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Review 1 of 2
Price Paid:
$4200.00
from Audio Classics Summary:
As the previous reviewer, bought mine used. But, having an good relationship with FG @ Audio Classics (highly recommended), I paid a couple of hundred extra for the peace-of-mind that buying from someone who unconditionally stands behind their sale gives me. I was listening to a pair of MC275MkVs running as monoblocs. The wife wants us back near the grandkids and the condo over there simply can't support all the gear I've got, so needed a single amp. The MC275s are wonderful. I was 'anxious' to say the least. While the MC2102 sound is different, it is still truly excellent. It actually has a bit more 'punch' in the low end/lower mids. The top end is as smooth, but with more low end it sounds just a bit les 'there'. Overall, I will have to do a bit of adjusting of the speaker position and orientation and will try biwiring shortly to see how that goes. As with the MC275s, I've switched out the KT88s to Tung-sol 6550 reissues, and NOS RCA 'blackplate' 12AT7s and Tungsram 12AX7s. Very please with what I hearing and think I've found a keeper. Not quite the 'edge' that I particularly like in the MC275, but can't imagine it getting too much better. I'm listening to a pair of Sony SS-M3 2-way speakers and will be changing them out for a pair of MoFi's OML-1 2-ways this weekend. Bottom end is supported by a powered 10" sub, that I've had to turn down about half-way due to the stronger bottom end compared to the MC275. My listening is about 75% jazz with the rest being a mix of R&R, classical and whatever. About 50% FM, 25% vinyl and 25% digital. Other than weighing in at 88 pounds, it is a great amp to listen to and look at. As mine is one of the later models and has been back to the factory (broken glass in shipping), I expect a long and trouble-free life. I'll give it a pair of 5s. I would have voted for 4.5s, but not available. Excellent piece and highly recommended. Strengths:
Bottom-end and lower mids are very strong for a tube amp. Very smooth from bottom to top. Very, very 'powerful' sounding amp. Again, somewhat 'laid back' on top compared to the MC275s it replaced, but overall one can't miss the fact that is from the same company. Obviously, being a McIntosh, it is a visual treat to look at. Beautiful black-glass face with blue meters, green lighting and glowing tubes through the window. Almost worth owning without the glorious sound. Weaknesses:
88 poungs. Only want to move it once. Similar Products Used:
Most notable is the MC275MkV. Several Mcintosh solid-state amps from the MC602 down to the MC2250, over the years. The MC275 and this amp are my favorites (obviously, as have them rather than the solid-state models). Other amps such as larger vintage Yamaha and Sony and the occasional ARC tube amp.
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