McIntosh advice
drgalexo
Posts: 159
It looks like my choice for an amplifier to power my SDA SRS 2's comes down to the MC7270 at $2900. or it's replacement the MC7300 at $2995. Can anyone comment on these two amps who has been able to make the comparison? I have been listening to the 7270 for a couple of days and it is really a wonderful sounding amplifier but I haven't heard the 7300.
Post edited by drgalexo on
Comments
-
You might want to head over to AudioKarma. There is a McIntosh board over there with a ton of helpful expertise. AK is always my first choice to get my questions answered, or to do research.
-
That's way too much for a 7270, I paid $1200 for one 5-6 years ago. Check out http://www.audioclassics.com/ They have one for $2200 and you know it's been gone through by service techs."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
-
+1 on audio classics. I live near them and can say with confidence that they are top notch. They critique all of their gear, repair it if needed and are completely honest with its condition.
Awesome place to visit if you are ever in the area. -
If you do get a chance to visit Audio Classics, see if you can call ahead and get the tour of Mcintosh Lab's which is very close by. They give you a factory tour and you end up in there HT room. Usually, you can set this up thru Audio Classics. The few extra bucks that you spend at AC is worth the peice of mind that it has been gone thru by confident techs who actually do repairs for the factory.chandler9a wrote: »+1 on audio classics. I live near them and can say with confidence that they are top notch. They critique all of their gear, repair it if needed and are completely honest with its condition.
Awesome place to visit if you are ever in the area.Mcintosh MC-501 mono blocks
Mcintosh C-45
Mcintosh MVP-871
PS AUDIO AV5000
MIT 3.3 Shotgun biwire speaker interface
MIT 3.3 Shotgun XLR interconnects
Polk 2.3TL's Gimpod boards/F-1 modded crossovers/dynamat/JB weld/Larry's rings/Blackhole 5 strips
Polk 3.1 TL's mint/stock (purchased new)
Polk SDA-2's -
Thanks for the advice on audiokarma and audioclassics. Live and learn, I wish I had known about these sites before I had purchased the Denon monoblocks which I have returned. The catch was I had to use the money for purchase at the store, so I know I way overpaid for the MC 7270 but I really like it and the sound is awesome with the SDA SRS 2's. Very musical and detailed etc. I will be looking for a complimentary preamp. that will fit in with the system and the dealer allows 90 day full return if I want to exchange the MC 7270. So for now I will listen and enjoy the wonderful sound until I find the right preamp. and I won't overpay for it. Any suggestions on a preamp. would be appreciated.
-
I think Macs are overrated. I've heard a few of them (tube amps, preamps, and tuners). If I was to get a tube amp at the price they are going for, I'd spend my money on a freshly built NOS Valves VRD. Also from what I have read, and heard, Parasound, Bryston and B&K all sound better to my ears than Macs YMMV.
-
Considering your choices in amps, you like a more detailed sound that Mac offers, no need to bash them.dudeinaroom wrote: »I think Macs are overrated. I've heard a few of them (tube amps, preamps, and tuners). If I was to get a tube amp at the price they are going for, I'd spend my money on a freshly built NOS Valves VRD. Also from what I have read, and heard, Parasound, Bryston and B&K all sound better to my ears than Macs YMMV.
drgalexo, how much are you looking to spend for a pre? Just 2 channel? Does it have to be Mac or any brand?"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 -
Not bashing, Just giving my opinion.
-
I'll be willing to spend a couple thousand dollars for the preamp., I do like the sound of the MC 7270 and will probably end up with a Mac preamp. as well. I'm not really familiar with some of the other amps that Dude talks about (NOS valves) but will listen when the opportunity presents itself. I would be more inclined to think Mac. equipment to be on the expensive side but not sure why overrated. I think it is a well built, great sounding amp. and the preamp. should compliment it. Money really isn't an issue but I know I am reaching the point of diminishing returns, perhaps I just have cheap ears, thank goodness for that.
-
May I suggest audio research tube preamp instead of the McIntosh? I had a few McIntosh amps and a few of the preamps. With the 7270 ( great amp!!!!) $ for $, you can get a audio research LS15, SP 16, ls or sp8, ls2 ( if you get a B its balanced) The AR tube pre's mated wonderfully with the McIntosh amps in my opinion.
THe AR stuff also holds its value for resale as long as you don't overpay to begin with. Example when the sp16 was new it went for 1600 without the phono board and $2100 with the phono board, and used still goes for 1100( without the phono board) to 1500 with the phono board.
The 7270 is a solid amp, built well and I think sounds great!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. -
Thanks ernie, I'll put the audio research preamps on my list. I surely agree with the not overpaying part, I overpaid for the amp. but I still think it sounds great as well. Taking a more patient approach with the preamp.
-
I am a Mac fan but mostly for the amplifiers. IMO, that's what they do best, not to say their other products are bad in any way but there may be a better pre for less money, you just have to do a little research. I wish I could afford a nice Mac amp for my 1C's and it would be paired with my GFP-750, not sure how the combination would be though.
Let us know how the system progresses, the good and the bad... -
......(NOS valves) but will listen when the opportunity presents itself.
There are not a ton of them out there, and used ones go just about as soon as they are listed. The are made here in Michigan. I listen to a pair of them very often.
I guess overrated would be the wrong term, guess I should have said overvalued, they are not bad at all. I just see the price the older units go for, then you have to dump another 400-700 dollars into the for a refresh and for reliability as old components will fail.I would be more inclined to think Mac. equipment to be on the expensive side but not sure why overrated. I think it is a well built, great sounding amp. and the preamp. should compliment it. -
Agree with the pricing Dude, I thiink I paid more than the unit was new, but I have 90 days to evaluate and trade in for something else, but for right now I'm really enjoying the sound.
-
Are you saying that you think those are worth the extra money?Fronts:B&W 804 Diamonds, Center: B&W HTM2 Diamond, Surrounds: PolkAudio LSi F/X (4)
Subwoofer: HSU VTK3-MK3
Electronics: Onkyo TX-NR 3010 receiver, Parasound Halo A31 amp, NAD T975 amp -
I'm not sure what "those" you are asking about SugarmillMan, the Mac or the others?
-
I was wondering if anyone is familiar with the McIntosh C220 preamplifier and how it would match with my MC7270 amplifier. There is one available in my area for the asking price of $2200. Any opinions would be appreciated.
-
Yes, it's a nice sounding tube pre."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
-
dudeinaroom wrote: »I think Macs are overrated. I've heard a few of them (tube amps, preamps, and tuners). If I was to get a tube amp at the price they are going for, I'd spend my money on a freshly built NOS Valves VRD. Also from what I have read, and heard, Parasound, Bryston and B&K all sound better to my ears than Macs YMMV.
I agree with you. McIntosh made a lot of stuff that always won the beauty contest. But for the price, you can do better with other brands.Living room
Speakers: McIntosh XR100 Fronts, LSIM707 Fronts, LSIM 706 Center, LSIM 703 Surrounds, LSi/FX Surround backs.
Player: Oppo 95.
Amps: Bryston 4B SST, B&K Ref 200.7 S2.
Pres: B&K Ref 50 S2, Paraound P5.
Subs: Dual Rythmik F15HP subs.
Man Cave
Speakers: Martin Logan Vistas.
Player: OPPO 105.
Preamp: B&K Ref 50 S2.
Amp: B&K Ref 125.2 S2
Sub: Rythmik F12.
Sub management: SMS-1.
Headphones: HD800, HD380, RS220, SRH-1840. Headphone amp: Woo WA2.
Room treatment: GIK Room Kit #1. -
I don't disagree with the possibility of other options providing for a more economic value, however I do feel that the McIntosh amplifier which I feel that I paid a premium for is far better than anything I have owned before, and is indeed a beautiful piece of equipment. My decision now is wether to get a McIntosh preamp like the C220, or a preamp like the C48/C50 that has a built in DAC which I am told is very high quality. I am currently using a Sony 400 disc player and I either need a separate DAC or the one like in the C 48 etc. I want a matching Preamp/amp for mounting purposes.
-
the c220 is a fantastic preamp! It is also one of the few preamps that have tone controls on it. I know that brings up an entire new debate that I dont want to get into. The 220 is not for everyone though. It is a warmer more lush sound vs sharp and fast. It depends on what you are looking to do with your speakers. If your looking to warm it up, make it lush, and keep it mac, the 220 is a good choice. Takes to tube rolling well also. If you want more speed, sharper highs and mid, this is not the pre for you.
Again, I find for my taste a nice warm mcintosh amp paired up with a faster sharper preamp makes a nice sounding set. if you had a fast sharper sounding amp, i would say reverse it and make the pre warm and lush. Unless you think your speakers are bright or prefer a lush sound, then this would be a good choice.
I hope this helps?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. -
I forgot to add what sony 400 changer are you using? If it is one of the ES, or one that does sacd, the internal dac and sound are way better then people think!!!
Remember to keep enough room for airflow especially with tubes in the pre!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. -
That's interesting erniejade, the changer is a Sony DVP-CX985-V, a dvd/cd/sacd/video cd player. I think the MC7270 amp is very warm and lush sounding compared with the Denon POA6600 monoblocks I had and I do like the sound. However, for the preamp the DAC is one of the factors I am considering. I still haven't had a chance to listen to an audio research preamp. yet either. I thought the C48 or C50 would be more like that sound and supposedly has a great DAC. I too find it interesting that the Macs have added the tone controls to their preamps, the one in the C50 has eight bands, I don't really use them anyway but know there may be times when one would like them. Although I do like the warm lush sound, I wasn't sure the preamp would have as profound an effect on the sound as the amplifier so this might be a good way to balance out the system. Yes your replies do help, I'm just trying to better my system.
