MC2301's - Is there a downside?
 

It looks as though there is only a small handful of MC2301 owners out there and was wondering why there wasn't more! I've only heard praise for these beautiful 300 Watt Tube Amps... aside from cost, is there a downside?

I'm seriously considering scaling back from 5.1 to a two channel system.
Some options are:
1) MDA1000 --> C2300 --> MC501's
2) MDA1000 --> C2300 --> (1 or 2) MC2102's
3) MDA1000 --> MC2301's
I'd love to hear your comments!

I would strongly suggest that you audition those MC2301's and compare to the MC2102. Another consideration is weight- they're very heavy.
Sidney Corderman (MAC's main tube guy for many years and is now retired) designed the MC2102, while Ron Evans (MAC's main solid state guy) designed the MC2301's.
I have the MC2102 and consider it tops for digital playback and it's the best amplifier that I've ever owned.
Let us know what you decide. :)

...so when does Ivan return from the Cape?
That's the only pair of 2301's I know of in Florida!

I've heard the C2300 previously with B&W and Mcintosh Speakers and love the sound. Based upon that, I figured 2 was better... and the 2301's would top that.
Weight is a non-issue - my rack is heavy duty!
Have you had a chance to hear the 2301's or a pair of 2102's?
Would love to hear opinions.

I'll be back in September sometime. I liked the 2301's enough to buy a pair; still intended for use with my Strad's. :thumbsup:

Hello Ivan,
What do you think about the simplistic approach of:
All Digital Sources --> MDA1000 --> 2301's?
I know the 2102 is nice... but how would 2 of them compare to the 2301's?

I saw some of the Cape pictures -- looks awesome!

I would agree with your simplistic approach; All Digital Sources --> MDA1000 --> 2301's

I favor the 2301's for the following reason:

• Full Balanced Unity Coupled Circuitry. The MC2301 is fully balanced from input to output. It consists of two matched Power Amplifiers operating in pushpull using the famous McIntosh Patented Unity Coupled Circuit. The circuit outputs are combined in a dual core McIntosh Multifilar Wound Output Transformer for low distortion, extended frequency response and cool operating output tubes.

All that translates into the best sounding tube amp I have ever heard IMO.

Thanks Ivan,
Too many wonderful products and too many choices!
Sometimes you just have to make a decision and go with it!

I'd love to hear more experiences with the MC2301's - How many have had the pleasure of listening to them??

I am not a tube guy but I could live with the 2301's.

Why are there not more out there?
1) Not a huge market for +$20k amps
2) They are big and heavy.
3) Some people really believe that old stuff sounds better than new product. Innovation only stands still in audio.
4) Replacing those tubes at some point in the future is going to cost someone a chunk of change.
Jim

What will be feeding the MDA?

ZenZoo.......Tube care and replacement can be an issue. Two mono MC2301 amplifiers have a total of sixteen KT88 output power tubes. A full replacement will cost between $1600.00 and $2200.00 depending on which tubes you go with, and typically needs to be done every 3000 hours of use.

Each MC2301 amplifier, with eight KT88 tubes, radiates a fair amount of continuous heat as well. This makes locating the amplifiers more difficult due to ventilation concerns.

Then there is the price. For the same $22K you can also purchase a pair of McIntosh MC1.2Kw amplifiers, and have four times the reserve output power of the MC2301, with none of the maintenance issues or heat problems.