the original wood cabinets and a pair of Mcintosh KR19 speakers that need all new surrounds.
The kit includes an MC2205 amp, MC35 preamp controller and the MR7803 tuner.
Assuming everything works as it should and in excellent condition, what would be a fair price for all this Mcintosh equipment? This brand was always well outside of my budget but this may be my chance to own some quality stuff. What would be a good deal price range?

Thanks,
 
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The value of the speakers(XR-19) will be disappointing compared to the rest of the components.

UZJmac said:
Assuming everything works as it should and in excellent condition, what would be a fair price for all this Mcintosh equipment?
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2500 - 3500. But, this would be a very foolish assumption.

Given the condition of the speakers(needing re-foam) the only safe assumption is that all 3 components are in need of service at this point. If you don't have a competent Mc qualified tech locally, then you need to add the cost of 2-way shipping/packing to the cost of service.
 
bowtie427ss said:
Given the condition of the speakers(needing re-foam) the only safe assumption is that all 3 components are in need of service at this point. If you don't have a competent Mc qualified tech locally, then you need to add the cost of 2-way shipping/packing to the cost of service.
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Well this is true but if they units are in nice shape they have a good value whether they need service or not. Not like a CD player that can not be repaired is on the list. But taking the full price of nicely restored units in the same condition as these and dropping the price by the cost of the repairs would be the top price for them. OP says a nice price so maybe just unfolding a couple thou is all the seller is looking for.
 
Experienced McIntosh dealer here considers the XR19 among the best Mc speakers he's ever heard. Sounds like a really nice system.
 
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ETLS said:
Did you check Ebay sold listings for the components?
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I did, thanks. This Mcintosh gear seems to have a fair amount for price variation. There’s not much on our local CL. I’m not to sure if I’d keep the XR19s due to their size.
What would be some other speakers to pair with the MC2205 amp? Would my Klipsch heresy’s be overpowered?

Thanks for the suggestions.
 
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UZJmac said:
I did, thanks. This Mcintosh gear seems to have a fair amount for price variation. There’s not much on our local CL. I’m not to sure if I’d keep the XR19s due to their size.
What would be some other speakers to pair with the MC2205 amp? Would my Klipsch heresy’s be overpowered?

Thanks for the suggestions.
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If you’re being offer the whole deal for 3k or less, it seems like a no brainer. Try the XR19s after they are repaired, you might like them. 200 watts is a lot of power for Heresy’s, but if that’s what you like, maybe get three more pairs and a sub.... the 2205 could handle that
 
If you dig your Heresys I’ll bet you’d like them with McIntosh. I think McIntosh gear is a nice match for Klipsch, or at least McIntosh of that era.
 
Maybe offer to help mow your neighbor's lawn for the next 10 years, and get a huge discount on the Mc's...

I would say don't wait too long. Your neighbor may start looking them up on eBay, and use the highest prices in his valuation, without understanding about the need for service, potential for failures, etc. But most well kept McIntosh gear I have seen work just fine.
 
Thanks for all the great info. The seller was asking 5k and I’ll offer $3k. I know the speakers need the surrounds replaced ($120 ish) but what can I expect from the amp (MC2205) as far as needed service? I’m sure this system will be my last major hifi purchase and I’ll want this system to run for for a few decades. Assuming the seller accepts my offer should I get the amp and controller serviced before they become my main system, or just plug it in and enjoy until somethings is obviously failing?
 
About 90% of us had bought our “last” major hifi purchase, just to be topped by another..:)

check the chrome chassis on the MC2205, some pitting ok but rusted means high humidity. The LEDs maybe out, but recapping the power supply will bring the lights back. The pots may need a DeOxit, make sure the meters work, lights can be replaced. Listen for distortion, dirty Stereo/Mono switch, and input sensitivity switch. Open up bottom, look for leaking large filter caps.
 
Probably not a bad idea to at least get the MC2205 checked out while the woofers are getting refoamed.

C35/MR7083 appeared a good 10+ years production of the MC2205 ended (which is approaching 30 years old now) so getting ripe for a checkup/servicing as well but could be okay for the time being if money's tight at the moment.

$3K is reasonable if the equipment is in nice condition.

@Mike Gibson might be able to recommend a reputable shop in your area.
 
Being that all 3 units are in their original wood cabinets is a plus, especially if the wood is in excellent condition. I would take those XR19 speakers off your hands if I was closer. No less than Roger Russell himself called the XR19 an "overlooked gem", as not many of them were sold compared to the XRT20 and XRT22 speaker lines.
 
62caddy said:
Probably not a bad idea to at least get the MC2205 checked out while the woofers are getting refoamed.

C35/MR7083 appeared a good 10+ years production of the MC2205 ended (which is approaching 30 years old now) so getting ripe for a checkup/servicing as well but could be okay for the time being if money's tight at the moment.

$3K is reasonable if the equipment is in nice condition.

@Mike Gibson might be able to recommend a reputable shop in your area.
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Thanks for the input and recommendations. I'll give the XRs a try if my offer is accepted. I will post back here regarding the outcome of the negotiations. Stay tuned....
 
Some how I think you are not going to get a Scroe ! out of this from your neighbour. Looks as though he's also done his homework and will want top dollar.......as one would expect.
 
I'm inclined to agree with IMF_Pioneer. Mc gear is very easy to sell, especially if you are willing to ship. That being said, McIntosh gear needs special treatment to ship as a result of the dense weight and a glass front panel. Best for the buyer to supply McIntosh or alternative shipping crates made especially for that task.
 
IMF_Pioneer said:
Some how I think you are not going to get a Scroe ! out of this from your neighbour. Looks as though he's also done his homework and will want top dollar.......as one would expect.
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Not looking for a “score” if that’s what you mean?. My neighbor is a friend and long time neighbor who’s in the process of downsizing and letting go of some old memorabilia.
We settled on a price of 3.8k usd. Win/win for all I think- pending further inspection.
Thanks all for the help and input.
 
UZJmac said:
Not looking for a “score” if that’s what you mean?. My neighbor is a friend and long time neighbor who’s in the process of downsizing and letting go of some old memorabilia.
We settled on a price of 3.8k usd. Win/win for all I think- pending further inspection.
Thanks all for the help and input.
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:beerchug:
USJmac, keep us posted, will you Sir.
 
The MC2205, C35 & MR7083 combined should be worth $2,500 on a bad day leaving $1,300 for the XR19s which isn't unreasonable. The cabinets are essentially the bass sections of the much revered XRT22 with a tweeter array.

XR19 are supposed to be one the gems in Mc speakers and don't come up often. The few XR19s I have seen are well worn cosmetically. I would've been more comfortable at $3K leaving some margin for repairs. The key lies in the condition of the speaker cabinets which should be near perfect at that price.

Good luck with the system & be sure to post some pictures.
 
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