I Joined the MC2301 Bandwagon!!! Wow!!!

[audiogear]

The 3500s are on my list of destination amps. There are many owners of 2301s but interestingly, I’ve not read and/or seen them upgrade to the 3500s. IMO, that’s a testament to the 2301s greatness and longevity.

[MarSanz]

Originally Posted by audioquest4life

For sure...when you know it, you know it. That is why I made the statement regarding the 3500s. My speaker builder has heard my system a few times with the 2301s and the Classic Audio T1.5 field coil speakers in my house. He is very fond of the sound with the 2301s mated to the T1.5s as he is also with the Atmasphere Novacrons mated to the same speakers.

When my speaker dealer obtained the 3500s, he was also experimenting as well. I forgot his feedback, but I know he keeps the Novacrons powering the T 1.5s at most shows with the 3500s available to play if people want to listen. When I heard the 3500s in a few of the show settings, Capital Audio Fest, Maryland and Tampa Audio Show, each time I felt that the T1.5s did not have that 3d holographic sound that I appreciated with the 2301s when the 3500s were hooked up. Granted, the rooms are different, but also much larger than my room, and source equipment was different. Records and reel to reel were played each time I listened. I am a vinyl guy, so I preferred that format. I just did not get the sense that the 3500s can reproduce music in the same way that the 2301s make it all sound so organic. There is a market for the 3500s for sure and with more power they can power very inefficient speakers. I have learned over many years that I may like the sonic signature of a demo or not, kind of like our Neanderthal instincts...we kind of know when we like someone or not. That is sort of how I felt with the 3500s but according to 3500 owners, they do sound good in other system configurations but they may still not be to my liking, and that is just our hobby, seeking harmony.

The Novacrons at the show sounded similar to my 2301s with an organic and holographic sound field with the T1.5s.

The 2301s are game changers for what they offer and for their music portrayal. I am very familiar with their sound and don't need to look for anything else, these satisfy my listening needs. You have already gained an understanding of what the 2301 are capable of doing. It's pure bliss and a little magic. I have had mine for 10 years now, wow. Never had a problem. Only once with a tube and that was because of 1 year in storage, transport and setup. Replaced tube bank (still looking for tube tester in boxes...just moved) with 4 new and all was right.

I am sure you will get plenty of hours of musical enjoyment.

I have attended CAF on several occasions, I definitely missed the MC3500 demo. Maybe they will be there next month, either way I don’t plan on any changes. In the past I would come home and listen to my rig after CAF and say, mine doesn’t sound like the systems I just heard. Then I’d start tweaking this and that and just give up. This won’t happen this year, no sir.

For me it’s about the synergy I have with my system, it’s like a switch is suddenly flipped on and you are wowed beyond belief and before you know it, it’s time to get up to flip the album because you were mesmerized and time just flew by you. I have had many late nights this week because of this!

Originally Posted by audiogear

The 3500s are on my list of destination amps. There are many owners of 2301s but interestingly, I’ve not read and/or seen them upgrade to the 3500s. IMO, that’s a testament to the 2301s greatness and longevity.

This is great to know! Thanks.

[Bun E. Carlos]

Originally Posted by audiogear

The 3500s are on my list of destination amps. There are many owners of 2301s but interestingly, I’ve not read and/or seen them upgrade to the 3500s. IMO, that’s a testament to the 2301s greatness and longevity.

3500’s = dream for me 👍🏻😊

[jfray]

Congratulations on your system it looks amazing and the 2301’s are an incredible amp and would suspect a step up from mono 275’s.

[crwilli]

Congratulations on purchasing MC2301s. They are a beautiful pair of amplifiers.

[Vintage Pete]

Originally Posted by audiogear

The 3500s are on my list of destination amps. There are many owners of 2301s but interestingly, I’ve not read and/or seen them upgrade to the 3500s. IMO, that’s a testament to the 2301s greatness and longevity.

I think this may be in part because of the visual beauty of the 2301's. The 3500 may well be the superior amp, but the 2301 edges it out in appearance IMO. And they are great amps...

[80B]

Congratulations! For me, the acquisition of our MC2301s signaled the end of wanting to upgrade amps, and just focus on listening, no, just enjoying the music - "focus" implies working to listen, and there's no work involved when enjoying the 2301s, if you get my meaning. Their timeless looks complement the sense that they won't ever become obsolete as long as they are well-maintained. The only downside is they could cause a hernia! Enjoy.

[80B]

Oh, and terrific photos, thanks for posting!

[miner]

Congrats on your 2301s, they are beasts. I, too, had a MC275 and tried the monoblock setup but I ended up preferring the single 275. To my ears the music was more realistic and enjoyable, less fatigue during long sessions. I have had my 1502 now for almost a year with stock tubes. I have had a set of Gold Lions in waiting since my dual MC275s. May be time to opt for a swap.

[audiogear]

The 3500s and 2301s retail for $30k/$27k per pair according to McIntosh’s last price list in late 2022.

Curious how many new 3500s vs 2301s were sold annually in 2022? There’re obviously many personal variables leading to the purchases but still nonetheless interesting to compare.