McIntosh System Downsize

J

jdandy

Super Member
Banned
No, I don't plan to downsize my McIntosh system, at least not yet. I have been thinking about what it would take to keep me happy if I did downsize. What would be the minimum McIntosh set up I could live with and still be satisfied with my music and sound?

I definately would keep my PMC speakers. I would keep the MCD500, and the Sonos. Everything else would go. The C2300, MS750, MR85, and both MC501 amps would be history. Now, what do I do? I believe I would bring home a MA6600 integrated amplifier with the TM-2 AM/FM/HD tuner module installed. That's it. The downsized system would be two McIntosh components, with a couple high-end interconnects and power cords. I would still be able to route the Sonos through the dual quad DACs in the MCD500. I would still have premium SACD/CD playback. I would still be able to enjoy AM/FM broadcasts, plus the new HD channels I cannot presently receive, and I would still have the McIntosh power and preamp control features, including remote control that I have grown accustomed to, and love. The solid 200 watts per channel of McIntosh autoformer power is plenty for the PMC's, and will provide ample volume levels for the times I like to turn it up. It's all there in two McIntosh components.

There's another big advantage. My bank account balance would grow considerably with the sale of the components I no longer need. That's a good thing. Downsizing might be less painful than I originally thought. This idea might deserve a bit more consideration. Hmmm. :scratch2:

Now I ask you. What would be the minimum McIntosh system that would keep you happy and satisfied?
 
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Dan....I pretty much have a minimal system as it is,but if I were to do a little tweaking....I would go back to my original idea of the 6600. I would of course keep my PMC's, keep my Sonos, acquire the MCD500 :D

I'm not saying I'm not happy with what I got....sometimes downsizing is a good thing if you can be happy with the sound and looks...... post downsizing :drool:

Dan...It must be that SF experience you had a few years ago that we're on the same page. :scratch2:
 
MCD500 and Sennheiser HD800. Done. :music:

No need for speakers, room treatments, preamp, amps, cabling... The results will be just as good as a minimalist system, maybe even better due to no room colorations involved.

I had to live with my MCD201 and HD650s for 5 months when my house was being remodeled. I missed my main rig but the music was still sweet. :music:
 
Prudent strategy. I believe I got into McIntosh about the same time you did, 1968. For well over 30 years I ramped up in equipment and when I retired a few years ago decided to streamline my music systems with current and modern pieces for the long-term. I am basically done and much prefer the simplicity and elegant/clean appearance of less gear that all matches, e.g., scale, control knobs, lighting, etc. I have learned from experience that bigger is not necessarily better. I also followed Gordon Gow's advice and invested some money in furnishings (including audio cabinets to locate and display the gear and avoid exposing cabling/wiring) and decor which has enhanced my listening experience and brought compliments from family and friends.
 
PHC1 said:
MCD500 and Sennheiser HD800. Done. :music:
No need for speakers, room treatments, preamp, amps, cabling... :
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Serge.......Before I sold it, I kept the MCD7009 in the office. I used it exclusively with the Head Amp headphone amplifier and pair of HD580 headphones. It was sweet. I can't count the times I'd be sitting on the small couch in my office, and be so relaxed by the music that I dozed off. Some of my best naps were induced by the MCD7009, the Head Amp, and the HD580's. A CD player straight to headphones is a great way to go. That's about as downsized as it gets.
 
jdandy said:
Serge.......Before I sold it, I kept the MCD7009 in the office. I used it exclusively with the Head Amp headphone amplifier and pair of HD580 headphones. It was sweet. I can't count the times I'd be sitting on the small couch in my office, and be so relaxed by the music that I dozed off. Some of my best naps were induced by the MCD7009, the Head Amp, and the HD580's. A CD player straight to headphones is a great way to go. That's about as downsized as it gets.
Click to expand...

Well, I still reminisce the days I had a Meridian 508.24 player, EarMax OTL headphone amp and a pair of HD600 as my only audio system. Let me tell you, it was magical, especially after dropping a pair of Telefunken tubes into it. :music:

Many will smirk when they read us talk about it. To those I say, with the headphones, you know what the frequency response will be and it will not vary. Take out the spl and a test tone CD and plot your room with your speakers, there may be quite a bit of surprise.... Not to mention the flutter echoes, standing waves, improper speaker positioning, speaker-wall coupling, etc... :D
 
jdandy said:
Now I ask you. What would be the minimum McIntosh system that would keep you happy and satisfied?
Click to expand...

I would have a very hard time parting with the C220, MDA1000 and MC501s because I finally have come extremely close to the sound/tone I've been after for all these years.

If I HAD to (buying new with a budget) I'd probably go with the MCD500 + MA7000 (some $13-14K probably). But for that price I can probably get my current set-up used, so I might as well stick with what I have now :-).



Alberto
 
jdandy said:
Serge.......Before I sold it, I kept the MCD7009 in the office. I used it exclusively with the Head Amp headphone amplifier and pair of HD580 headphones. It was sweet. I can't count the times I'd be sitting on the small couch in my office, and be so relaxed by the music that I dozed off. Some of my best naps were induced by the MCD7009, the Head Amp, and the HD580's. A CD player straight to headphones is a great way to go. That's about as downsized as it gets.
Click to expand...

Second the HD580 - great headphone for relaxing. I used it a lot with my C34V and, while pretty removed from the detail and resolution of most rigs, it made 99% of the recordings a joy to listen to.

Alberto
 
I would sell the C2200G, the MC2000's, MR85, MCD301, MS750, MVP871, MVP841, XRT30's and all the Cardas Golden Reference cablings (power chords, interconnects and yes, the speaker wires too). Everything goes!

That would boost substantially my bank reserves!

I would be very happy playing with the VINTAGE McIntosh system!

Hmmmm, maybe I will do just that.

Cheers!
 
2000B King said:
I would sell the C2200G, the MC2000's, MR85, MCD301, MS750, MVP871, MVP841, XRT30's and all the Cardas Golden Reference cablings (power chords, interconnects and yes, the speaker wires too). Everything goes!

That would boost substantially my bank reserves!

I would be very happy playing with the VINTAGE McIntosh system!

Hmmmm, maybe I will do just that.

Cheers!
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I thought this was just a "hypothetical" thread. :D
 
PHC1 said:
I thought this was just a "hypothetical" thread. :D
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Serge,

Everything starts with a hypothetical" idea!

Maybe, just maybe I should make it happen. Somehow, this also makes sense as it brings back the zest & excitement of re-building a new system all over again. Yes, I would have lost some monies, but I could take it that I paid rental for the use this system.

Now, this could spark with first buying the 60th Anniversary C22 + MC75 Combo with the MR88 as the start. :D

Why not? A good start to 2009 McIntosh planning .... :thmbsp:

Cheers!~ :banana::banana:
 
2000B King said:
Serge,

Everything starts with a hypothetical" idea!

Maybe, just maybe I should make it happen. Somehow, this also makes sense as it brings back the zest & excitement of re-building a new system all over again. Yes, I would have lost some monies, but I could take it that I paid rental for the use this system.

Now, this could spark with first buying the 60th Anniversary C22 + MC75 Combo with the MR88 as the start. :D

Why not? A good start to 2009 McIntosh planning .... :thmbsp:

Cheers!~ :banana::banana:
Click to expand...
A rental fee hey? :scratch2: Now there is one concept I haven't thought of before.

Jerry, being in audio for a long time, you already know it's not the size or the price of a system that gives you goosebumps. It's the actual enjoyment and the sheer musicality a well synergized system brings. :music: The 60th anniversary can be a wonderful system all in itself. Couple it with some high efficiency, emotional speakers and you will be in audio heaven. The C22 is a modern pre-amp that will allow the sources to shine through without veiling the system too much. :thmbsp: Pick a musical source, add vinyl playback, nice romantic speakers and you are there!
 
Dan,

This (as most of your threads are) is an excellent thread to really get us thinking about our systems.

Much appreciated.

I took my main rig apart and started playing with the idea of JUST the 402/MCD500 going to the 360's...

My gf stopped by for a listen and told me that it sounded like a had an "AM transistor radio" hooked up. Needless to say the 501/2200/500 system is back up and running.

But, with the advent of Sonos, the idea of a "2 box system" still really intrigues me. Really simple, maybe even no media present.

So, perhaps the 6600/500 is the most attractive 2 box system. I think that I would need to move back to more efficient speakers. The 360's really love the power of the 501's and might even prefer 1.2K's

Or, what about, MCD500/275 (for warmth) and a pair of Tannoy Glenaires??? That might be nice...

Sonos really does have me considering taking my Linn LP-12 out of the system... just not getting used much.

Great thread, Thanks.
 
Just found a beautiful mint set on CL.....
I couldn't resist, purchasing a MC2205, C-28, MR-74, MQ101 and a pair of ML-1C (new McIntosh drivers 10 yrs ago) for $1500. Now I will probably sell off my MX113/MC275 combo. Wouldn't this be considered a down size since the MC275 is being sold? :scratch2:
 
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