Office system

See how much fun this is going to be? A whole new world of cool stuff. And I do not have to worry about "best" anything, just what can I find and if it is any good. I am starting my search tonight. Keep the ideas coming.

Once, a long time ago, my primary system consisted of an AR Amplifier, Rectilinear III speakers, Benjamin Elac Miracord 50H (which replaced a Dual 1019) with Shure V-15 Type III, as well as an AR Tuner. I still have them all (except the cartridge), and the AR Amp and Tuner are still in service. I wish I had had some tubes in the circuits.

When I was in college, I auditioned so much other stuff, like the Heathkit AR-15, Marantz separates, McIntosh's first receiver, Dynaco A-25s, KLH 5s, the Small Advent speaker, Garrard's Zero 100, Rabco's Straight Line Arm, Thorens tables, Revox Tandberg and TEAC decks, SAE Mark 6 tuner (with touch sensor and Nixie tube readout), etc. A lot more that I couldn't afford. I remember the thrill and the lust.

In those innocent days, we didn't know about interconnects, speaker cables, power cords, power conditioners, cryogenic receptacles, traps, spikes, pucks, beaks, clocks, or other cleverness. Sigh.

For an office/den system I am using a McIntosh MC2105 Power amp and the matching MX113 Tuner/Preamp along with a MCD7000 CD player all in original McIntosh walnut cases. Other than the CD player this is a great vintage system from the late 60s/early 70s. They look just like they day they wre made. Very good sound, and with glass fronts and the blue meters, pretty darn cool looking. Plus these really hold their value. If space is a problem look at the MC2505 its the 50 WPC version and has the smaller chassis. If you really have room, go with all McIntosh separates for the Preamp C26/C28 and tuner.

Enjoy

I love the idea of an all vintage McIntosh system, but now I am back to higher costs. It is never easy but I definately want this to be all tube. I think I will start with amp and preamp and then add the speakers to it.

I know a great tech locally who HAD (I would have to check) a very nice pair of McIntosh MC40 tube monoblocks for $1000. That is with them serviced and freshened up to spec. He is a great guy. He doens't sell online, actually I don't think he gets online hardly at all. But he is truly an exceptional tech and has done electronics as a business for 30 years. I bought a pair of MC40's from him last year and I am very very pleased. He has alot of vintage gear that he just sits on waiting for someone to ask him for it. If interested, feel free to email me and I will give him a call and email you back with his phone # if he still has them. He had them about 2 weeks ago, so I would imagine he still has them.

Steve