What would you do?

[dj_AmTraX]

I did some comparison and really liked the sound of my tube Cary stack vs. solid state McIntosh stack. I used the same speakers, CDP, and cables. This leads me to upgrade my MC352 to a tube McIntosh amp. Here is my problem.

1. Take the plunge and get a MC2000 ( I really like the look and because it's a collector's item). - get it and the end is here.
2. Get a used MC2102 (save the up front money and when the upgrade bug bits, get another to run bridge). - will I regret?
3. Get a used MC275MK? - the newest version ( also a piece of history - save the up front money and when the upgrade bug bits, get another to run bridge).

The MC275 is the least expensive option.

For those who have these amps, your opinion is greatly appreciated.

 

[Big Mac]

Well, I really love my 275V...

I have not heard the others, but to me, I like to keep things as simple as possible....and the 275V is and will be a classic.

 

[Little Nellie]

I don't think you can go wrong with any of the three choices. They are all good amps. If I have the $$ to spend, I will latch on as many MC2000 as I can since that will only go up in price.

LN

 

[Victor]

I did some comparison and really liked the sound of my tube Cary stack vs. solid state McIntosh stack. I used the same speakers, CDP, and cables. This leads me to upgrade my MC352 to a tube McIntosh amp.

I think McIntosh tube and solid state equipment has a similar sound, so if you like the sound of your Cary amp why not just use your Cary amp?

I have compared McIntosh to Cary and I liked them both. I would say McIntosh in general is more neutral and Cary in general emphasizes the midrange.

Of course McIntosh tube and solid state equipment has its differences and a McIntosh tube amp may be your perfect amp. But in my listening experiences there is much more difference between McIntosh tube amps and Cary tube amps than between McIntosh tube amps and McIntosh solid state amps. So I highly recommend doing a home demo on McIntosh tube amps before buying.

All that being said, if you want to spend on the lower side a new MC275 would be my choice. And if you really want to go all out I would recommend waiting and getting the 300 watt tube monoblocks that are rummered to be coming. :yes:

Victor

 

[dj_AmTraX]

I agree that in home audition is the way to go. I don't want to waste the store and sales person's time becasue I know what the dealer cost of those units are, I will not be able to sleep if I paid the cost of new. Used market is me.

 

[Caspyr]

I was going through exactly the same dilema this summer.

I decided on NIB MC2000.

I only have two complaints.

#1 - It's so pretty that I am constantly cleaning and polishing it

#2 - The tubes are too close together to be constantly cleaning and polishing it

OK, 3 complaints.

#3 - It made me buy all new components to go with it...

 

[dj_AmTraX]

What is a good price for a MINT used MC2000 now?

 

[LIONKING]

I don't think you can go wrong with any of the three choices. They are all good amps. If I have the $$ to spend, I will latch on as many MC2000 as I can since that will only go up in price.

LN

Just curious --- what is going to happen in the future to make the Mc2000 more desirable? From all I can tell you can buy a NIB unit for the same as the 2000 price and wont the new mono tube amps lower the value of the MC2000. If the MC2000 is such a collectors item wouldn't it sell for more than its original list price?

My advice would be dont confuse buying hifi with making smart moves in the collectibles market, buy the MC275 and buy a real collectible with the amount you save.

 

[exracer]

Just curious --- what is going to happen in the future to make the Mc2000 more desirable? From all I can tell you can buy a NIB unit for the same as the 2000 price and wont the new mono tube amps lower the value of the MC2000. If the MC2000 is such a collectors item wouldn't it sell for more than its original list price?

My advice would be dont confuse buying hifi with making smart moves in the collectibles market, buy the MC275 and buy a real collectible with the amount you save.

You are such a realist. What about the psychology involved here? he obviously wants the MC2000 and is looking to be convinced.some constructive arm twisting...

It will be priceless! buy it! :thmbsp: I dont blame you; it is the most gorgeous amp.

 

[Grainger49]

Please read the signature:

 

[tjnif]

Well I intially bought 1 MC2102 and an MC2200 preamp, using a VPI Scout, phd sutherland phono Modded Klipsch Belle's. I was not "thrilled" with the sound......So, I bought another 2102 and ran them in Mono This sounded incredible! What a diffence it made whether in low volume or high. I'm not sure how 2 2102's comare to an MC2000,but you defietly need 2 2102s IMHO. Ryan at audioclassics heard my system and was impressed as well,. He also heard a pair of MC2000 in mono and told me it was the one of the best he heard, So their must be some magic lurking in those tube amps in mono!!nds he heard

 

[howiebrou]

1. Take the plunge and get a MC2000 ( I really like the look and because it's a collector's item). - get it and the end is here.
2. Get a used MC2102 (save the up front money and when the upgrade bug bits, get another to run bridge). - will I regret?
3. Get a used MC275MK? - the newest version ( also a piece of history - save the up front money and when the upgrade bug bits, get another to run bridge).

I auditioned all of the above and I would choose the MC2000 again if I had to do it all over again. Apart from the sound the pride of ownership, beautiful looks really did it for me :yes:

The only variation might be to get two used MC2000 instead of one NOS one. :scratch2:

howie

 

[panhead]

Just curious --- what is going to happen in the future to make the Mc2000 more desirable? From all I can tell you can buy a NIB unit for the same as the 2000 price and wont the new mono tube amps lower the value of the MC2000. If the MC2000 is such a collectors item wouldn't it sell for more than its original list price?

My advice would be dont confuse buying hifi with making smart moves in the collectibles market, buy the MC275 and buy a real collectible with the amount you save.

Great advise,in most cases the Mc2000 is never going to increase in value unless the buyer walked away with one for $5k,the only real collectable Mcintosh gear is from days long gone.

 

[panhead]

For those who have these amps, your opinion is greatly appreciated.

Here is my take on the amps you mentioned.

I own a vintage Mc275 as well as a Mc2102,i also spent about a month with the modern Mc275 in my wife's system before deciding on a Mc2102 & selling the modern day Mc275,the speakers in this system are Klipsch Heresy 2's.

In this system the differences between the 2 models of Mc275 were easily noticable,the modern version was a way better amp all around,better/stronger bass control,cleaner highs & less break up or clipping when driving the amp very hard,at very low volumes the differences are not that noticable but when pushed it was easy for me to tell,keep in mind that my vintage gear is very well kept & maintained too.

I compared the modern Mc275 against the Mc2102 in the same system for about a week,there were differences but not as large as between the modern & vintage Mc275's,the biggest difference between the Mc2102 & Mc275 was again in bass control,the extra 25 watts made a big difference even at lower volumes,the Mc2102 also clips more gracefully over the Mc275 but i attested that trait to the extra wattage.

In my opinion the Mc2102 is a much better value over the Mc275 to buy on the used market,there is not that much price difference between the 2 models when buying used & the extra performance & beauty of the Mc2102 make up for the price difference.

My brief experience's with the Mc2000.

Before deciding on a pair of Mc1201's i was seriously thinking about the Mc2000 , luckily my friend has one & constantly raved about its performance,i spent some time listening to it in his system & really liked the amp but being that it wasnt my system it was hard to decide.

We ended up taking my Mc2102 over to his house & spending a day comparing the 2 amps,we switched back & forth between the 2 amps with every genre of music we had on hand at every volume level,all througout this comparison neither of us noticed any large differences that stood out & grabbed us by the short hairs,i walked away knowing that for me any differences were very small & not worth the added cost involved.

Of the 3 amps you mentioned the best value in my mind,was the Mc2102 by long shot.

Also,as allready pointed out,as an investment the Mc2000 is not a great move,its come down in price drasticly & continues to fall ,plus its performance over other like model/wattage Mac tube amps is not enough to justify the massive difference in price,as a collectable peice it will be several decades before any return on a Mc2000 can be realized & thats if you bought very very cheaply to begin with.

 

[dj_AmTraX]

You are such a realist. What about the psychology involved here? he obviously wants the MC2000 and is looking to be convinced.some constructive arm twisting...

It will be priceless! buy it! :thmbsp: I dont blame you; it is the most gorgeous amp.

I think you hit the mark. :thmbsp::thmbsp:

I worked out a deal today for a MINT used MC2000 shipped. I don't think I should post the price because it is from a well known vendor. I think it is a fair price and may not change my mind for a few years. Your thoughts?

 

[tjnif]

Honestly, I think you made the right choice. An MC 2000 will be worth way more than an MC2102. And if there is 1 modern amp made in the world today that will appreciate it is "that" amp! Time will of course be the ultimate judge, but Sydney Cordeman (is that how his name is spelled)? is not gonna be duplicated. It was made one time and thats it! I also own one (never even opened it up,still in the box) andI will eventually buy another because i believe in its potential and of course (to me anyway) is the most beautiful amp ever made,and will stand the test of time . Ryan and I have the same taste in music, so if he says it was one of the best he heard.....well, I'm sold!:thmbsp:

 

[dj_AmTraX]

May I ask why you would keep it sealed in the box? Can't enjoy the sound or good looks in the box. Do you plan to sell it in the future and hope to make a profit?
I think most who has the money to buy this and not open it, propably do not need the money from the profits, if any.

 

[tjnif]

May I ask why you would keep it sealed in the box? Can't enjoy the sound or good looks in the box. Do you plan to sell it in the future and hope to make a profit?
I think most who has the money to buy this and not open it, propably do not need the money from the profits, if any.

I bought it for another system... (building a new house next year) So no use unpacking it just to look at it. Of course it would be nice to make a profit on things that are a hobby! I also collect vintage guitars and vintage Marshall amps and NEVER lost money....one of the best investments their are! I will most likely (Ok,definetly) buy another one in the not so distant future. They may not appreciate as some surmise, but, I don't think you will get to beat up as there will always be a desire ......my02,,,,,

 

[Little Nellie]

Just curious --- what is going to happen in the future to make the Mc2000 more desirable? From all I can tell you can buy a NIB unit for the same as the 2000 price and wont the new mono tube amps lower the value of the MC2000. If the MC2000 is such a collectors item wouldn't it sell for more than its original list price?

My advice would be dont confuse buying hifi with making smart moves in the collectibles market, buy the MC275 and buy a real collectible with the amount you save.

MC2000 is a limited Edition amp and has collector value and as I recall, no longer in production. If I can looking into the future on what something will worth, I will be very rich. There are collectors out there has deep pocket is willing to "stock up", some for the fun of having and some for taking a chance on making $$ in the future.

Buying anything that is no longer made at a high price is always a gamble. Buy a current production product is almost a immediate reduction in value. Take a look at what people are asking for at AG for current production unit to get an idea where you want to be.

LN