I’m tired of messing around....MC2301’s?

[JWJW]

Over the years, I’ve had a bunch of Mc gear rotate in and out of my rack. Today, I have 2 complete Mc, two channel systems. One has a new MC312 amp, the second has a pair of MC275VI’s.
I just purchased a new pair of XR100’s and they sound incredible with my 312.
I was thinking over the weekend ....is it time to consolidate down to one system and pull the trigger on a pair of 2301’s? I’ve read nothing but rave/stellar reviews on the 2301’s. They seem to be the holy grail of McIntosh amps.

The 312 and my 275’s do sound incredible. I’m wondering if moving to a pair of 2301’s makes sense. I’m not sure I would realize a quantum leap in performance over either of my set ups, but I certainly like the idea of finally being at the top of the McIntosh mountain.

A few negatives:
1) I would have to sell all 3 amps to fund the 2301’s.
2) I would need to invest in a new rack. The 2301’s are WAY too large (deep) for either of my current racks.
3) The 2301’s have been around for a while now. Do you think Mc is looking to update? Should I wait it out to see, or do it NOW?

Any words of encouragement to take the leap to 2301’s...or not?

[1KW]

Difficult question, one thing I have learned is to sleep on your decision and if you still want to go for the MC2301 pair knowing they won’t fit in your rack , knowing you will need 3 amps. as well as 3 sets of gold lion tubes (stock Mcintosh tubes not so great), knowing Mcintosh will likely do a update (amp has been unchanged for 10 years ) but really this shouldn’t be a concern since there will be a price increase on any replacement than go for it. Will it be a improvement proportional to the money spent, no. Will you be thrilled with the improvements yes. Another way to go is get 3 solid state monoblocks and a tube pre amp. The solid state Mcintosh monoblocks MC611, 601’s like my MC501’s also sound fantastic, will fit in your built-in, give plenty of bass and headroom and you will not have to fuss with power tubes. .What pre amp are you using?

[Masterlu]

Ever notice their are no 2301’s on the used market? There is a reason, and proof positive they are the Holy Grail of Mac Amps.

[JWJW]

Originally Posted by 1KW

Difficult question, one thing I have learned is to sleep on your decision and if you still want to go for the MC2301 pair knowing they won’t fit in your rack , knowing you will need 3 amps. as well as 3 sets of gold lion tubes (stock Mcintosh tubes not so great), knowing Mcintosh will likely do a update (amp has been unchanged for 10 years ) but really this shouldn’t be a concern since there will be a price increase on any replacement than go for it. Will it be a improvement proportional to the money spent, no. Will you be thrilled with the improvements yes. Another way to go is get 3 solid state monoblocks and a tube pre amp. The solid state Mcintosh monoblocks MC611, 601’s like my MC501’s also sound fantastic, will fit in your built-in, give plenty of bass and headroom and you will not have to fuss with power tubes. .What pre amp are you using?

I would use my new C70. 😊👍

[JWJW]

Originally Posted by Masterlu

Ever notice their are no 2301’s on the used market? There is a reason, and proof positive they are the Holy Grail of Mac Amps.

I was afraid you (and Dan) would support the move. 😂😂😂

[alkizz]

Originally Posted by JWJW

I was afraid you (and Dan) would support the move. 😂😂😂

[1KW]

Originally Posted by Masterlu

Ever notice their are no 2301’s on the used market? There is a reason, and proof positive they are the Holy Grail of Mac Amps.

This is true

[W9TR]

I have MC 2301's and an MC 275V and I can tell you the MC 2301's are a dramatic improvement over my MC 275V. Not even in the same area code let alone zip code.
I will never sell the three MC 2301's I have now. I have had an MC 2102, MC 601's, and still own an MC 602 and an MC 275V. The MC 2301's are clearly superior to all these fine McIntosh amps. There happens to be a used pair for sale in Denver.
Tom

[JWJW]

Originally Posted by W9TR

I have MC 2301's and an MC 275V and I can tell you the MC 2301's are a dramatic improvement over my MC 275V. Not even in the same area code let alone zip code.
I will never sell the three MC 2301's I have now. I have had an MC 2102, MC 601's, and still own an MC 602 and an MC 275V. The MC 2301's are clearly superior to all these fine McIntosh amps. There happens to be a used pair for sale in Denver.
Tom

Wowzer! Thanks!

[jdandy]

Jon.......I have to agree with Tom. Like him, I have had several McIntosh amplifiers in my studio system before the MC2301's. I had a single MC275 V, then two MC275 V's running in mono. Then I had an MC352, then a MC452, and a pair of MC601's. When the pair of MC2301's went into the studio it was like coming home. Finally, amplifiers that do it right in every respect. I have sold all of the other amplifiers including four MC601's and now have the MC452 in the living room system and the MC2301's driving the SF Amati Anniversario speakers in the studio system. The MC2301's are the best, most satisfying power amplifiers I have ever owned. They will be with me to my final day.