Mc2200

[kalali]

I bought an MC2200 just about 8 months ago as my first (and only) exposure to the McIntosh equipment and I'm really enjoying the sound it makes driving my Martin Logan Aerious i speakers. Since becoming a Mac fan, I've been reading up on this model and other models and also following the used Mac equipment market, really just out of curiosity. One thing that's caught my attention, hence my question is why there is not many (or any) MC2200 models come up for sale. Is it because it was/is not a popular model, if so why, or folks who bought this particular model are not selling them as often as other models. I actually haven't even seen one come up for sale - in most popular sites, since I bought mine few months ago. Not that it really matters that much but I was just curious. Thanks.

[jdandy]

kalali.......Usually when you do not regularly see a particular McIntosh amplifier on the used market it is because those who own it are happy and have no plans to sell it.

According to Berner's Site, McIntosh manufactured 3599 MC2200 amplifiers from May 1976 to February 1982. Considering the shear number of amplifier's McIntosh has manufactured in their history, that is a minuscule number. During nearly the same time period, December 1975 to December 1981, McIntosh manufactured 12,296 MC2205 amplifiers. The MC2205 produced the same 200 watts per channel with identical specifications and autoformers as the MC2200 but had a black glass face and the blue meters. The MC2205 was a far more popular amplifier during that period, most likely due to its looks when compared to the silver face of the MC2200 without meters.

It sounds to me like you are a happy camper so turn up the MC2200 and enjoy the music.

[kalali]

Thanks for sharing the production numbers. I'm probably in the minority preferring the non-metered front plate vintage look on the older models. I must say its truly incredible the amp sounds so great after 35 years of use.

[damacman]

The MC2200 is a very capable performer. I've had a half dozen or so over the years. Interestingly enough, a lot of these amps found their way into roller rinks powering Klipsch LaScalas or Cornwalls flown overhead - at least in the South.

McIntosh also offered rack mounting kits for this amp as well as the MC2120 as they targeted the pro sound market with them. This was outlined in a sales brochure touting the benefits of McIntosh amps on the road. The MC2120/MC2200 were replaced with the MC2150/MC2250, which are of the same cosmetics but are even rarer.

I've also seen the MC2200 mounted in the matching walnut cabinet and that is quite nice. Enjoy it.

[kubla36]

Originally Posted by damacman

Interestingly enough, a lot of these amps found their way into roller rinks powering Klipsch LaScalas or Cornwalls flown overhead - at least in the South.

Perhaps this explain my visceral connection to Mcintosh sound... I spent some formative years in the late 70s in those rinks.

[kalali]

Thank you damacman. I haven't heard any of the newer Mac amps but I can only imagine how great they must sound and completely understand why their products have such a loyal following. It must sound strange to say this but handling and the MC2200 reminds me of my dad's 1960's Mercedes 220S and how solid and timeless it felt. It feels like its carved out of one solid piece of steel. Just an incredibly overengineered piece of equipment built to last a lifetime.

[damacman]

Yep. The MC2200 was the first SS McIntosh amp that I ever owned. It replaced a Carver m500t that I was using with an MX110 and MC240 in a biamp setup. The Mc was better in every way I was 21 at the time and my romance with McIntosh continues to this day.

[Cohibaman]

Originally Posted by damacman

Yep. The MC2200 was the first SS McIntosh amp that I ever owned. It replaced a Carver m500t that I was using with an MX110 and MC240 in a biamp setup. The Mc was better in every way I was 21 at the time and my romance with McIntosh continues to this day.

[Tranquil]

I must admit the Mc2200 is one of my favorite vintage amps. I had one in 2009 sold it and missed the amp. I found one locally earlier this year in the walnut cabinet and couldn't resist. Eventually I might get another and run them in bridged mono to drive a pair of jbl 2245 woofers.