r/McIntosh

I inherited my father's McIntosh system from the 70's that hadn't properly been played in close to 25 years. I read somewhere that a set of Klipsch R-51Ms would work well with it, but once I put it through them it made my ears bug out. At higher volumes (but nothing crazy) I could detect a very high pitched hiss, but even at low volumes the sound just kinda messes with my ears. Since that time I've had the MC2105 serviced but once I added it back into the mix the problem persisted, so I had them check out the C28 as well, and they gave it the all clear. Last night I was streaming Spotify to my Apple Airport Express 2 and it sounded pretty good, but when I switched to Lossless it instantly made my ears bug out. Has anyone dealt with issues like this from vintage McIntosh gear?

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DAC and I can run my Rega Planet 2000 into that with a digital coax instead of direct to the C28, bypassing the far outdated DAC inside of the CD player.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.

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!

Hello to all,

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

Thanks for comments

Horst