A triad of McIntosh Tube Magic

[80B]

Tom,
Thanks for the writeup. Reviews like this that compare and contrast components are quite valuable for any of us considering one other the other. That 2102 is a beautiful amp -the tube window gets an A+ for cool factor.

[W9TR]

Thanks all, I'm gratified that everyone enjoyed the review. More improtantly, for those who have owned these amps, I'm glad I was able to capture their unique personalities in words.

It's a high class problem, to have to choose betweeen any of these fine amplifiers!

Glenn,
It's great to hear your experience was similar to mine. I never compared the MC2102 and MC275V directly, so there is certainly a flaw in my methodology. Perhaps the characteristics of the MC2102 may have faded with time. I do remember it was very sensitive to the drivers, the 12AT7's, and that they made the biggest difference in sound quality.

JBT,
You bet there is magic in mono bridged MC2102's. I'm suprised more people don't go this route. They are about 1/2 the price of MC2301's and sound very similar. I didn't compare them in the review, but if you love MC2102's bridged as monoblocs, you'll really love MC2301's. With MC2301's you get the same uber-clean and uber-dynamic presentation with a little more bass slam and a much quieter background.

I'd love to try out a pair of MC75's - I understand they are voiced like the MC2301's, which would make them very cool indeed.

Tom

[Ron-C]

Actually MC2000 was the first amp with the tube window design for McIntosh. Everything that was learned on MC2301 and MC75 60th has been applied to the new MC275 LE. If modern and more extended and controlled on the bottom are goals the Limited Edition will be the best MC275.

Thanks,

[kfr01]

Tom: Wonderful write-up! I love it.

[JBT]

Originally Posted by Ron-C

Actually MC2000 was the first amp with the tube window design for McIntosh. Everything that was learned on MC2301 and MC75 60th has been applied to the new MC275 LE. If modern and more extended and controlled on the bottom are goals the Limited Edition will be the best MC275.

Thanks,

I stand corrected. The MC 2000 came out a year before the MC2102

Both designed by Sidney Corderman

McIntosh MC2102 power amplifier | Stereophile.com

[2KWbelgium]

Now that's a truly informative write-up! Great stuff. I've always found the MC2102 somewhat less appealing. But that's probably more due to it's looks and the fact that the MC2301 is just perfect for bigger speakers, while the MC275 seams like the right choice for a cosy, more compact set. Unfortunately, I've never heard the MC2102 in bridged mode.

Cheers.

[FashionBoy]

Wonderful post! Can't wait to receive my first MC275... even more anxious for it to arrive after your reviews.

[Masterlu]

2KWbelgium... Welcome!

[GaryProtein]

A superbly written review, and I especially agree with what you said here:

Originally Posted by W9TR

. . . . Is there a downside? Well, these amps highlight poor recordings. If the recording is strident or sibilant, these amps will reproduce the good with the bad. But that’s where the MC275V comes in – it makes even harsh recordings sound better. I was going to use it in a second system....now I'm not so sure. It may have earned a spot in the main system as an alternate to the 2301's. . . .

When I assembled my present system, I fully realized that very high end audio comes with a horrible curse, and the higher the high end, the bigger the curse.

Having the expectation of being blown away by the sound of music, and making you feel like the performers were either in your living room or you were in the concert hall, you discover how terrible so many recordings really are-especially, but not limited to popular music.

Having said that, there are recordings that sound better in my car than my home system.

[Dj_AmTraX]

Whoa! How did I missed this thread. Very nice write-up on the amps. The pictures are awesome too. Those three amps are keepers fo sho.