Re: Power Amp Alternatives
PostPosted:Tue Oct 30, 2012 4:38 pm
Anyone notice how whenever someone asks about alternative choices, several people respond by suggesting the very thing to which the OP was seeking an alternative?
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tigerstrat wrote:Anyone notice how whenever someone asks about alternative choices, several people respond by suggesting the very thing to which the OP was seeking an alternative?To me, the original poster wanted a cheaper alternative to a $2000 McIntosh (MC2300). The best affordable "alternative" to the $2000 McIntosh would be a $300 to $500 McIntosh (MC250 or MC2100).
seniorpesca wrote:Am I getting ripped off paying 600 for mc2100??Not necessarily. But it should be in very good condition (shiny, no rust, etc.). You might be able to find one for $100 cheaper if you want to wait (maybe a few months). I think the ultimate is an MC100 (like the MC2100 but mono and half the weight) but you'll probably wait a long time until you see one for sale. There weren't very many made.
PaulJay wrote:Here is an MC-2100 on Long Island. http://longisland.craigslist.org/ele/3302295861.htmlDon't get one that "needs work". You'll probably be spending hundreds to get it fixed.
mijknahs wrote:I bought an MC250 a while back and visually it's near mint; no rust or pitting and looks great. I thought it sounded really nice although the left channel was acting a little funky with some distortion. I brought it in to a local experienced and trustworthy Mac tech and it ended up needing about $400 in repairs to get it back to spec. Sounds amazing now and I have the peace of mind that it's performing as it should.seniorpesca wrote:Am I getting ripped off paying 600 for mc2100??Not necessarily. But it should be in very good condition (shiny, no rust, etc.). You might be able to find one for $100 cheaper if you want to wait (maybe a few months). I think the ultimate is an MC100 (like the MC2100 but mono and half the weight) but you'll probably wait a long time until you see one for sale. There weren't very many made.
jenkins wrote:I thought he was looking for an alternative to the mc2300, which can cost a good 2000.You must have the 2105 if its rack mountable.
IMO,if your gonna spend 3-500 on a power amp an mc is the only way to go.
IMO nothing beats a mc2100, I also have an mc2505 which has been relegated to being my home stereo amp due to it not having quite enough power. Nothing beats listening to 70's dead on a Mac.
I had an option of getting an mc100 and I went with the 2100 because it is easily rack mounted, the one I bought actually came w rack wings on it. Also I really like the idea of having a backup amp built in in the second channel.
Mount that thing in a 4 space rack with your preamp and maybe your reverb unit and it isn't hard to carry around At all.
How much does a vintage twin reverb weigh? If I'm not mistaken it is not THAT much lighter.
I lugged one around for a minute and that thing was a beast to carry from its handle, that thing always killed
My back.
If your worried about weight get a 2500 or 2505, they're light and do pack some punch, you generally have to mic your cab anyways.
mijknahs wrote:I don't have an mc2100, it's actually a 2120.jenkins wrote:I thought he was looking for an alternative to the mc2300, which can cost a good 2000.You must have the 2105 if its rack mountable.
IMO,if your gonna spend 3-500 on a power amp an mc is the only way to go.
IMO nothing beats a mc2100, I also have an mc2505 which has been relegated to being my home stereo amp due to it not having quite enough power. Nothing beats listening to 70's dead on a Mac.
I had an option of getting an mc100 and I went with the 2100 because it is easily rack mounted, the one I bought actually came w rack wings on it. Also I really like the idea of having a backup amp built in in the second channel.
Mount that thing in a 4 space rack with your preamp and maybe your reverb unit and it isn't hard to carry around At all.
How much does a vintage twin reverb weigh? If I'm not mistaken it is not THAT much lighter.
I lugged one around for a minute and that thing was a beast to carry from its handle, that thing always killed
My back.
If your worried about weight get a 2500 or 2505, they're light and do pack some punch, you generally have to mic your cab anyways.