2. amps-preamps
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McIntosh amp opinions?

Hello all, I currently have an old McIntosh MC2205.
The rest of my 2ch system is a Rega CD player, VTL 2.5 pre amp and Martin Logan Aeon speakers. My amp needs to go in for service as it now has unequal levels on each ch. I am asking opinions regarding this amp with my system as I have never had another amp with it. Is this amp (considering comparably priced and power) a good match? Or would I really improve things to upgrade either a different Mac or perhaps a VTL type tube amp? I listen to mostly HI-FI recording of rock and jazz at low volumes.

One interesting note, I recently upgraded cables from mid-line Transparent to Cardas Gold Reference and it was like I had a whole new system. Much better bass response, defiantly noticeable.

Thank you for you suggestions
vdosc
lapierre
547 posts
 
Try upgrading the power cord to the MC 225 to give you another improvement before making component changes.
lewinskih01
909 posts
 
Are we talking MC2205 or MC225? The original post was for MC2205, 200W SS, and the answers are for MC225...tubes.

Sorry I cannot add content to the post as I don't have enough knowledge, but I still read it with interest.

Vdosc, BTW, the improvement you noticed when changing to Cardas Gold Ref was when changing power cords, interconnects or speaker cables?

Thanks!
usblues
1,217 posts
 
The 2205[1975-9]200Watts/side is a keeper.I have a 7270,2105,autoformers,same sonic signature.You would need to spend 10K to get better sound.Send it to Terry Dewick if you dont have a Mac/good tech in town.Its 65 lbs,watch your back,good luck,Bob
sid42
302 posts
 
Concerning the 2205, which is what you asked about, contact Audiogon member "Aball" (Arthur Ball)who is very knowledgeable on Mac amps. This issue has been discussed here before, and as I recall, there have been enough changes since the 2205 to warrant a newer model.
kirkus
502 posts
 
The 2205 was among McIntosh's first amplifiers that had true-complimentary output devices (NPN and PNP), and as such is IMO vastly superior (much less notch distortion) to their first-generation solid-state amps that had quasi-complimentary (all-NPN) outputs. They also respond nicely output-transistor upgrades, to i.e. MJ15028/MJ15029.

That being said, the input section is pretty old-fashioned, and IIRC it has a separate internal preamp, because the circuit itself is kinda low gain. If you were to find a Mac amp just one generation newer (i.e. MC2255), they're MUCH more linear . . . Mac by this time was using a modern front-end on their already excellent output stage and autoformer. Maybe Audio Classics could make a trade-in attractive?

I'll second Usblues' advice on finding a top-notch servicer for your 2205 . . . getting vintage solid-state amps working well frequently means substituting some semiconductors, and it's important to have a good understanding of the circuit when this is done.
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