New Products - C8 & MC830
- Thread starter techguy0192
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kevzep
Its all about the Music
I think the mono-blocks look good, I don't like those cages they have to put on the tubes, but I guess thats the current health and safety regulations dictating that, I'd just take them off...
At the end of the day they look just as McIntosh as anything else they make.
So these amps are direct coupled? I see they double their power output into 4Ω.....
Interesting, definitely worth a listen...
At the end of the day they look just as McIntosh as anything else they make.
So these amps are direct coupled? I see they double their power output into 4Ω.....
Interesting, definitely worth a listen...
I do love the Mc detail in the heatsink extrusions, ...
I don't get calling the preamp a C8, because there has already been a C8 preamp, and I'm not seeing any throwback styling.
Prices:
C8 - $3,500
MC830 - $4,000
I'm sorry, but I'm not dropping 8 grand on Mac amps that do not have autoformers and feel that most would agree with me on that statement. Sure it is less money than a pair of MC301 (discontinued it appears). However, if a person is shopping in that price range, I think most would go ahead and spend the extra cash for the autoformers.
I do think it is nice to see direct coupled amps. But, this isn't the right placement for them in the line. Something comparable to the MC7100 would be perfect for new or budget conscious Mac buyers.
The thing that really gets me about the MC830 amps are the proportions - they just look goofy.
Regarding the C8, at least the price is low because it is also low on features compared to the other offerings. It appears to be more or less an MA252, minus the amp section, with some extra features. I see the silly tube cages have returned, likely here to be here to stay.
Based on the styling of the amp and preamp, it appears that MA252 and MA352 owners are targeted - assuming they step up in the product line.
Prices:
C8 - $3,500
MC830 - $4,000
I'm sorry, but I'm not dropping 8 grand on Mac amps that do not have autoformers and feel that most would agree with me on that statement. Sure it is less money than a pair of MC301 (discontinued it appears). However, if a person is shopping in that price range, I think most would go ahead and spend the extra cash for the autoformers.
I do think it is nice to see direct coupled amps. But, this isn't the right placement for them in the line. Something comparable to the MC7100 would be perfect for new or budget conscious Mac buyers.
The thing that really gets me about the MC830 amps are the proportions - they just look goofy.
Regarding the C8, at least the price is low because it is also low on features compared to the other offerings. It appears to be more or less an MA252, minus the amp section, with some extra features. I see the silly tube cages have returned, likely here to be here to stay.
Based on the styling of the amp and preamp, it appears that MA252 and MA352 owners are targeted - assuming they step up in the product line.
damacman
Resident Psycho
It may also be that McIntosh is designing a complete line of these types of products so that they may further differentiate them from their core gear. That may be driven by distribution goals.
From the looks of it, the MA252, MA352 and that goofy integrated turntable have all been wildly successful with a new audience.
From the looks of it, the MA252, MA352 and that goofy integrated turntable have all been wildly successful with a new audience.
Has the MTI100 turntable really been that successful? There have been next to none listed in the 2nd hand market.
It is a big contrast when you look at the number of used 252 integrated that have come up for sale.
damacman
Resident Psycho
Yeah, I think it has.Has the MTI100 turntable really been that successful? There have been next to none listed in the 2nd hand market.
I'm not a big fan of this styling - but peoples' opinions on equipment looks is pretty subjective, so I would not argue with anyone who likes these.
But the fact that McIntosh continues to release components with this styling is evidence that these are selling very well.
But the fact that McIntosh continues to release components with this styling is evidence that these are selling very well.
kevzep
Its all about the Music
I think its great they've released an amplifier which is direct coupled, I think they would be good candidates for driving my subs.
I feel its a bit narrow minded to not consider a direct coupled McIntosh amplifier, they do build the best power amps, and if anyone can make a direct coupled amp sing, McIntosh can.
I'd be totally up for adding these in my system...
I feel its a bit narrow minded to not consider a direct coupled McIntosh amplifier, they do build the best power amps, and if anyone can make a direct coupled amp sing, McIntosh can.
I'd be totally up for adding these in my system...
As many here have chimed in on the new Mcs posted here I may as well submit my two cents - FWIW.
I look upon new McIntosh much as I look upon new cars: Interesting, sometimes even exciting but never something that will ever wind up in my driveway or audio rack. I have absolutely nothing against, nor is should it be construed as anything negative toward either. I simply enjoy the hunt for McIntosh from the era that first endeared me to the brand, in the best condition I can find.
I also got to enjoy a few nice pieces from the earlier tube era as well. It also makes good sense economically since I've never had a problem coming out of ownership with little to no downside, and even managed to turn a modest profit in more than a few cases. This of course would be practically impossible with new cars or new equipment.
So what do I think specifically of the C8 & MC830? I'm sure they're fine and perform as would be expected of anything bearing the proud McIntosh escutcheon.
Is the C8 missing features I consider absolutely necessary for a first class hi fi system? Definitely.
Is it designed for convenient operation and placement? Not in my book.
Styling? Not my preference.
Will it appeal to current buyers of high-end hi fi looking for something slightly unique? Very likely - and my sincere hope is that McIntosh will do well with them, personal preferences aside.
I look upon new McIntosh much as I look upon new cars: Interesting, sometimes even exciting but never something that will ever wind up in my driveway or audio rack. I have absolutely nothing against, nor is should it be construed as anything negative toward either. I simply enjoy the hunt for McIntosh from the era that first endeared me to the brand, in the best condition I can find.
I also got to enjoy a few nice pieces from the earlier tube era as well. It also makes good sense economically since I've never had a problem coming out of ownership with little to no downside, and even managed to turn a modest profit in more than a few cases. This of course would be practically impossible with new cars or new equipment.
So what do I think specifically of the C8 & MC830? I'm sure they're fine and perform as would be expected of anything bearing the proud McIntosh escutcheon.
Is the C8 missing features I consider absolutely necessary for a first class hi fi system? Definitely.
Is it designed for convenient operation and placement? Not in my book.
Styling? Not my preference.
Will it appeal to current buyers of high-end hi fi looking for something slightly unique? Very likely - and my sincere hope is that McIntosh will do well with them, personal preferences aside.
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Logan_Nolag
Active Member
As many here have chimed in on the new Mcs posted here I may as well submit my two cents - FWIW.
I look upon new McIntosh much as I look upon new cars: Interesting, sometimes even exciting but never something that will ever wind up in my driveway or audio rack. I have absolutely nothing against, nor is should it be construed as anything negative toward either. I simply enjoy the hunt for McIntosh from the era that first endeared me to the brand, in the best condition I can find.
I also got to enjoy a few nice pieces from the earlier tube era as well. It also makes good sense economically since I've never had a problem coming out of ownership with little to no downside, and even managed to turn a modest profit in more than a few cases. This of course would be practically impossible with new cars or new equipment.
So what do I think specifically of the C8 & MC830? I'm sure they're fine and perform as would be expected of anything bearing the proud McIntosh escutcheon.
Is the C8 missing features I consider absolutely necessary for a first class hi fi system? Definitely.
Is it designed for convenient operation and placement? Not in my book.
Styling? Not my preference.
Will it appeal to current buyers of high-end hi fi looking for something slightly unique? Very likely - and my sincere hope is that McIntosh will do well with them, personal preferences aside.
Really the only things missing from the C8 in my opinion are that it would benefit from an additional balanced output as well as a fixed output but even the new C22 doesn't have a fixed output so maybe they are moving away from that.
twiiii
Lunatic Member
Its amazing how the pendulum swings over the years. back in the 70's and early 80's Autoformers were frowned on by people in the know. Even some of the century amps were frowned upon by reviewers as not being detailed enough in the 90's. I have owned both and tube units, also and with my speakers it wasn't until the direct coupled MC 7200 came along that my woofers really started to perform their best. Its not about the amps, really, its about the way the different type of amps work with the speakers you own. Speakers with old fashioned passive crossovers there isn't ,much difference. But speakers systems that are bi-amped or have more advanced crossovers depending on the damping of the woofers there might be a small difference or a large difference. My speakers sound mushy and have that tube glow with amps with autoformers, where they are tight, transparent and with great transients with amps without autoformers. Some amps like Crown and Bryston can sound to dry. But my 207 amps are just about right for me.
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