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Noob looking for entry level. Is it possible?

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drew4justice

New Member
Greetings all.
I'm considering the idea of dabbling in the realm of McIntosh. Yes, stepping into the utopia of purest waveforms!
I'm wondering, if it's possible, to find an entry level receiver unit that has an integrated tuner and amplifier together?
Wondering if anyone could throw out some suggestions if such a unit could be had for around $600 USD?
My tax return will be here soon and I'm looking to invest it in something that won't lose value and that I could also enjoy!
Thanks!
 
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You could possibly find some nice units in that range.

Interateds: look for MA5100 or MA6100

Reciever: MAC 1500, 1700 or 1900

Any that you find in that price range would probably benefit from some tunig beong done to it when you have some more extra money. If you could stretch to a MAC4100, that is an awesome unit.
 
You might want to check out AudioClassics.com as they have used McIntosh components, all are graded, most include pics. Also soundsclassics.com and oaktreeaudio.com are excellent places for your search. good luck to you.
 
bart1 said:
You could possibly find some nice units in that range.

Interateds: look for MA5100 or MA6100

Reciever: MAC 1500, 1700 or 1900

Any that you find in that price range would probably benefit from some tunig beong done to it when you have some more extra money. If you could stretch to a MAC4100, that is an awesome unit.
Click to expand...

...I second the suggestions, though if anybody finds me a Mac1500 for $600 - I will not wait for my tax return to grab it, but crawl however many miles I'd need to claw its precious chassis!
aR
 
A 4100 is on the way... will probably be shipped out tomorrow! :banana:
Now it's onto a very debatable subject.... an excellent pair of speakers for around the same amount! :yes:
Thoughts? I'm sure there are thousands!!
 
drew4justice said:
A 4100 is on the way... will probably be shipped out tomorrow! :banana:
Now it's onto a very debatable subject.... an excellent pair of speakers for around the same amount! :yes:
Thoughts? I'm sure there are thousands!!
Click to expand...

XXXellent!! Where did you find it? Surely you didn't get it at very close to your budget, but I think that unit is a true classic and will only appreciate in value. Please post pics when you get it, I love seeing them. I'm sure you will be very happy with it.

I'll let others comment on speakers, but you might tell what size your room is, as well as how loud and what kind of music you like. You should get good poewr out of the 4100 though.

Congratulations!
 
Hundreds, maybe thousands of MAC4100s were matched up with McIntosh XR14s and 16s if you want to get an idea of what went with it in the 80s. For rooms 16'X18 the 16 was the choice and with the MQ104/7 EQ could be used effectively in rooms a bit larger.

In fact when we would host Gordon Gow he insisted we use a MAC4100 and XR16s to do his live vs recorded seminars in out 18 X 28 main demo room. People were always amazed we did not use the XRT-20s right behind the quartet.

One note any MAC4100, to get i back to what it was will need 5 hours of bench time for a complete recap. A few months ago we did an A/B comparison and restoration was truely stunning.
 
Hehe! It's fun to see the excitement! It gets me anxious to receive the unit, which should be here this Monday, the 12th.
It will arrive, for $740, shipped. Am told unit is fairly pristine with some chipping on veneer.
I am fairly proficient with electronics and believe I could certainly handle a re-cap. I haven't looked yet, but I would bet there is a list of which caps/values to replace? If I can find that, I'll order the caps in advance! I'll plug the soldering iron in now to get it warmed and ready :thmbsp:
I'll be sure to get photos/video for everyone.

~Drew
 
drew4justice said:
A 4100 is on the way... will probably be shipped out tomorrow! :banana:
Now it's onto a very debatable subject.... an excellent pair of speakers for around the same amount! :yes:
Thoughts? I'm sure there are thousands!!
Click to expand...

I know a set of Bozak's (B-302's) will sound wonderful with that receiver.
 
The unit arrived, and I now understand the hype behind this gear. I TRUELY APPRECIATE the recommendation. Wow! I'm impressed. It really brought my paradigm towers to life.

Pictures, right out of the packing box, as requested...
mac1.jpg

mac2.jpg
 
On the 4100 when you change the mode from FM to AM the dial indicator light for the stations changes from above the FM scale to below the AM scale. And if you go to aux the station indicator light goes out. The 4100 is very nice.
 
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