Grateful Dead Music Forum

I thought I did want to carry a mac, and still do to a degree but the SMS and the AI amp are sounding better all the time like the review here. I also thought for the longest time I HAD to have a 3x12 w/JBLs (not true) although it looks cool as s*^t, it is heavier than I thought it would be. I am happy with where my rig is at but there are just some many options nowadays! SMS and AXE being the front runners in my 2010 wish list!

If you guys really want to get the best "Jerry" sound possible, get a lightweight McIntosh (60 lbs - its lighter than your speaker cabinet for sure). Get an MC2100 or 2105 or 2120. You won't believe the difference from the other amps out there. You can probably find an MC2100 for around $400-$500.

It's really hard to explain but anyone who's played one knows. It just nails the sound and is an essential part of the tone chain.

If you are somewhat unsatisfied with your sound but don't know why and you have everything else except a McIntosh (JBLs, Super II's, Fender Twin (or SMS Classic!) preamp, custom Cocobolo/Maple guitar, buffer, etc.), you seriously need to consider this. Even if you don't have any of those other things but are using a preamp>power amp, it will make it sound better. It is the best (most musical) guitar power amp available - hands down. Don't assume power amps are neutral and simply amplify the the preamp signal or simply drive the speakers. The power amp affects the tone as much as the wood of the guitar neck and body do or the kind of speakers (or pickups) you use.

And if you ever stopped using it for your guitar rig, you'd have an excellent home stereo amp!

Jim

Hey guys,

I should have clarified that the Crown definitely had a good sound to it. Storng thump and good power. Where it fell short for me was when i dug in on the high end, it seemed to get shrill and ice picky. My ears were saying, this aint gonna fly at gig levels!! The AI Clarus, as Vic has stated, is much warmer and musical for this application. I am sure that there are plenty of great choices for a power amp out there (MAC included!!!); however, i got a great offer on the Clarus and couldnt pass it up. I am sure that ill continue the pursuit, but at a bit slower pace for the meantime......

Peace,
AC

I definitely know what you mean about sounding great on the low end but way too piercing on the high end. Probably a better amp for bass or PA.

Jim

mijknahs wrote:
And if you ever stopped using it for your guitar rig, you'd have an excellent home stereo amp!

Jim

Or an excellent boat anchor. Seriously, a smaller lighter Mac is the way to go. There is a reason why Jerry used one since the 60s and when he stopped using it we could all tell the difference. It really does have it's own unique tone. Smooth and warm.

Here's an MC2105 that will close in 6 hours:


http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200 ... =824&kw=lg

Looks like a nice match for an SMS.

Or a nice match for your Dual Showman, Pete!

Looks like it could be nice. Always a bit concerned with "seems to work"... Bid with care.

Peace,

AC

mijknahs wrote:Or a nice match for your Dual Showman, Pete!

I think I can find one locally, in upcoming months.
I really never searched them out before, but those 2100's and 2105's look pretty sweet if they are really just smaller versions of Jer's amp (with the special limiter circuit).
Oh maaan... I don't want to have to go to Seattle again...
http://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/ele/1475889157.html

seems like a good deal. go to seattle. I cant find one near me and the shipping charges are crazy.

i would love to find one at a garage sale for $100.

That is a score. $500 for a clean 2100, plus the bonus C26. Worth the drive. They're not light, but man a Twin pre or the SMS Classic into a real Mac from this era into JBL's just nails it. Nails it....


Brad