McIntosh MC40 tube monoblocks with SDA's??
nspindel
Posts: 5,343
Friend of a friend is looking to let go of a pair of MC40's, he's original owner. Purchased in 1965, all original tubes. Supposedly they are mint, not a scratch or a dent on them.
Right now I'm using a Krell KAV-2250 solid state with my 4.1TL's, with a Dared MC-7P tube pre.
He lives fairly close by and I may have the opportunity to even audition them before buying.
Just wondering if anyone has run Mac tube mono's with SDA's and what the thoughts are?
Yes, I have a Dreadnaught!
Anyone care to speculate on what a good deal would be for the pair?
Right now I'm using a Krell KAV-2250 solid state with my 4.1TL's, with a Dared MC-7P tube pre.
He lives fairly close by and I may have the opportunity to even audition them before buying.
Just wondering if anyone has run Mac tube mono's with SDA's and what the thoughts are?
Yes, I have a Dreadnaught!
Anyone care to speculate on what a good deal would be for the pair?
Good music, a good source, and good power can make SDA's sing. Tubes make them dance.
Post edited by nspindel on
Comments
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McIntosh sells for a lot of money and in the case of the MC40's, I could see them selling for a couple thousand or more for the pair. I would venture to guess that they need new caps, etc. which will add to the cost. I would be leery about running the amps with the original caps...the sound won't be optimal and I would worry that something could go wrong and possibly ruin your speakers.SDA SRS 2.3TL's
Silk Audio MS-90-BT integrated tube amp
Yaqin MS-20L integrated tube amp
SDA 2B TL's -
I agree with everything Michael stated...plus, Krell vs. vintage Mac, two entirely different house sounds. It's like going from one extreme to the other."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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Not expecting them to sound like the Krell. Just wondering if people have tried these amps and have been pleased? Certainly I'd want to do a try before I buy type of arrangement, so if I don't like the sound I wouldn't be out anything other than time and effort. But if anyone's already made an attempt at running something similar and the results were horrible, may as well not bother.Good music, a good source, and good power can make SDA's sing. Tubes make them dance.
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Just because someone else likes a similar arrangement, doesn't mean you will. It depends on your room, associated gear, and also personal preference.
They will definitely sound softer, less dynamic, and the bass will be more rounded(less defined). But, they'll also be more laid back and have what some refer to as a "romantic" sound to them. If you find your SDA's sound thin and forward with Krell, Mac will be your answer.
I can stress enough about having them recapped by Audioclassics first. Otherwise you'll have a time bomb on your hands."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 -
The guy who's selling them says that they sound beautiful, so I'm sure I ought to at least get a good enough impression if I can lay hands on them for an audition.
I'd prefer not to have to deal with shipping them to Binghamton. I've used a shop in Suffolk County before to recap an NAD amp, he says on his site that he does a recap package for the Mac MC-40. If I decide to do it I'll probably let him do the work, and avoid shipping the amps.Good music, a good source, and good power can make SDA's sing. Tubes make them dance. -
Depending on the price he is asking you can't go wrong. Those amps are from the "better days" of Mac. You will not get the power to drive most speakers very hard. But what the do produce will supply you with a very "mellow" sound.
And later, if you decide that you don't want to keep them you will have absolutely no problem selling. They are highly collectible by Macintosh nuts. -
Having them recapped at Audioclassics would be better for resale. It's not that far of a ride, is very scenic, and the guys there are great to hang out with.The guy who's selling them says that they sound beautiful, so I'm sure I ought to at least get a good enough impression if I can lay hands on them for an audition.
I'd prefer not to have to deal with shipping them to Binghamton. I've used a shop in Suffolk County before to recap an NAD amp, he says on his site that he does a recap package for the Mac MC-40. If I decide to do it I'll probably let him do the work, and avoid shipping the amps."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 -
Ah, you're right. Why did I think Binghamton was like 8 hours away?!? Ok, one step at a time, first I want to find out what the guy wants for them and if he's willing to loan them to me to audition. I'm certainly not in a rush to do this, not like I was even remotely considering new power, when I've got the Krell amp. But the opportunity presented itself to me today and I'm intrigued....Good music, a good source, and good power can make SDA's sing. Tubes make them dance.
