2. amps-preamps
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Mcintosh MC2000 owners please help

Im awaiting my Mc2000 and currently have the 1201's with the C2200 preamp. Decided to go for a change and sold the C2200, would like to try the C200 and reverse my SS & tube setup ( could always switch back ). What speakers have you been using or gone thru? My first choice are the Nova or Utopia's, and the MBL 101D ( have a budget of 12 to 19 k and looking for used only ), but just read this months issue of stereophile advising against tubes, whereas the fist reveiw of the MC2000 in 1999 was done with the Utopia's and had favorable results. Im all for one in trying gear out but flipping speakers at this weight and price level is not something Im looking forward to. Rest of my gear is the MCD751 trans, EAD 9000 MKIII dac, and will be buying a C200. My questions with tubes will come at a later date when everything is in place. Thanks in advance, John
velo62
ez2hear
45 posts
 
I have heard that combo ... C200 with 1201s ... on Avalon Ediolons to great effect.
aida_w
308 posts
 
My MC 2000 is feeding into the REVEL Ultima System and I am perfectly happy with the result. I listened to the Mac into the Sonus Faber Amati which likewise was just pure excellence. I am sure that if you don't ask for the absolute powerhorse (more than 150wpc ) the MC2000 will satisfy you at all needs and in all acustical terms. I don't trust those statements like :"not suitable for tubes". If in doubts just trust your ears!
Good luck and congrats to your Mac - it's simply a brilliant amp.
bwhite
807 posts
 
Velo62 - While I am not a big fan of McIntosh Amps in general, (I think their solid state gear is "just-okay") The MC2000 is certainly an exception to that. It is a very good amp & I have been very happy with mine. The MC2000 responds well to various tube changes and if you use the stock tubes, you are not getting the best out of the amp.

Try using 6 Genalex KT88's and 2 Stock Svetlana KT88's. 4 early Amperex 12AX7's for pretty amazing results. Then change the two 12AT7's to meet your taste. You'll need to roll those tubes (the 12AT7's) trying various brands to find something which suits your system.

The MC2000 responds well to various power cords but given the angle of the IEC outlet, some cords do not work. I use an Electraglide Ultra Khan Statement II on the amp and feel it tightens up the bass and makes the whole package sound more coherent.

In my system the MC2000 drives Wilson Benesch ACT One speakers with 89db efficiency 3 to 6 Ohms very well.
velo62 OP
255 posts
 
Thanks for your response. Bwhite, for the amperex early runs are you refering to the ones made in holland or germany? What made you decide to mix 2 stock svetlanas in the genalex quads and what benefit is there in doing so? For PC's I have Tara labs and will be using a Xlr cardas golden ref with the C200. Thanks, John
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