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  1. #1
    Forum Regular blackraven's Avatar
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    Question McIntosh Amp question

    I've found a couple of used McIntosh power amps for sale, the 2ch MC162 and the 6ch MC2100. I was wondering if any one has had any experience with these amps. It looks like they have been factory refurbished and are selling for about $1,100 and $1,500 respectively.
    Thanks,
    Larry
    Pass Labs X250 amp, BAT Vk-51se Preamp,
    Thorens TD-145 TT, Bellari phono preamp, Nagaoka MP-200 Cartridge
    Magnepan QR1.6 speakers
    Luxman DA-06 DAC
    Van Alstine Ultra Plus Hybrid Tube DAC
    Dual Martin Logan Original Dynamo Subs
    Parasound A21 amp
    Vintage Luxman T-110 tuner
    Magnepan MMG's, Grant Fidelity DAC-11, Class D CDA254 amp
    Monitor Audio S1 speakers, PSB B6 speakers
    Vintage Technic's Integrated amp
    Music Hall 25.2 CDP
    Adcom GFR 700 AVR
    Cables- Cardas, Silnote, BJC
    Velodyne CHT 8 sub

  2. #2
    Man of the People Forums Moderator bobsticks's Avatar
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    Hey Larry,

    The MC2100 is internally very similar to the 2105 which is not the best reviewed amp in the McIntosh lineup and, as such, is geneologicaly-speaking the quirky uncle of my 7205. Of course, that's the equivalent of being the tenth richest guy in OPEC---still pretty darn well off.

    What I can tell you is this, a few months ago when I was considering chucking it all and joining the SET/Lowther crowd it was the Mac, not the Martin Logans, that kept me in the game. The Mac brought an undeniable refinement over my previous Rotel components (and I'm not a Rotel basher, much to the contrary). It's "house sound" is silky smooth with crystalline definement and a "blackness" in the background, if that makes any sense at all.

    Scanning your equipment list I'm guessing that you're powering the Maggies with the Adcom. If so this will be a difference, although as always what's spectacular to my ears may not be to yours---but I doubt it. I suspect it would also mate well with the analytical nature of the new Cambridge.

    Two additional thoughts: One, if you get it and don't like it you should have no problem with resale. Mac gear holds its value like few others, and two, a trip to the Mac factory is probably a desirable thing and a selling point as these guys rarely skimp and quite possibly there were some sizeable upgrades done.

    Good luck with whatever decision you make and have fun.

  3. #3
    Forum Regular blackraven's Avatar
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    Thanks! It seems like a good deal for the MC162 especially since it has balanced inputs. Its only 160wpc at 4ohms and I was looking for something with more power in case I jump up to the Magnepan 3.6's. But I'm sure ( ? ) the Mac's have plenty in reserve and dynamic headroom. I want to use it for 2 ch only and continue using the Adcom for HT use since I could care less about HT sound as long as I have something that works.
    With the balanced inputs I can really take advantage of the Cambridge 840c and its better sound through its XLR out's. I'll just have to find a decent pre amp with XLR inputs as my Adcom does not have them.
    Pass Labs X250 amp, BAT Vk-51se Preamp,
    Thorens TD-145 TT, Bellari phono preamp, Nagaoka MP-200 Cartridge
    Magnepan QR1.6 speakers
    Luxman DA-06 DAC
    Van Alstine Ultra Plus Hybrid Tube DAC
    Dual Martin Logan Original Dynamo Subs
    Parasound A21 amp
    Vintage Luxman T-110 tuner
    Magnepan MMG's, Grant Fidelity DAC-11, Class D CDA254 amp
    Monitor Audio S1 speakers, PSB B6 speakers
    Vintage Technic's Integrated amp
    Music Hall 25.2 CDP
    Adcom GFR 700 AVR
    Cables- Cardas, Silnote, BJC
    Velodyne CHT 8 sub

  4. #4
    Man of the People Forums Moderator bobsticks's Avatar
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    Strongly consider buying the 2100 and bi-amping...I do and firmly hold that it's part of the magic.

  5. #5
    Forum Regular blackraven's Avatar
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    I was checking out the manual of the mc162 and the spec sheet shows its rated at only 25 amps peak to peak and has only 1.6dB of headroom. Seems a little anemic to me for mangepans but I'm sure it sounds nice. Any advice on whether I should buy it?
    Pass Labs X250 amp, BAT Vk-51se Preamp,
    Thorens TD-145 TT, Bellari phono preamp, Nagaoka MP-200 Cartridge
    Magnepan QR1.6 speakers
    Luxman DA-06 DAC
    Van Alstine Ultra Plus Hybrid Tube DAC
    Dual Martin Logan Original Dynamo Subs
    Parasound A21 amp
    Vintage Luxman T-110 tuner
    Magnepan MMG's, Grant Fidelity DAC-11, Class D CDA254 amp
    Monitor Audio S1 speakers, PSB B6 speakers
    Vintage Technic's Integrated amp
    Music Hall 25.2 CDP
    Adcom GFR 700 AVR
    Cables- Cardas, Silnote, BJC
    Velodyne CHT 8 sub

  6. #6
    Man of the People Forums Moderator bobsticks's Avatar
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    Advice? Yes sir, see post #4...

  7. #7
    I took a headstart... basite's Avatar
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    WAIT A SECOND!!!

    since when is the 2100 a 6 channel amp? it's stereo, it looks like a SS MC275...

    either of them are exellent amps, but the vintage Mcintosh sound (their early SS, like the 2100) may seem a bit dark, the 162 is newer (looks better too, IMHO)...
    both amps wouldn't have any problem at all driving your speakers.

    Keep them spinning,
    Bert.
    Life is music!

    Mcintosh MA6400 Integrated
    Double Advent speakers
    Thiel CS2.3's
    *DIY Lenco L75 TT
    * SME 3012 S2
    * Rega RB-301
    *Denon DL-103 in midas body
    *Denon DL-304
    *Graham slee elevator EXP & revelation
    *Lehmann audio black cube SE
    Marantz CD5001 OSE
    MIT AVt 2 IC's
    Sonic link Black earth IC's
    Siltech MXT New york IC's
    Kimber 4VS speakercable
    Furutech powercord and plugs.

    I'm a happy 20 year old...

  8. #8
    Forum Regular blackraven's Avatar
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    Your right about the 2100, I meant to say 7106 mcintosh. I've looked at several and includind the 2100 but narrowed it down to the 162 and 7106.
    Pass Labs X250 amp, BAT Vk-51se Preamp,
    Thorens TD-145 TT, Bellari phono preamp, Nagaoka MP-200 Cartridge
    Magnepan QR1.6 speakers
    Luxman DA-06 DAC
    Van Alstine Ultra Plus Hybrid Tube DAC
    Dual Martin Logan Original Dynamo Subs
    Parasound A21 amp
    Vintage Luxman T-110 tuner
    Magnepan MMG's, Grant Fidelity DAC-11, Class D CDA254 amp
    Monitor Audio S1 speakers, PSB B6 speakers
    Vintage Technic's Integrated amp
    Music Hall 25.2 CDP
    Adcom GFR 700 AVR
    Cables- Cardas, Silnote, BJC
    Velodyne CHT 8 sub

  9. #9
    Man of the People Forums Moderator bobsticks's Avatar
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    LOL. Okay, we'll try again, buy multi-channel amp, bi-amp big Maggies, live happy

  10. #10
    I took a headstart... basite's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by bobsticks
    LOL. Okay, we'll try again, buy multi-channel amp, bi-amp big Maggies, live happy

    well said

    seconded.
    Life is music!

    Mcintosh MA6400 Integrated
    Double Advent speakers
    Thiel CS2.3's
    *DIY Lenco L75 TT
    * SME 3012 S2
    * Rega RB-301
    *Denon DL-103 in midas body
    *Denon DL-304
    *Graham slee elevator EXP & revelation
    *Lehmann audio black cube SE
    Marantz CD5001 OSE
    MIT AVt 2 IC's
    Sonic link Black earth IC's
    Siltech MXT New york IC's
    Kimber 4VS speakercable
    Furutech powercord and plugs.

    I'm a happy 20 year old...

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