Mcintosh MA 5100

[Bigmoney]

Hey guys, as of late I have gained interest in the idea of vintage equipment, particularly amps and speakers. A vintage integrated that has gained my interest is the mcintosh 5100, which I believe to be there first manufactured integrated amp. It is only 45 watts a channel but still a mac and isnt cheap either. I wonder how this integrated which debuted in the late 60's competes against the amps of today. Can anyone comment, or compare its performance to other low power integrateds of today such as the naim nait5i and the audio refinement complete?

[Feanor]

Hey guys, as of late I have gained interest in the idea of vintage equipment, particularly amps and speakers. A vintage integrated that has gained my interest is the mcintosh 5100, which I believe to be there first manufactured integrated amp. It is only 45 watts a channel but still a mac and isnt cheap either. I wonder how this integrated which debuted in the late 60's competes against the amps of today. Can anyone comment, or compare its performance to other low power integrateds of today such as the naim nait5i and the audio refinement complete?

Their first integrated was the MA230 (http://www.roger-russell.com/amppre.htm#ma230) which immediately preceded the 5100.

I won't comment from experience on performance, but I would guess that the best of modern amps, e.g. Naim NAIT 5i will outperform these old Macs. But are these old Macs good value? Well, at least they retain their resale value.

[basite]

the 5100 was a good amp back then. Yes, there are new amps that will definately outperform it (like the NAIT 5i, well, if you like the Naim sound...), but the 5100 can be 'upgraded' to today's standards, with a recap and such...
it costs money, but it's definately worth it IMHO...

early mcintosh did have a very tube like sound...

Keep them spinning,
Bert.

[Ajani]

Hey guys, as of late I have gained interest in the idea of vintage equipment, particularly amps and speakers. A vintage integrated that has gained my interest is the mcintosh 5100, which I believe to be there first manufactured integrated amp. It is only 45 watts a channel but still a mac and isnt cheap either. I wonder how this integrated which debuted in the late 60's competes against the amps of today. Can anyone comment, or compare its performance to other low power integrateds of today such as the naim nait5i and the audio refinement complete?

Are you unhappy with your Audio Refinement Complete? Constantly changing gears can be very expensive and may not give you the results you're looking for...

Anyway, good luck with your search...

[Bigmoney]

Sorry if it came across as though I am switching my gear. I fully intend to keep the ARC. I love it! I am just asking a question that has come to mind. If anyone is interested in the ARC I will strongly reccomend it.