silvernutsaq
Visiting Martian
I think the guy kept it after prying my Tannoy Monitor Gold 12s from me after I acquired my Ardens. Another regret because I wished I kept the smaller Tannoys. He did report back they were a perfect match for the 4100.
What Exactly Makes The MAC 4100 So Great?
- Thread starter mea2112
- Start date
I think the guy kept it after prying my Tannoy Monitor Gold 12s from me after I acquired my Ardens. Another regret because I wished I kept the smaller Tannoys. He did report back they were a perfect match for the 4100.
My mistake. He got his off eBay.
@62caddy you really have me second guessing my lust for an MX117. I’m thinking I should just look for another MAC4100 to use as a preamp with my mc2125.
How do the MAC4200 and MAC4300 compare to the 4100? I think one of them has a remote. I’m partial to the looks of the analog tuner vs the digital.
Depends on what your goals are. Personally I like owning/experimenting between different Mc units even though successive purchases don't necessarily translate to improvements- whether on paper or audibly.
From a standpoint of pure functionality, the MAC4100 provides a couple of advantages over the MX117 but the latter being an near-ideal cosmetic match to the MC2125 is undeniable. For that reason I'd sooner take the MX117 given the choice.
The MAC4200 & MAC4300 are every bit as worthy as the MAC4100 but the 4200 is the rarest McIntosh receiver of all which gives it extra distinction. The remote control of the 4300 makes it one of the more desirable receivers for the modern user. Sonically all are excellent but the 4300 tuner is probably has the edge.
cnolanh
Ad astra
Actually the MX117 does have the FET input switching also. I have one and can confirm it — also the brochure and manual mention the feature. Superb tuner/preamp.
I stand corrected. Must've been thinking of the MA6200.
mea2112
Addicted Member
So, I took another look at my neighbor's MAC 4100 and I noticed when he turned the volume up to almost 3:00 (no speakers connected) the red Power Guard indicator light on the right side lights up.
Both pairs of the yellow indicator lights go to the 30 watt area.
Do you guys think that's a problem?
Unless the mono button was depressed, unequal signals to each channel would partially/fully explain why one channel is behaving differently than the other.
My 4100 does exactly the opposite- when the speakers are connected, the LEDs "top out" at 30 W before jumping to PG indicators. Only when the speakers are disconnected is when they will they register 100W and PG in succession as would be normal. But other McIntosh amplifiers with PG do the same exact thing with connected to these particular speakers. In any case, I don't think it's a serious issue but I'd rather have demoed the unit with speakers connected.
My 4100 does exactly the opposite- when the speakers are connected, the LEDs "top out" at 30 W before jumping to PG indicators. Only when the speakers are disconnected is when they will they register 100W and PG in succession as would be normal. But other McIntosh amplifiers with PG do the same exact thing with connected to these particular speakers. In any case, I don't think it's a serious issue but I'd rather have demoed the unit with speakers connected.
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mea2112
Addicted Member
My neighbor connected some speakers to the MAC 4100 today and I was finally able to test it out thoroughly.
It's in perfect working condition with the exception of the volume and/or loudness/balance control needs cleaning. No big deal there.
The power indicator lights all work evenly on both sides and the red PG lights both came on evenly when I turned the volume to 3:00.
He took the cabinet off and everything looks good. I really can't find anything wrong with it
He told me to come by tomorrow with $1,000 after he gets home from work and get it.
Thanks again for all your comments!
mea2112
Addicted Member
If you shared your neighbors phone number with us, we could call him about it.
Ok, but you will have to bring me at least 100 cases of Pabst Blue Ribbon!
Hello all, I'm relatively new to the forum. I just bought a 4100 and plan to recap it in the near future. I hope I can get some good advice over here. I plan to do the work myself and can't wait to get it playing. Right now it powers up and lamps work (but not the power lamps) but no sound. No sound from the phone jacks either.
I would Create a thread on your 4100. I have recapped 4 and will post the links on what areas to look for.
Are the jumpers installed on the rear panel between the preamp outs and main amp inputs?
mea2112
Addicted Member
Damn thread hijackers! Lol, just kidding!!
The MAC 4100 is now in my possession. FWIW I'll post some pictures when I can.
I almost feel like a monkey is off my back after going back and forth in my twisted mind for weeks about do I want to spend that much cash on a receiver!