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What McIntosh Gear Are You Using?

Well, I will add my little system here.

So far I have a McIntosh MC250 being controlled by a Conrad Johnson PV10a with a Technics 1210 MK2 and Thorens TD-160 providing the vinyl signals. The MC250 drives my Klipsch LSI splits which are being restored and upgraded.

I am on the look out for either a McIntosh MC 240 or MC 275 to complete the vintage tube sound experience. If a find a nice McIntosh tube pre-amp I may replace the Conrad Johnson, but it's not critical at this time.

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Another addition to my growing MAC family. I picked up another MC225 yesterday and she is a real beauty!!! No pitting or rust but she is missing the stenciling on the top deck except for one tube stencil and the S/N which is 164C8. Listened to it most of the night and today and it is that MAC sound that we love so much. The seller was so very generous I’m still pinching myself.
 

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70's Silver said:
Another addition to my growing MAC family. I picked up another MC225 yesterday and she is a real beauty!!! No pitting or rust but she is missing the stenciling on the top deck except for one tube stencil and the S/N which is 164C8. Listened to it most of the night and today and it is that MAC sound that we love so much. The seller was so very generous I’m still pinching myself.
Click to expand...
Man I want a 225 so bad! Nice score :cool:
 
A Mac Mini...ohhhhh, McIntosh! Sorry, none at this time. Maybe when I sell off a ton of gear. :biggrin:

In all seriousness, not to derail the thread, but to all the owners out there who have owned several units over the years: if and when I do dip my toes into the McIntosh waters, which vintage or used receivers, integrateds or pre/power amps do you suggest for a first time owner, and why? Say, in the first half of the four figure price range on the used market.
 
Eywadude said:
A Mac Mini...ohhhhh, McIntosh! Sorry, none at this time. Maybe when I sell off a ton of gear. :biggrin:

In all seriousness, not to derail the thread, but to all the owners out there who have owned several units over the years: if and when I do dip my toes into the McIntosh waters, which vintage or used receivers, integrateds or pre/power amps do you suggest for a first time owner, and why? Say, in the first half of the four figure price range on the used market.
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Your criteria of "vintage or used receivers, integrateds or pre/power amps" covers a lot of McIntosh territory as well as price. Any "vintage or used" piece or pieces of McIntosh gear will need some degree of service. Are you capable and or willing to pay/do the work that is necessary? I've owned or still own a number of McIntosh gear you have asked about "vintage or used" and they have all needed work. Work that I can do.

Having said all that, "for a first time buyer, and why" I suggest that whatever you purchase, it should be from a place that specializes in McIntosh sales and service unless you are capable of doing whatever work is necessary.

Composed on my Mac Mini...........
 
ramjet said:
Your criteria of "vintage or used receivers, integrateds or pre/power amps" covers a lot of McIntosh territory as well as price. Any "vintage or used" piece or pieces of McIntosh gear will need some degree of service. Are you capable and or willing to pay/do the work that is necessary? I've owned or still own a number of McIntosh gear you have asked about "vintage or used" and they have all needed work. Work that I can do.

Having said all that, "for a first time buyer, and why" I suggest that whatever you purchase, it should be from a place that specializes in McIntosh sales and service unless you are capable of doing whatever work is necessary.

Composed on my Mac Mini...........
Click to expand...

I generally factor in the possibility/likelihood of service costs when considering vintage and used equipment, so yes, anything that might fit into that sub-$5,000 price range after such theoretical costs would be incurred. I know that eliminates several, and probably many McIntosh units, but that would be my current budget if I did decide to dip into the McIntosh waters. Everyone has their price range, and that price limit is mine at this current time.

But the reason why I covered so much territory by inquiring about different receivers, integrateds and pre/power amps is because I am not partial to any specific type. For me, my amplification device is solely determined by system synergy. Not by amplifier type, form factor preference, etc. Several years ago I used to own separates, but I currently do not, only because other integrateds and receivers I discovered over the years produced better synergy in my system, which is why I mentioned such a wide array of gear. I am not partial to one or the other. It's all about whichever one happens to work best with my particular system.

I'd still like to hear your thoughts on different pieces that may (or may not) fit into that budget, though. :)

Cheers.
 
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Eywadude said:
I generally factor in the possibility/likelihood of service costs when considering vintage and used equipment, so yes, anything that might fit into that sub-$5,000 price range after such theoretical costs would be incurred. I know that eliminates several, and probably many McIntosh units, but that would be my current budget if I did decide to dip into the McIntosh waters. Everyone has their price range, and that price limit is mine at this current time.

But the reason why I covered so much territory by inquiring about different receivers, integrateds and pre/power amps is because I am not partial to any specific type. For me, my amplification device is solely determined by system synergy. Not by amplifier type, form factor preference, etc. Several years ago I used to own separates, but I currently do not, only because other integrateds and receivers I discovered over the years produced better synergy in my system, which is why I mentioned such a wide array of gear. I am not partial to one or the other. It's all about whichever one happens to work best with my particular system.

I'd still like to hear your thoughts on different pieces that may (or may not) fit into that budget, though. :)

Cheers.
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Your current/future speakers will dictate to some degree how much power is required, as well as size of listening space.
Program source/sources also define to a great degree what will be the front end or sole McIntosh gear within your budget.
It will help to define these and other parameters to help you narrow down your search within the established $5k budget ceiling.
 
A C-26 pre-amp destined for my grass cottage in the Philippines when I arrive in February. I have Luxman and Adcom power amps for some pretty Sony bookshelf speakers. I've got a set of LEDs on order and might get a wood cabinet later.

Shown on top of my Luxman CL-38uC preamp.

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