Mcintosh MC2300 vs Parasound HCA 2200

James Zep
James Zep Posts: 19
edited October 2012 in Electronics
Hi everyone,

As always I end up with a tough decision between two amplifiers. As usual one is a great vintage piece while the other, more modern, should be hence great too even if it doesn?t have such a reputation.

Please help me! Price is not my concern for now and they?re both supposed to be working ok.

The two contenders are: Mcintosh MC2300 (300 wpc in 8ohms) vs Parasound HCA 2200ii (250 wpc in 8 ohms).

How can this Mc with so old components stands versus a quite newer HCA 2200 by Parasound, which is by the way also a great brand imho.

Thank you
Post edited by James Zep on
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Comments

  • erniejade
    erniejade Posts: 6,321
    edited October 2012
    I love mcintosh gear but, in th is case, I would choose the parasound. If your talking resale in 10 years, the McIntosh. Sound, the Parasound. The Parasound is more refined sounding vs that particualr McIntosh.
    Klipsch The Nines, Audioquest Thunderbird Interconnect, Innuos Zen MK3 W4S recovery, Revolution Audio Labs USB & Ethernet, Border Patrol SE-I, Audioquest Niagara 5000 & Thunder, Cullen Crossover II PC's.
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  • zingo
    zingo Posts: 11,258
    edited October 2012
    That is a crazy awesome looking Mc amp. but I wouldn't choose it for the fans alone. I think the Parasound would have better SQ. What speakers will you be powering?
    Jake
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  • James Zep
    James Zep Posts: 19
    edited October 2012
    Hi again,

    I have different speakers but my future new amp will go to my main system, which is composed by a pair of JBL 4430.

    I'll appreciate your advices.
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  • erniejade
    erniejade Posts: 6,321
    edited October 2012
    the 4430 is a good rock speaker.
    Klipsch The Nines, Audioquest Thunderbird Interconnect, Innuos Zen MK3 W4S recovery, Revolution Audio Labs USB & Ethernet, Border Patrol SE-I, Audioquest Niagara 5000 & Thunder, Cullen Crossover II PC's.
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  • zingo
    zingo Posts: 11,258
    edited October 2012
    James Zep wrote: »
    ...which is composed by a pair of JBL 4430...

    The Dolly Parton speakers :lol: The wrong amplification on those will probably sound pretty bad, and I don't think either of the above amps would be a good match. Have you considered tubes or a class A SS amp?
    Jake
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  • Clipdat
    Clipdat Posts: 12,937
    edited October 2012
    erniejade wrote: »
    the 4430 is a good rock speaker.

    As is the 4333a... I have heard them absolutely SCREAM, with even more room to go. Absolutely dangerous speaker.
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  • James Zep
    James Zep Posts: 19
    edited October 2012
    Yes I did, but actually I listen to music quite loud so tube gear is not an option, and class A is too expensive for. Considering I?m not in the States, anything is more expensive?

    Anyway my preamp is Krell KRC3 and I?m aware it is a bit bright and really forward when I use a KAV 250. So my idea is to buy an amp that can give a warm touch. Both HCA 2200ii and MC2300 might be ok for that. Plus, these are the choice I?ve got around here.

    I understand the MC2300 is a GREAT amp from any point of view but the 2200 might be a bit faster and cleaner because more recent. I know both will drive my 4430 and the other speakers I have.
    Actually I would go for the Parasound, but the fact is that you don?t come across a MC2300 everyday. So I that?s whyI?m asking you guys.
    It seems that many people believed an old MC2300 is really better than a good recent amp from a middle brand like Parasound. Well I don?t know and, like for clothes, I try to not get appealed by the brand name displayed on it?
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  • drgalexo
    drgalexo Posts: 159
    edited October 2012
    I'm looking at MC 7270 to use with my SDA SRS 2 speakers and I will be testing that system soon. I think they will be a good match and will look for a compatible preamp from McInotsh. I wouldn't mind the 300 watt amp either.
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  • erniejade
    erniejade Posts: 6,321
    edited October 2012
    The Mc7270 us a darn good sounding amp! I know it sounds crazy but i would take the 7270 over the 2300. Isnt the 2300 what the dead used to use in the wall of sound for live audio?
    Klipsch The Nines, Audioquest Thunderbird Interconnect, Innuos Zen MK3 W4S recovery, Revolution Audio Labs USB & Ethernet, Border Patrol SE-I, Audioquest Niagara 5000 & Thunder, Cullen Crossover II PC's.
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited October 2012
    I agree, the 7270 is a better amp. Plus it's common for them to actually have closer to 330wpc than 270.
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • drgalexo
    drgalexo Posts: 159
    edited October 2012
    The local stereo shop owner has a 7270 as his own amp. and has one available for sale and is willing to let me test it for a weekend. How sweet is that? He also feels the same about the two amps. I really am not fimiliar with the JBL 4430's you have James so maybe the Parasound would be a better match for you, but I don't think you could go too far wrong with the McIntosh, and you would always have an amp. you could sell easily if you don't like Ernie said.
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  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited October 2012
    James Zep wrote: »
    Yes I did, but actually I listen to music quite loud so tube gear is not an option, and class A is too expensive for. Considering I?m not in the States, anything is more expensive?

    Anyway my preamp is Krell KRC3 and I?m aware it is a bit bright and really forward when I use a KAV 250. So my idea is to buy an amp that can give a warm touch. Both HCA 2200ii and MC2300 might be ok for that. Plus, these are the choice I?ve got around here.

    I understand the MC2300 is a GREAT amp from any point of view but the 2200 might be a bit faster and cleaner because more recent. I know both will drive my 4430 and the other speakers I have.
    Actually I would go for the Parasound, but the fact is that you don?t come across a MC2300 everyday. So I that?s whyI?m asking you guys.
    It seems that many people believed an old MC2300 is really better than a good recent amp from a middle brand like Parasound. Well I don?t know and, like for clothes, I try to not get appealed by the brand name displayed on it?

    You pretty much answered all of your own questions, Get the newer Parasound and enjoy your system. Welcome to Club Polk.
    Marantz AV-7705 PrePro, Classé 5 channel 200wpc Amp, Oppo 103 BluRay, Rotel RCD-1072 CDP, Sony XBR-49X800E TV, Polk S60 Main Speakers, Polk ES30 Center Channel, Polk S15 Surround Speakers SVS SB12-NSD x2
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited October 2012
    Name aside, if you want a warmer tone, go with Mac. For a more detailed sound, go with the Parasound.
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • gigbyt
    gigbyt Posts: 145
    edited October 2012
    My Mc2500 stomps all over my parasound 1200mk ll. sounds better too. not even close.
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  • leftwinger57
    leftwinger57 Posts: 2,917
    edited October 2012
    The 2300 was the amp Jerry Garcia used to power his rig and the w/ the Dead's WOS many were used.w/ the 2 fans running it might get a bit loud for a house amp not mention I think there 150 lbs.Me I do love those blue meters and would love a 2105 at 105 a side.
    2chl- Adcom GFA- 555-Onkyo P-3150v pre/amp- JVC-QL-A200 tt- Denon 1940 ci cdp- Adcom GFS-6 -Modded '87 SDA 2Bs - Dynamat Ext.- BH-5- X-Overs VR-3, RDO-194 tweeters, Larry's Rings, Speakon/Neutrik I/C- Cherry stain tops Advent Maestros,Ohm model E

    H/T- Toshiba au40" flat- Yamaha RX- V665 avr- YSD-11 Dock- I-Pod- Klipsch #400HD Speaker set-

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  • James Zep
    James Zep Posts: 19
    edited October 2012
    Hi,
    Thaks for all your reply.
    I have one more question about a Parasound HCA 2200ii. Is this amp internally prepared to switch for a 220 volts AC line? I mean, is it easy to do, is it possible, or I should better buy an external transformer?

    Thank you.
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  • drgalexo
    drgalexo Posts: 159
    edited October 2012
    I've been listening to the MC7270 for several days now and comparing it to the Denon mono's POA6600. Both do sound great with SDA SRS 2's in stereo with no interconnect cable. The 7270 is in general a smoother sound, very rich and nice overall sound. The main purpose however was to be able to use the interconnect cable for the SDA effect which I can only do with the Mac. Very lovely sound all things considered with the 7270 but all comes with a hefty price tag. Still have more work to do yet.
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  • chumlie
    chumlie Posts: 8,658
    edited October 2012
    James Zep wrote: »
    Hi,
    Thaks for all your reply.
    I have one more question about a Parasound HCA 2200ii. Is this amp internally prepared to switch for a 220 volts AC line? I mean, is it easy to do, is it possible, or I should better buy an external transformer?

    Thank you.

    service@parasound.com I'm sure would answer that.
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  • James Zep
    James Zep Posts: 19
    edited October 2012
    I'll give it a try.
    Thanks
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  • drgalexo
    drgalexo Posts: 159
    edited October 2012
    Sounds like you went with the Parasound, what type of preamplifier are you using?
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