2. amps-preamps
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This Sounds Like A Pretty Good Deal -- Opinions?

Fellow music lovers,

 

I have the chance to purchase a McIntosh MC-225 that has already been gone over by a pro and been refurbished along with a McIntosh C11 that has undergone the same loving treatment.  I can purchase both for a total of $3,500 or just the MC-225 for $1,800.  Basically getting a deal from a good friend of a good friend.  I already have an ARC SL-17 I was going to use as the Preamp, but he is making it very hard not to take both pieces.  The MC-225 and C-11 are currently hooked up together in one of his vintage systems.

 

I guess I'm looking for validation and help at spending my money, LOL.  Is it a no-brainer to buy both pieces?  Does anyone have any experience with an MC-225 paired with a C-11 or an ARC SP-17?  Which had best synergy together?  These pieces would be pushing a 1987 pair of Klipsch Forte's with the Crites Crossover upgrades, and most likely only have a turntable with phono preamp and a streaming unit connected.  Turntable and phono preamp to be determined -- streaming device is a Bluesound Node.

 

Thank you for your input.

allenf1963
aewarren
644 posts
 

If you decide to purchase the MC-225, you may as well get the C 11 as well to maintain system synergy. You know the Macs work well together so why risk a mis-match? You can easily sell the ARC or keep it for a back-up. For those prices, it's sort of a no-brainer but as others have stated, be absolutely sure of what you are getting by asking for details about what work was actually performed on the two units.

allenf1963 OP
335 posts
 

Thanks to all who gave input.  I did buy buy both pieces.  I had checked ahead of time about the work.  It was done by a shop that specializes in McIntosh gear, and they replaced the electrolytic power caps and the coupling caps, and brought both components up to specs.  The C-11 also had a new glass face installed.  

 

They are currently hooked up and sound fantastic together.  Anxious to get them home.  I appreciate the validation -- it did appear to be one hell of a deal, and less than 25 minutes away from me.  No shipping worries!  If I knew how to attach photos I would!

 

 

 

 

oltexan
35 posts
 

The Macs will have a synergy of sound. ARC preamps in my experience will dig out a lot of low level detail, too much in my system. I'd buy the pair and sell the losing preamp. This assumes the amp can drive your speakers. 

dinov's avatar
dinov
834 posts
 

That’s an incredible price for a fantastic amplifier. The 225 was one of their best amps. So were the mc30s which I have two of and will probably never part with. Along with an MX110z which I’ll also never part with. I don’t know about the c11 but all macs have synergy. I say go for it!

mulveling's avatar
mulveling
1,896 posts
 

Wow! That was indeed a killer deal, and you were smart to jump on that before they were spoken for. Congrats :) 

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