Ok, I'm an idiot!

sucks2beme
sucks2beme Posts: 5,625
edited December 2008 in Electronics
I may have a chance to swap my ARC VT-60 tube amp for a
a McIntosh Mc-2105. Tubes for classic sand. Big blue glass with
those meters! 105 WPC vs. 50 WPC. I have spent time in front
of the MC-275, but the newer McIntosh sand amps don't do it for me.
My current 16 ohm speakers tend to bog down SS. I'm thinking the
transformer output matching would help that. And the extra power
couldn't hurt. Please push me in a safe direction. If you haven't
listened to classic Mac or ARC, please don't post wild guesses.
I'm looking for input from the Polk gurus.
"The legitimate powers of government extend to such acts only as are injurious to others. But it does me no injury for my neighbour to say there are twenty gods, or no god. It neither picks my pocket nor breaks my leg." --Thomas Jefferson
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  • Ricardo
    Ricardo Posts: 10,636
    edited December 2008
    Can you demo it before deciding? I would not do it if I couldn't. Why change something that's right?
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  • sucks2beme
    sucks2beme Posts: 5,625
    edited December 2008
    Ricardo wrote: »
    Can you demo it before deciding? I would not do it if I couldn't. Why change something that's right?

    We both would give the other rig a test run. I don't think I'll be able to
    do an extended listen. That's the risky part.
    "The legitimate powers of government extend to such acts only as are injurious to others. But it does me no injury for my neighbour to say there are twenty gods, or no god. It neither picks my pocket nor breaks my leg." --Thomas Jefferson
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited December 2008
    I have no idea which one you'll like better, but can tell you that the 2105 sounds very smooth, warm, and almost tube like. It doesn't have the same detail or bass control as newer Mac's, but still is pretty desirable and considered a classic by many.

    FYI, the 250, 2100, 2505, and 2105 all sound pretty much the same, just different chassis and power ratings.
    "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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  • mhardy6647
    mhardy6647 Posts: 34,270
    edited December 2008
    I have an MC-2100 (same amplifier sans meters) and it is not a great sounding piece of equipment; autoformers notwithstanding. Probably OK on relatively inefficient speakers; it was awful on Cornwalls (with which it came as a bundle, along with a C-28 preamp).

    The MC-2100 I have is utterly unrestored, and it's pretty well documented that these amps age less than gracefully. A complete overhaul might well make it more competitive... but, were I you, I'd save my shekels and invest in an MC-225 or a pair of MC-30s or something like that.

    YMMV.
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited December 2008
    mhardy6647 wrote: »
    I have an MC-2100 (same amplifier sans meters) and it is not a great sounding piece of equipment; autoformers notwithstanding. Probably OK on relatively inefficient speakers; it was awful on Cornwalls.
    I had the opposite experience. My 2105 didn't sound bad with my Tannoys, but didn't do well with Magnepans or SRS 2's. But then again, I think it may be getting tired.
    "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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  • sucks2beme
    sucks2beme Posts: 5,625
    edited December 2008
    mhardy6647 wrote: »
    I have an MC-2100 (same amplifier sans meters) and it is not a great sounding piece of equipment; autoformers notwithstanding. Probably OK on relatively inefficient speakers; it was awful on Cornwalls (with which it came as a bundle, along with a C-28 preamp).

    The MC-2100 I have is utterly unrestored, and it's pretty well documented that these amps age less than gracefully. A complete overhaul might well make it more competitive... but, were I you, I'd save my shekels and invest in an MC-225 or a pair of MC-30s or something like that.

    YMMV.
    I've heard that the MC2105 doesn't like efficient speakers.
    Klipsch doesn't pair well with it. I believe that's why the guy
    wants to trade up for a tube amp. I think I'll stand pat.
    The only real issue with the Vt-60 is power. If it was 100 WPC,
    I think it would be a great stopping point. I need to be a bit selective
    on speaker choices. I good set of classic 90db efficient B&Ws might
    be the perfect match. I know the Mac MC275 with Beamers sounds
    damn good. That's a bit more power than the ARC, but in the ballpark.
    "The legitimate powers of government extend to such acts only as are injurious to others. But it does me no injury for my neighbour to say there are twenty gods, or no god. It neither picks my pocket nor breaks my leg." --Thomas Jefferson
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  • mhardy6647
    mhardy6647 Posts: 34,270
    edited December 2008
    I suspect the MC-2100 or 2105 might be bitchen with something like vintage ads or Polk speakers, truth be told.

    My MC-2100 is in a box in the attic (that was a bit of a struggle; it's a hefty chunk of metal). I keep it because it's actually got some value (I got it essentially for free)... maybe I should lug it down and try it on some smoother and less efficient speakers someday.

    I am pretty much a high-efficiency/low-power kind of guy when it comes to serious listening, though.
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  • sucks2beme
    sucks2beme Posts: 5,625
    edited December 2008
    My Snell E's were pretty efficient. So were the Studio 60's.
    The GNP Valkries are about 88 (16 ohm, tough!)
    The Hales are about 86. Not so good. The ARC works ok
    with the GNPs. I think holding out for a vt-100 or vs110
    would be good. I should stay with the current setup for a while
    and look for that killer ARC pre to replace the Audio Experience.
    "The legitimate powers of government extend to such acts only as are injurious to others. But it does me no injury for my neighbour to say there are twenty gods, or no god. It neither picks my pocket nor breaks my leg." --Thomas Jefferson
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  • mhardy6647
    mhardy6647 Posts: 34,270
    edited December 2008
    I always liked the ARC stuff...
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  • sucks2beme
    sucks2beme Posts: 5,625
    edited December 2008
    I guess I would like to try a Mac, but not by giving up the ARC.
    What we need is an audio "rent-a-center" with the good stuff
    you could rent for a week. Business model for one of you
    go-getters!:D
    "The legitimate powers of government extend to such acts only as are injurious to others. But it does me no injury for my neighbour to say there are twenty gods, or no god. It neither picks my pocket nor breaks my leg." --Thomas Jefferson
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  • Ricardo
    Ricardo Posts: 10,636
    edited December 2008
    Maybe you guys can get all that gear out of the closet and create a "Mac Demo" thread; it has worked with the MIT cables :)
    _________________________________________________
    ***\\\\\........................... My Audio Journey ............................./////***

    2008 & 2010 Football Pool WINNER
    SOPA
    Thank God for different opinions. Imagine the world if we all wanted the same woman
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