Which is better Mac 2100 or Heathkit AA-1600

[4-2-7]

Both amps would indeed serve you well. Although the 2100 is a fine amp, you are also paying a huge premium for the name as well. Mac components always fetch higher premiums than similiarly performing components, including the Macs from an era when they were sold at Radio Shack.

Since you are considering both the Mac and the Heathkit, it would seem that your primary concern is centered soley around sound quality and a direct comparison by yourself would ensure you make the correct choice.

I always find these comments funny. The name the name. Please tell me what gave McIntosh the Name?

 

[jeremyjustic]

I have the metered version of the mc2100, the mc2105 and love them. great sounding amplifier.

So you are trading the amplifier with a buddy? can you listen to the heathkit before you finalize the deal? let us know what you think!

 

[4-2-7]

No offense to anybody but I am getting frustrated with recommendations of one brand over another when the poster hasn't heard both. Evident here but not nearly to the extent I've witnessed lately around these parts.

What has been answered here is why the Mac is more "popular" and fetches WAY more money ........people are willing to give it the edge not having heard both......
Go listen to both and make your choice ........... I know people who love and recommend a certain brand of "popular" vintage speaker ...... I don't .....thank goodness I used my ears and made the choice I did .....ymmv

Anybody heard of "expectation bias" ? The older I get the more I think it's the root of our hobby.

I understand your thought but thats not likely to get much of a response to the question. With that premise we have a tread with one response maybe, hardly helpful to anyone.

 

[Rob41]

I always find these comments funny. The name the name. Please tell me what gave McIntosh the Name?

What exactly do you find funny? To be blunt, it's a pretty basic and universal concept in consumer marketing that even most consumers are aware of. Is it your assertion that there is a 0% premium attached to the Brand?

 

[Rob41]

Woops, posted same post twice.

 

[Rob41]

I am in the process of trading my Mac for the Heathkit amp AA-1600, AP-1800 preamp and the AJ-1600 tuner. This is what I'm getting at so actually is this a good deal.

BTW thanks for the replies it's helpful.View attachment 490831
LaFrenchy

Based on my experience with both of those amps as well as the rest of the gear you list, I believe it is a very good deal and you will be quite pleased with your choice. :yes:

I'll mention it one more time. If you can, audition both of them with your own ears so you will be assured of making the best decision.

For me the choice was very clear as you may gather from my sig. If you ever decide you no longer like any of the Heathkit gear for any reason, please PM me. :thmbsp:

 

[KentTeffeteller]

I have not only heard that combo of Heathkits at length when new, I have built two complete sets of this combo. For other people who didn't have the time to build them. Both sets are also still in use. And their owners have been happy with them.

 

[62caddy]

What exactly do you find funny? To be blunt, it's a pretty basic and universal concept in consumer marketing that even most consumers are aware of. Is it your assertion that there is a 0% premium attached to the Brand?

Many once-proud names have fallen from grace.

Name in itself is meaningless unless backed by substance.

 

[TebbieBear]

What exactly do you find funny? To be blunt, it's a pretty basic and universal concept in consumer marketing that even most consumers are aware of. Is it your assertion that there is a 0% premium attached to the Brand?

His assertion is Mcintosh got "the name" from building premium products that sounded better than most if not all of their competitors. You seem to be asserting that "the name" was pulled from the aether and has 0% to do with the actual performance of the product it is attached to. The Mac 2100 is a well tested, well known product that has a near legendary reputation. In fact this is one of the many products over the years that BUILT "the name".

 

[sheltie dave]

I would be careful at setting the mc2100 sound quality to be near legendary. Like all audio companies that have lasted six decades, Mcintosh has had more than its fair share of stellar products. It also has had its share of clunkers. The smart gear head can figure out the winners, the above average, and the losers. There are some examples of above average Mac products that command superlative prices, an appreciated trait if you go to sell.

 

[reggaenaut]

His assertion is Mcintosh got "the name" from building premium products that sounded better than most if not all of their competitors. You seem to be asserting that "the name" was pulled from the aether and has 0% to do with the actual performance of the product it is attached to. The Mac 2100 is a well tested, well known product that has a near legendary reputation. In fact this is one of the many products over the years that BUILT "the name".

True!

However not every instance translated to be the better sounding product.

 

[jeremyjustic]

I'm starting to feel like if you don't advocate the cheapest possible solution around here you are met with a roving gang of internet psychologist ready to explain why you are just a gullible idiot.

As I said in my last post the only way to know for sure is to listen to them both but the fact that the current owner of the Heathkit is willing to trade his entire system for 1 amplifier is a good indication of what he thinks is the better piece of gear.....unless of course he is a gullible idiot who has fallen for the marketing trap!

 

[sheltie dave]

Jeremy, I have a pair of mc30s and mc40s, the leach 4.5, and have sold all four of my mc2100s. I know I am cheap, but I hope you don't think I am a gullible fool as well.

 

[jeremyjustic]

Jeremy, I have a pair of mc30s and mc40s, the leach 4.5, and have sold all four of my mc2100s. I know I am cheap, but I hope you don't think I am a gullible fool as well.

you've clearly fallen for the marketing!

watch out!

 

[62caddy]

Jeremy, I have a pair of mc30s and mc40s, the leach 4.5, and have sold all four of my mc2100s. I know I am cheap, but I hope you don't think I am a gullible fool as well.

Only if you swap your MC 30s & 40s for...******...then we might have to do an intervention on you Dave.

 

[LaFrenchy 2]

I am in the process of trading my Mac for the Heathkit amp AA-1600, AP-1800 preamp and the AJ-1600 tuner. This is what I'm getting at so actually is this a good deal.

BTW thanks for the replies it's helpful.View attachment 490831
LaFrenchy

The guy backed out he wanted more equipment. Lmfao
Thank you guys for the response I am keeping my beautiful Mcintosh.
What was I thinking!!!

 

[Pio1980]

Hard to say which one would 'listen better' in your situation tho' the Mac has that classic Mac eye appeal.

 

[boxoboom]

Well I can weigh in hear a bit late. The Heath stuff he was going to trade for is highly sought after also. In talking to a retired Heath engineer many moons ago he said, that when they designed a good piece of audio gear that it was held up to Mac's as they were considered the best in the business. As he said sometimes we beat them and sometimes they beat us. But Mac was the gold standard. I happen to have all of there High end stuff as I fell in love with Heathkit. But still you could not give me a mac in trade of my heath stuff. Not that it isn't good enough there is just way to much sentimental attachment to my Heath gear. I do have some MAC stuff which is nice, but like so many others as it gets old it develops problems and those are hard to fix sometimes with old gear.

Steve

 

[Pio1980]

Just for interest, where does the Dynaco solid state stuff fit in here?

 

[barkerd]

" if you don't advocate the cheapest possible solution around here"

Not true : There are enough people in the know and have enough experience to call "bullsh*t" when claims are made based on name and $$ alone. I'm not suggesting Mac's aren't good ....... I'm identifying the fact that many have given it the upper hand against the Heathkit WITHOUT EVER HAVING HEARD THE HEATHKIT ..... sorry : I call "bullsh*t" on that claim.