McIntosh MC2301 Power Amp Review

[JWJW]

Originally Posted by Masterlu

Here is a pick of my 2301's being installed, the tubes are easily visible in normal lighting.

You know you have a SERIOUS system when you have an in-house lift cart! Wow..... Have you ever considered installing an overhead crane?

[Weirdcuba]

Wow - I just found this thread. I'm about 40 hours into a new set of 2301s (as of November 2014). I thought I'd read every review and every thread and every everything on the 2301s before I laid down that large chunk of change, and then I found this after the fact!

The best news is that it's all, all true. I absolutely love the amp and can't imagine anything better. I also agree with Dan that I don't care for having the computer hooked to the system and bought the Bryston BDP-2 to avoid just that (there was discussion of that about halfway through this thread).

Thanks Dan for the write up - it would have reduced my anxiety before writing the check, but I somehow got the courage and ended in the same place.

Great write up - even two years later.

[jdandy]

Weirdcuba.......Welcome to Audio Aficionado. .

Glad you had the opportunity to read the MC2301 review. I still enjoy the amplifiers in my studio system and love them more than ever. Nothing but pure music flows from these beauties.

Congratulations on your new MC2301's.

[Higgens]

There are perhaps only a handful of audio products that are universally loved. One of them is the MC2301.

[jdandy]

Originally Posted by gmahon

There are perhaps only a handful of audio products that are universally loved. One of them is the MC2301.

Gary.......I couldn't agree more. I don't think I have ever seen a disparaging report of the MC2301's performance.

My MC2301's now have close to 1100 hours on them and continue to mesmerize me at every opportunity I have to listen. Since my original review was written in January of 2012 I have only made one component change to the studio system. I replaced the McIntosh MCD1100 with the Esoteric K-03. I also replace some of my absortion panels with Vicoustic Wavewood panels and added the Wyred 4 Sound Remedy to the digital output of my Sonos Connect. Other than that, there have been no changes to the studio system. There was a definite performance improvement when the K-03 was added. The performance bar was elevated and the entire sound system was able to accurately deliver the enhanced resolution the K-03 delivered.

The McIntosh MC2301 power amplifiers are rare gems. Their magical touch to the audio signals that pass through them still represent the panicle of tube reproduction in my opinion. It is highly unlikely that I will ever part with the MC2301's. These two astonishing tube power amplifiers have captured my soul.

[Markd51]

Total drool Dan, no kidding.

Ahh, yet another option, 2301's. They no doubt do what solid state cannot.

[Golucid]

@jdandy. I dig your room, thanks for sharing the photos. I bought a few of the 2301s and find them jaw dropping to look at, turn-on and listen too. There's no other word I can better describe than 'wow'.

Curious, where did you locate the kewl McIntosh swag and stands. Again, dig your room - sweet!

Sent from my iPhone using A.Aficionado

[jdandy]

Originally Posted by Golucid

@jdandy. I dig your room, thanks for sharing the photos. I bought a few of the 2301s and find them jaw dropping to look at, turn-on and listen too. There's no other word I can better describe than 'wow'.

Curious, where did you locate the kewl McIntosh swag and stands. Again, dig your room - sweet!

David.......The McIntosh lighted sign is one of the last of a quantity of lighted signs that Ivan and I once manufactured and sold about four years ago. We sold all that we made and I kept two, one for the studio system and one on top of a display case in my dining room. Makes a great night light.

I made the amplifier stands and installed the McIntosh hardware on the front. They were originally the logo signs from the chassis for a pair of MC100 amplifiers. I trimmed off the "100" and used the McIntosh part on the stands. I got the idea from Vintage Pete who has three stands with the McIntosh logo on the front that he uses under the MC501 amps.

[Golucid]

Originally Posted by jdandy

Golucid.......The McIntosh lighted sign is one of the last of a quantity of lighted signs that Ivan and I once manufactured and sold about four years ago. We sold all that we made and I kept two, one for the studio system and one on top of a display case in my dining room. Makes a great night light. I made the amplifier stands and installed the McIntosh hardware on the front. They were originally the logo signs from the chassis for a pair of MC100 amplifiers. I trimmed off the "100" and used the McIntosh part on the stands. I got the idea from Vintage Pete who has three stands with the McIntosh logo on the front that he uses under the MC501 amps.

Wow... you are like Starman. You rock!

[Fran79]

Dear Dan,

I would like to thank you for your article of MC2301...I have been of of the Italian lucky guys that have a pair of them driven by my C500C+T.

My speakers are Tannoy Kens but nowadays I am looking for new speakers: the choice will be Elac, Vivid , Sonus Faber of German Physiks

Thank you again
Francesco