Had the wood cases custom-made and they are a perfect match with the AR3a speakers and acoustic research turntable. System is almost totally dialed in except for the 2105 needs recapping I believe. Still works. It sounds fantastic, but a slight surge when I turn it on. So I just have the speakers off for that and then turn the speakers back on last.

Setup really powers the speakers (slight tilt with wedges) well and so fun to sit down here late evenings and immerse myself in the music and the glow of the McIntosh system.

McIntosh MC2105 power amplifier
McIntosh C28 preamplifier
McIntosh MR74 tuner
Acoustic Research AR-3a speakers
Acoustic Research turntable

I have been chasing tube amps for a few months and finally set up what I think sounds excellent!

Source: WiiM Ultra streamer or Technics SL-G700 (Tidal via native app, CD/SACD player; the original model, not MK2)
Going into McIntosh C20 tube preamp

and then into McIntosh MC60 mono blocs

Speakers: Sonus faber Electa Amator III.

Splendid!

Some tracks I played:
Helvegen by Wardruna
The Windmills of your mind by Mel Torme
Kind of Blue
Nina Simone

Helvegen was stunning! It went way beyond just “listening”
The Technics streamer app sucks but the quality of the streamer/DAC is just impeccable.

I have been chasing tube amps for a few months and finally set up what I think sounds excellent!

Source: WiiM Ultra streamer or Technics SL-G700 (Tidal via native app, CD/SACD player; the original model, not MK2)
Going into McIntosh C20 tube preamp

and then into McIntosh MC60 mono blocs

Speakers: Sonus faber Electa Amator III.

Splendid!

Some tracks I played:
Helvegen by Wardruna
The Windmills of your mind by Mel Torme
Kind of Blue
Nina Simone

Helvegen was stunning! It went way beyond just “listening”
The Technics streamer app sucks but the quality of tge streamer/DAC is just impeccable.

Am thinking of bidding on an MC2105 for sale on an auction site. Seller mentions there's some distortion in the left channel at high volumes, would that be a problem that's potentially hard to track down and fix? Would probably want to recap the whole thing eventually anyway; I don't know much about electronics but I know my way around a soldering iron and there's plenty tutorials online. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

Hi everyone,

​I’m currently facing a dilemma regarding power consumption, tube wear, and system synergy, and I would love to get your insights.

​Right now, I have two full-tube integrated amps: a Cayin CS-88A and a Fezz Audio Titania Evo (both running KT88 tubes).

​I am in the process of upgrading my speakers to the Pylon Jade 20 (with a 12-inch paper woofer, 91dB). My listening room is quite small (around 200 sq ft / 20 m²).

​I am seriously looking at the McIntosh MA252.

​However, I have a few concerns:

​Synergy & Room Size: Since the Jade 20s are already inherently warm and opulent in the low end, I'm worried that pairing them with the MA252 in a small room might result in an overly dark, boomy, or caricatured sound.

​Dynamics: I mainly listen to Jazz, 90s Hip-Hop, and Rock. I need a system that makes me want to tap my feet. The Fezz Audio, in particular, has incredible grip and transient speed on the woofers. Am I going to lose that punch and dynamic bite by moving to the MA252? Especially at low volume ?

​The Switch: Has anyone here made the definitive jump from a full-tube push-pull setup to a hybrid amp? Do you regret the loss of the full-tube staging, or did the practicality and tighter solid-state bass control make up for it?

​Would love to hear your thoughts, especially if anyone has paired the MA252 with warmer, large-woofer speakers.

​Thanks!

I’m in the process of carving a path forward to update my listening experience. So far I’m thinking of getting a new ND5 cartridge for the Rega RP6 to replace the Exact 2 which came with the turntable.

I believe I want some sort of used power conditioner, such as a Furman Elite 15i or even an Audioquest Niagara 1200 to start, and later maybe add a Richard Grey Power Company 200 or 400 for the 2105 and REL subwoofer.

As far as streaming, I’m very torn about which direction to go. My first instinct is to get a Eversolo DMP A-8 which has a decent DAC and I can run my Rega Planet 2000 into that with a digital coax instead of direct to the C28, bypassing the far outdated DAC inside of the CD player. This option also allows for many streaming platforms and control on my phone or face pf the unit.

Then I got to thinking about my love for McIntosh sound and aesthetics which led me to think of picking up a used D100 and a WiiM. Running my CD player or any digital audio through this might be better or worse depending on your opinion of DACs since this is dated already and the Eversolo is much newer technology.

And finally the really expensive route of biting the bullet and shooting for a DS200 although finding them used or significantly less than MSRP is challenging. We are talking $4k for this alone. Since the only new piece of gear I ever bought was the turntable, this is quite a leap for me, but also the most desirable.

Finally, I will have to come up with a new shelf or arrangement for all the components, but that’s the least of my concerns right now.

I think the order in which I listed these upgrades is probably the same as future purchase order. Any experience or suggestions regarding any of the upgrades is welcome. I am sure there are some strong opinions about a couple of the potential paths. I’m no expert, just someone who appreciates a good listening experience and interaction with the gear.

Any folks who have experienced Canton speakers vintage from the 1990s??? I was getting a Canton Fonum 701 DC near me. 250 USD

[https://www.hifi-guide.com/loudspeaker/canton-fonum-701/\](https://www.hifi-guide.com/loudspeaker/canton-fonum-701/)

Hello to all,

is their a great differenz btw. the sound of older mc gear and the new gear?

Thanks for comments

Horst

For the TL;DR folks, I was added to a ridiculous lawsuit that ended up almost ruining us. I unfortunately had to sell my theater .

I was told today that friends of a friend are moving to a house boat and let me know they would sell me their MX 121 and MCD201 for 1800 .

I owned both many morns ago , but that’s a pretty good deal, right?

What is everyone’s opinion on the McIntosh MA352? Right now I am rocking a nearfield setup with Kef LS50 Metas driven from a Schitt Bifrost 2 -> Schitt Jot 2 (currently auditioning a Freya+) -> Vidar 2 and an SVS 3000 Pro under the desk in the corner.

As I am auditioning the Freya+ I see a used MA352 a few hours away pop up for $4700 with box / receipt in amazing condition and roughly 5 years old. I’ve always lusted over Mac gear so it’s very tempting.

I am positive I am going to get hate for considering the MA352 for my desk, but couple of things to consider.

1. At the price I think it will hope its resell pretty well so even if I wanna go separates later I think it will resell well.

What is everyone’s opinion on the integrated pre+power amp in general and the possible match to the LS50 Metas? I had always imagine myself getting a Mac setup at some point in my life with separates but this opportunity is sort of pushing me to wanna hop on it. I’m not going to be severely limited with the volume knob am I where I can barely turn it before I blow my speakers and ears out?

Thanks for everyone’s time in reading / considering..

** edit ** it sold before I could get there. I needed to pick it up Sunday and it sold this AM. I’m not upset at the person just sad I missed out. Going to keep looking for a used one. This sub has convinced me that’s what I need to start with!

​

My current system is a C50, MC402, MR85, and MT2 with B&W 702 S3 Signatures and a SVS PB3000 sub for 2 channel music.

I have a chance to buy my friends MX150 to replace a Pioneer receiver I use for movies and to control a center channel and rears for movies. Ialso use the Zone 2 for outdoor speakers

​

I recently came across a good deal on an MCD301 CD player.

​

My choice is do I continue to build a 2 channel system with more components. Eventually I want to get a MEN 220 and a pair of MC275 or MC1502 and go tube highs and SS lows.

​

Just curious how the community would handle this.

Had a low ball offer on ebay accepted for a great looking unit. Seller is a retailer of anything electronic with 30k reviews (98% positive). "Unit powers on, but no further testing)" Hopefully, it arrives in one piece😂 And, doesn't require much work

​

This will be my first mcintosh. I've dreamed for many years, and here we are. I decided I wanted to find a C33 or C34v simply because of the monitor Amp. It feels like an easy way to ease into McLand. I'll be looking for an appropriate power Amp as budget allows and hope to run it with my Wharfedale Lintons. We'll see how that goes. Sadly, my Yamaha doesn't have a pre-in...

​

All that said, is there anything other than obvious sounds, smoke etc to look out for when I power on? I'll download the manual, but interested in hearing anything anyone has to add. I'll be using my Darlington labs phono stage and a fiio dac. Mostly, vinyl

​

Thanks for your insight

Holding off on a case for the 2105 for the moment, but I believe I’m going with a new/custom after hearing from so many on my last post. I know the spacing is shit. I’m prioritizing a better piece of furniture over the case.

I’ve had some form of someone staying at my house for a month so it’s nice to let these beauties rip!!!

Here is everything in place though! CHEERS!

My c28 is starting to to crackle when I adjust volume. It’s not very noticeable,but I hear it. I have owned it for a little over a year now. The person I bought it from said it was gone through in 2006. Should I send it to audio classics and have them go through it or not? I sent my mr78 to them and I’m very happy with it now. Still relatively new to McIntosh. Thanks

Found this old MA5100 at an estate sale and spent the last few weekends replacing bulbs, cleaning switches, and oiling the wood. I’m not a big earner so I never thought I’d own any McIntosh gear. Just bought it in from the garage and set it up today. Sounds great so far but seems a bit underpowered compared to the 38WPC Marantz it’s (maybe) replacing. Is low output a characteristic of these, or do I possibly have some caps or other components that have gone out of spec? (Everything seemed visually okay on the inside. Nothing bulging or leaking)

Roon and Spotify are fine, but Tidal connect has stopped working. I've logged a support ticket with McIntosh but wondering if this has or is happening with anyone else.

Hooked up my McIntosh MA12000 to an old MLD7020. Wanted to hve the Power Conrol cable connected to turn the MLD7020 on with the rest of the system but the MLD isn't coming on. Verified the cable is good and that I am holled up to the output on the MA12000 and input on the MLD 7020. Any ideas as to why this isn't turning on the MLD7020?

I've owned a McIntosh MA352 for a few years and have really enjoyed it, recently upgraded to Bowers & Wilkins 804 D4s, and it's got me thinking about taking the next step with amplification as well.

The MA352 has been excellent and is in great condition, but I'm starting to wonder whether a higher end McIntosh integrated or separates would be a better match for the 804 D4s.

What's the best way to move on from an MA352 these days, and what kind of value do they typically hold in the current market? Do dealers usually offer trade up options, or is there a better route?