#1
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MC 3500 Mark II
No one’s discussing the new beast from New York State?
It’s on their website. Is this replacing the 2301? It does not seem to be quad balanced but is unity coupled. Mc claims it’s balanced but is that only the input or is the output also balanced? I’m surprised they didn’t call it the “Jerry Garcia “ and set an insane price. Well it is $15K. Okay. Mike S. |
#2
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I am sure it is a nice amp if you want tubes but you need two of them. One cost as much as both of my 611's.
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My System: Amp-McIntosh MC611(2) :Pre-McIntosh C2700, MP1100 :CD/SACD-McIntosh MCD600 :Speakers-McIntosh XR100 :Power Controller-McIntosh MPC1500 :Turntable-VPI HW40 Ortofon Cadenza Black :Cables-Morrow PH5,MA5 and Elite Speaker Cables :Headphones-McIntosh MPH1000 :Record Cleaner Klaudio KD-CLN-LP200T Thanks, Bill |
#3
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I’ve been thinking about upgrading to some 2301s for a bit. I would be interested in listening to these now to compare, although I prefer the style of the 2301 much more.
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Wilson Sasha’s/McIntosh C1100/McIntosh MC2301/McIntosh MT10/McIntosh D1100 |
#4
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+1. That said, it would be interesting to hear a pair of both in a comparison. With different tubes but a similar output level (300 vs. 350 WPC) I'm kind of curious. Maybe something for someone with a really strong back!
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Sources: Vinyl: Clearaudio Innovation Wood turntable with 9" Universal tonearm, Da Vinci V2 cartridge, Stillpoints SS & Stillpoints clamp, McIntosh MVP 901, Apple Mac mini via Benchmark DAC 1, Aurender N100C via Schiit Yggdrasil Control: McIntosh C1100, Mcintosh MX151 Power: Mcintosh MC2301s (front), McIntosh MC501 (center), Mcintosh MC402 (rear) Speakers: Sonus Faber Amati Futura (front and back), SF Vox center Power/connections: PS Audio Power Port receptacles, RGPC 400 pro (2) WireWorld interconnects and speaker cable |
#5
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Quote:
If I were interested in a tube amp, it would be the one I would buy. It appears that Mac put a tremendous effort into this design because of the history behind this amp. I believe, like the 2301, it will be in production for a very long time. I envy in a good way whoever buys one. Best Charles |
#6
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The specs are great as stated. But, I wonder how much an influence that the quad coupled former circuits of the 2301 have on its sound qualities verse the lack of quad circuits in the newer 3500. 50 watts more to me are meaningless with my 101db efficient speakers…however, that does not dissuade me from lusting for any new tubed McIntosh amplifier,
It would be hard to do an A/B shoot out in the house, they are even heavier than the 2301 by a few pounds. |
#7
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It's an interesting intro for sure. I really like the fact they eliminated the fan. Hate fans.
50 wpc more output than the 2301 but more dynamic headroom so more powerful. Not quad balanced. Uses tubes from only one supplier JJ, and a problematic supplier at that. So that's a negative compared to KT-88's available from multiple suppliers. The proof's in the listening, it will be fun to compare.
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Main System: Amati Futura Mains Amati Homage VOX Center, Proac Response 1sc Rears, Three MC2301's for L,C,R MC 602 for the rears C 1100, MX 151, MCD 1100, MR 80 Nottingham Dais with Wave Mechanic Sumiko Palo Santos Presentation SurfacePro 3, RPi 4, ROON, WW Starlight Platinum USB, Schiit Yggdrasil, Benchmark DAC3 HGC MX 151, OppO BDP-95, JVC RS-500 DILA projector, 106" diagonal Stewart Luxus Screenwall Deluxe with Studiotek 130 G3 material. Lake House: Ohm F, MC 275V, C2300, MR 77, Rega P3 OnDeck: McIntosh MAC 4300v |
#8
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I believe 50 tube watts is quite important. Taken along with twice the dynamic headroom this is extremely impressive power and current. As far as the availability of replacement tubes, I would be extremely surprised if Mac has not procured an adequate supply for the future. These output tubes are extremely high current and very special. Experimentation with other brands of tubes would not be an option. I like this feature very much.
I think my XVX would do quite well with this amp. But I really like the 1.25 KW's. I would run the 3500's off the 4 ohm tap. In 1969 there were no reliable SS amps. The original 3500 stood up rock solid and made McIntosh a legend. I don't like tubes because I don't believe them reliable and I'm not into tube rolling. However, with these amps tube rolling is not an option. These amps will be extremely reliable and rugged in the tradition of the original 3500's. While not everyone's cup of tea they would be mine. Best Charles Last edited by Charles; 11-05-2021 at 05:28 PM. |
#9
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#10
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Quote:
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McIntosh Labs |
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