Used McIntosh Prices

[High_Noon]

I have been planning a McIntosh system (C40/42, MC7270/MC250/MC2100 - depending on what I could find for a reasonable price) for some years and failed to pull the trigger. Since that time used McIntosh gear has skyrocketed in price – some components selling for 3x the prices. For example, pre C-19, I could have purchased an MC250 in refurbished condition for about $850.00. I’ve seen them listed for up to $2,700.00 lately. I saw the C45 or C42, occasionally sell for $1,800.00, now, I’d be lucky to find one for under 4-5K. I’ve found this very frustrating and feel like I missed the boat.

My question is: Do you think used McIntosh gear will eventually drop to more realistic levels soon, or are those interested used McIntosh gear completely screwed?

McIntosh prices have gotten so outrageous, I’ve been seriously considering an Audio Research SP14 & a Classic 60, which I can seemingly get for less than the price of a McIntosh Pre!

I’ve also been considering an integrated like the Bel Canto eVo 2i Gen II, which come up for sale from time to time.

What say you?

 

[62caddy]

Asking is not getting. A quick check of eBay SOLD listings reveals typical MC250 selling prices hovering around $1,000 - $1,300 in very good condition. As far as higher prices is concerned, this is hardly unique to McIntosh- almost everything from groceries to cars is far higher than it was in the pre CV world. It is not so much that tangible materials have become more valuable; it is that currency has become less valuable. Since you can't unprint money that's been printed, the new price levels are unlikely to reverse any time soon, if at all. Don't get discouraged; there's plenty of reasonably priced gear to be had out there - Mc or otherwise - if willing to be patient.

 

[damacman]

Few deals to be had at present ... I used to buy 7270s for $1200 ...

 

[jlovda]

Even trash units are now above my budget. I'm glad I got all my present stuff 5+ years ago.

 

[jayvis]

I have been planning a McIntosh system (C40/42, MC7270/MC250/MC2100 - depending on what I could find for a reasonable price) for some years and failed to pull the trigger. Since that time used McIntosh gear has skyrocketed in price – some components selling for 3x the prices. For example, pre C-19, I could have purchased an MC250 in refurbished condition for about $850.00. I’ve seen them listed for up to $2,700.00 lately. I saw the C45 or C42, occasionally sell for $1,800.00, now, I’d be lucky to find one for under 4-5K. I’ve found this very frustrating and feel like I missed the boat.


My question is: Do you think used McIntosh gear will eventually drop to more realistic levels soon, or are those interested used McIntosh gear completely screwed?


McIntosh prices have gotten so outrageous, I’ve been seriously considering an Audio Research SP14 & a Classic 60, which I can seemingly get for less than the price of a McIntosh Pre!


I’ve also been considering an integrated like the Bel Canto eVo 2i Gen II, which come up for sale from time to time.


What say you?

Not sure where you're looking, but you need to check some of the online audio marketplaces if you haven't already. I just checked one site that currently has good examples of items on your list. They aren't at 2019 prices, but they're quite a bit under what you described. 62caddy has it right in his post above. Our money just isn't worth what it used to be.

 

[High_Noon]

thanks fellers. Yes, I do use the online audio marketplaces and I am fairly consistent about looking. Haven't seen any kind of deals in quite a long time. I will keep at it.

I know this is the wrong forum, but does anyone have an opinion regarding the Audio Research gear I listed or that Bel Canto integrated?

 

[lo IQ]

thanks fellers. Yes, I do use the online audio marketplaces and I am fairly consistent about looking. Haven't seen any kind of deals in quite a long time. I will keep at it.

I know this is the wrong forum, but does anyone have an opinion regarding the Audio Research gear I listed or that Bel Canto integrated?

If you can find one the arc SP 8 is a superb preamp, little brother to the “legendary” SP 10.’ Years ago I had a Classic 60 on tryout and returned it after 3 days as thin sounding and just not all that great. If you can find one the arc D 70 Mark II is a great tube amp. I really regret selling mine. The D115 and M 100 monoblocks are members of the same family and, in my opinion some of the best amps arc ever made. There was recently a pair of M 100s listed on US audio mart for $3800. Only drawback would be tube expense. They all use a lot of them. Hope this helps.

 

[High_Noon]

lo IQ: Thanks. I really wasn't prepared to go with tube equipment, but due to the high price of used McIntosh equipment, I've had to face reality and switch gears. I've been interested in ARC gear for quite some time so I thought it might be a good choice. I did read that the SP14 was a hybrid of sorts and only uses one tube for the phono stage - true?

I will definitely take a look at your recommendations and I am already somewhat familiar with a few of your recommendations, namely, the D70. Thanks again.

 

[twiiii]

Rising preowned prices just proves that Mcintosh makes a better product no matter what the reviewers say. The time to buy a Mcintosh is just after the new replacement has been announced and is available. Then dealers and individuals will want to unload what they own or have in stock.

I did that with my second MC 207 and MX 119. Back when I worked for a Mcintosh dealer and got special compensation discounts from Mcintosh it didn't really matter. The only isuse was I had to keep the Mcintosh item at least a year. What I do now is depend on those in the industry I have known for years if I can't get out and audition the piece before I buy it. Thats what I did when I bought my two MC 830's. As I have 4 ohm speakers I couldn't see the need for two MC 601's, 611's, a 462, or 452. I have always preferred Mcintosh direct coupled amps with the speakers I have chosen. Back in the day I had two MC 7200 and a 7100 for my triamped stereo speakers. When I added other speakers from the same manufacturer using the same drivers for a HT system I added the first 207 to the first 206. Then when The 207 was discontinued and the 257 was released I found a new 207 from my favorite dealer at a great price. Slightly lower than the first 207 I bought 14 years previously. I sort of did the same thing when the MX 160 came along I bought a pre-owned MX 151. I needed component and S inputs which a 160 didn't have and the MX 121 didn't have enough inputs and didn't have room perfect. Some times you can get a unit for half price when a the latest advanced unit is released. I waited almost 10 years to get the XRT 28's at a price I deemed affordable to complete my original stereo system. That was almost two years ago. They have doubled in price since then pre-owned. I had a chance 10 years ago to buy a pair of XR290's at half the original selling price. Now they cost even more than the original price and that is very rare for speakers. A Mac dealer that you know well and you are loyal too can sometimes make you offers your not going to be able to pass up on. So always keep your entertainment budget up to snuff and earning interest. There are individuals that buy and sell as a hobby and sometimes you can come out ahead with them, too. But you have to know their track record so you don't get burnt. Thats how I go my MC 206 20 years ago that the second MC 207 replaced.

 

[turnitdown]

Asking is not getting. A quick check of eBay SOLD listings reveals typical MC250 selling prices hovering around $1,000 - $1,300 in very good condition. As far as higher prices is concerned, this is hardly unique to McIntosh- almost everything from groceries to cars is far higher than it was in the pre CV world. It is not so much that tangible materials have become more valuable; it is that currency has become less valuable. Since you can't unprint money that's been printed, the new price levels are unlikely to reverse any time soon, if at all. Don't get discouraged; there's plenty of reasonably priced gear to be had out there - Mc or otherwise - if willing to be patient.

Spot on.

 

[High_Noon]

Yes, obviously asking is not getting, but it aggravates the heck out of me that people are asking such outrageous prices.

About 2 years ago I purchased a MC250 that had been completely gone through and was in beautiful condition. The imbecile that sent it to me did one of the worst packing jobs I had ever seen and it was completely wrecked by the time I received it. He refunded me the total purchase price. IIRC, I paid around $900.00 for it. I was pretty upset about it, but c'est la vie. I haven't found another (fairly priced) in the same condition/quality since; though I did find one in similar condition. Asking price? $2,700.00. For an MC250. All I could do was laugh.

 

[High_Noon]

twiiii: Thanks. I am familiar with the drill, but I have watched as prices have increased out of my price range. Occasionally, deals can be found, but I haven't seen any in quite awhile. I will keep looking, and hope I can find what I'm looking for at reasonable prices.

 

[sberger]

Put a “Wanted To Buy” ad in Barter Town specifying what you’re looking for and your budget and see what happens. A lot of folks are hitting hard times out there unfortunately and privately you might get offers that you won’t see listed publicly. In fact, I’d suggest you put the same as in as many audio forums as you can. Hoffman, Audio Asylum, US Audio, etc. Can’t hurt.

 

[nolasally]

McIntosh prices don’t go down. I’ve been collecting for over 20yrs. Never seen prices drop. Buy the condition. Not the price. When you wish to sell down the road you will either get your money back or likely make money on the sale.

if looking for appreciation, only look for metered amps.

preamps if looking for appreciation, only look at 2 ch preamps. No A/V preamps.

ARC is great sounding gear. Can’t go wrong with their offerings but you won’t see long term appreciation like the Mac stuff.

if going the SS route I’d also look at bryston. Great quality!

 

[jayvis]

Yes, obviously asking is not getting, but it aggravates the heck out of me that people are asking such outrageous prices.

About 2 years ago I purchased a MC250 that had been completely gone through and was in beautiful condition. The imbecile that sent it to me did one of the worst packing jobs I had ever seen and it was completely wrecked by the time I received it. He refunded me the total purchase price. IIRC, I paid around $900.00 for it. I was pretty upset about it, but c'est la vie. I haven't found another (fairly priced) in the same condition/quality since; though I did find one in similar condition. Asking price? $2,700.00. For an MC250. All I could do was laugh.

The average selling price for a MC250 in good to excellent condition on Reverb is $1,191 USD. This average is based on Reverb MC250 sales over the last year. Your frustration seems to stem from the typical outliers that are exorbitantly priced and what you feel was a lost opportunity. You'll see these outliers on almost every vintage audio item that's at least somewhat desirable. These questions need to be asked of yourself.... How bad do you really want one? If it's your dream to own vintage McIntosh, why settle for something else?

 

[lo IQ]

lo IQ: Thanks. I really wasn't prepared to go with tube equipment, but due to the high price of used McIntosh equipment, I've had to face reality and switch gears. I've been interested in ARC gear for quite some time so I thought it might be a good choice. I did read that the SP14 was a hybrid of sorts and only uses one tube for the phono stage - true?

I will definitely take a look at your recommendations and I am already somewhat familiar with a few of your recommendations, namely, the D70. Thanks again.

I have VSA vr4 jrs which are easy to biamp. I used an MC 2105 for the bass and the D 70 for mid and treble. A marriage from heaven. I should have kept that. Then I used a MAC 1700, rebuilt and bypassing the not incredible preamp section with the D 70. Another great match. Have you considered a MAC receiver like the 1700. Rebuilding is not that difficult and bypassing the preamp section is pretty easy as well. If wired properly you can use the great tube tuner too. Audio Classics often has MAC receivers for sale at less than stratospheric prices. They sold me an MC 462 for the low 6000s. I also picked up an MC 275 in the box unopened for a little more than 5000 (not from AC.) Deals are out there. I have bought several units from A Classics and have no complaints. Some say their prices are on the high side but I’ve always paid about market.

 

[lissenup]

I have been planning a McIntosh system (C40/42, MC7270/MC250/MC2100 - depending on what I could find for a reasonable price) for some years and failed to pull the trigger. Since that time used McIntosh gear has skyrocketed in price – some components selling for 3x the prices. For example, pre C-19, I could have purchased an MC250 in refurbished condition for about $850.00. I’ve seen them listed for up to $2,700.00 lately. I saw the C45 or C42, occasionally sell for $1,800.00, now, I’d be lucky to find one for under 4-5K. I’ve found this very frustrating and feel like I missed the boat.

My question is: Do you think used McIntosh gear will eventually drop to more realistic levels soon, or are those interested used McIntosh gear completely screwed?

McIntosh prices have gotten so outrageous, I’ve been seriously considering an Audio Research SP14 & a Classic 60, which I can seemingly get for less than the price of a McIntosh Pre!

I’ve also been considering an integrated like the Bel Canto eVo 2i Gen II, which come up for sale from time to time.

What say you?

You are right, stupid prices. Better bang for buck elsewhere in my opinion.

 

[Blue Shadow]

McIntosh, the Marantz of the higher end gear. You said you can get Audio Research for less. Well there is a reason for that. Folks want Marantz and will pay for it. Same seems the case with McIntosh. These two brands have increased in value because they are known brands. Even folks that don't know stereo know the names. You can say the names at a dinner party and folks will nod approvingly and seek you out if they have questions about gear. There are better, less expensive choices. Seems Audio Research is one of them. Of course, they don't have the look of the McIntosh gear or the name recognition in polite company but their gear sounds good, too. I don't follow McIntosh prices to know how much is too much but with Marantz there seems to be 60% excess price vs performance compared to its competitors.

 

[High_Noon]

nolasally: Thanks. In my estimation, I believe to a certain extent that used McIntosh gear is artificially inflated. While America is currently experiencing rampant inflation due to a variety of reasons it's clear to me that many are taking advantage of the situation and are engaging in price-gouging. Nowhere is this more evident than on flea-bay, which is certainly not the most ideal place to purchase used audio gear, but it likely does have the largest audience. Unscrupulous sellers are out there in cyberspace hoping someone will take the bait. This is the impetus behind my question - that if McIntosh gear is indeed artificially inflated, as I suspect, then will we see more realistic prices in the future. I was hoping that as the economy recovers, we would se a return to "normal" asking prices.

I am not specifically looking for appreciation, but your comments are well taken. I will also take a look at Bryston and continue to investigate ARC - not sure I want to go with tube gear, though.

 

[High_Noon]

BlueShadow: Yes indeed, you are correct. I have a few Marantz pieces and I've been looking to add a 2285B to my stable. I watched, in horror, as pre-pandemic 2285B prices skyrocketed from around $800.00, for a nicely refurbished unit, to over 3K. Once again, I failed to pull the trigger when I had the chance. Prices for the 2285B have now settled back to around $1,800.00 for a nice unit, but a $1,000.00 is a mighty increase over what I was seeing just a few years ago. I believe this to be proof positive that some of these units are artificially inflated and is the reason that I was hoping that used McIntosh gear would settle back down to more reasonable prices (perhaps inflation adjusted to a certain degree).

I certainly know what you mean with McIntosh and Marantz having a certain caché, and although I have always wanted McIntosh gear, I really don't care about impressing others. I am in the audiophile game because I am looking for high fidelity and damn the torpedoes.