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TA-N77es, 700m, M508, B2 or something Mcintosh?

B

Bookshelf

New Member
I'm thinking of buying something like a Sony TA-N77es, Kenwood 700m, Onkyo M508(or M5090 etc), or a Yamaha B2... some of these are priced, when I can find them, close to where I'm seeing some Mcintosh amps. Would a MC2105 or other Mcintosh in that price range be better than buying one of the others I listed? Thanks
 
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McIntosh is the best long term investment. And the best supported. I have broadcast studios in my care where these power amps are never shut off and reliable 24/7/365 with superb sound with servicing every 12 years. Worth the investment.
 
Well I'm a Sony fan so I would be tempted with the N77ES. But I can't argue with Kent - McIntosh is by far the best supported, and probably the best long term investment. I guess it would come down to price and how much the price difference is.
 
Bookshelf said:
I'm thinking of buying something like a Sony TA-N77es, Kenwood 700m, Onkyo M508(or M5090 etc), or a Yamaha B2... some of these are priced, when I can find them, close to where I'm seeing some Mcintosh amps. Would a MC2105 or other Mcintosh in that price range be better than buying one of the others I listed? Thanks
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The TA-N77ES sounds like a Japanese amp which tend to be more signal accurate. The 700M has a more cultured, less edgy sound than the big Sony but it gives up nothing when paired with the demanding NS-1000M. The 700M is a very good choice especially with EW restore. The Onkyo has eluded me. The Yamaha B2's VFET's make this a compelling choice. They have a lush sound while maintaining clarity. IME, this is a tradeoff in most other ss amps. All VFET amps must be restored to protect the NLA outputs.

And then there is Mac for all the reasons already given above. I used to have the 2100 amp which was pretty good sounding but not fast enough to make me think solid state and not lush enough to make me think tubes. This being said, Mac's never lose value (except when foolishly bought) so they are always a good choice.
 
I had the 2105. It was OK but a bit rounded-off sounding. Plus only 105 wpc.

I've got two TA-N80ES amps that I love - much more power and authority (200 wpc), clean but full and complete sound - the Sony hi-end house sound. Love'em but downsizing now.

Haven't heard the other three.
 
The 2105 has excellent bass paired with the right speakers and sources. McIntosh still does an excellent job of supporting it. The Sony is brighter on top and excellent. The Yamaha speakers aren't that tough to drive. McIntosh handles tough speaker loads which many won't. McIntosh's autoformers are an advantage. Not to mention you can replace it's transistors if they get roached. VFET amps are something I would not want to rely on without backup. Also, the McIntosh wattage ratings are very conservative.
 
As it is for the looks, I would go for sony :D

I love my TA-N77ES

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I am only familiar with the B-2 on your list. You would be remiss not to experience this amp.
 
The only one I'm familiar with is the onkyo 508. My 508 did an amazing job as a stand in for my Mac mc2500 while it was getting recapped. I'm thinking it should easily best a 2105.
 
A few votes for the B2... Do the VFETs make this amp superior to an M80, M2, etc? I've read this sounds different than other Yamaha's?
 
Seamaster said:
Man, you need spare the love... can they work as mono? How's the light problem with typical TA-N77ES?
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Yes I'm aware of it, and yes they are mono connected.:banana:

No light problem so far. And I'm the first owner, let's say... 27 years now.
But I must say, I leave the lights out most of the time. Maybe that's why they last so long.
 
sonyaddict said:
Yes I'm aware of it, and yes they are mono connected.:banana:

No light problem so far. And I'm the first owner, let's say... 27 years now.
But I must say, I leave the lights out most of the time. Maybe that's why they last so long.
Click to expand...

I may joint you to get a Sony TA-N77ES if the deal go through.
 
I picked up a Yamaha PC1002 2 weeks ago
I have been trying it out against my McIntosh MC150
I preferred the Yamaha
But last year I was trying out the McIntosh MC150 against the Yamaha B2x and I preferred the MC150
But I have changed cables , wall sockets , speakers stands and room

Yesterday I bought a new cable for the Yamaha PC1002 and I told the shop owner that I preferred the Yamaha and he replied that Yamaha is little lighter in bass.
So today was swapping back and forth and definitely noticed that point

Buy or try out all you can
Make sure you buy from local shops, they often let good customers try out gear at home
 
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