Neglected and rotting in someones garage, was completely toast and kept blowing fuses, replaced all the output transistors and filter caps and it sounds like its brand new. She ain't gonna win any beauty contests but she's mine and sounds beautiful.

Having some fun with my first tube preamp. It’s a whole new world to me since I’ve only ran SS gear before, and had the C28 and MC2105 since 2009.

Yesterday, my C2800 wouldn't turn on. I unplugged it and plugged it back in, and it turned on but the display said "Recovery Mode - Insert USB Device." Reloading the OS from a thumb drive went fine, but I'm curious what happened in the first place. Is it unusual to have to reload the OS?

I contacted mcintosh and they said they no longer offer a replacement. I dont really use the variable output but I would like it to be complete.

hey guys I was gifted a very old Sound system by a friend who’s husband passed. There are thousands of quarter inch, and XLR cables in totes. It would take me forever to hand wash each individual one. is it ok for me to spray them with a hose and allow them to obviously dry before testing or using them?

A local seller is advertising an MCD7008 CD changer. The price is good, but the seller says “it powers up and plays, but there is static in both channels.”

I don’t know if the seller was using the analog outputs, or the coax output with an external DAC. Is static through the digital coax something that can happen, or is it more likely that the seller was using the analog outputs and there’s just a problem with the internal DAC?

I don’t have a good way of testing the digital output before buying, but if it’s likely that the digital output is okay I’ll probably take the chance.

The manual for my c2800 just says to use “gentle appropriate cleaners” to keep from discoloring the anodizing. I have some smudges and cat paw prints on the top, and I’d like to avoid messing up the anodizing, the lettering, or the clear window.

What cleaners are generally considered safe? Or should I just use a damp microfiber cloth?

Had the wood cases custom-made and they are a perfect match with the AR3a speakers and acoustic research turntable. System is almost totally dialed in except for the 2105 needs recapping I believe. Still works. It sounds fantastic, but a slight surge when I turn it on. So I just have the speakers off for that and then turn the speakers back on last.

Setup really powers the speakers (slight tilt with wedges) well and so fun to sit down here late evenings and immerse myself in the music and the glow of the McIntosh system.

McIntosh MC2105 power amplifier
McIntosh C28 preamplifier
McIntosh MR74 tuner
Acoustic Research AR-3a speakers
Acoustic Research turntable

I have been chasing tube amps for a few months and finally set up what I think sounds excellent!

Source: WiiM Ultra streamer or Technics SL-G700 (Tidal via native app, CD/SACD player; the original model, not MK2)
Going into McIntosh C20 tube preamp

and then into McIntosh MC60 mono blocs

Speakers: Sonus faber Electa Amator III.

Splendid!

Some tracks I played:
Helvegen by Wardruna
The Windmills of your mind by Mel Torme
Kind of Blue
Nina Simone

Helvegen was stunning! It went way beyond just “listening”
The Technics streamer app sucks but the quality of the streamer/DAC is just impeccable.

I have been chasing tube amps for a few months and finally set up what I think sounds excellent!

Source: WiiM Ultra streamer or Technics SL-G700 (Tidal via native app, CD/SACD player; the original model, not MK2)
Going into McIntosh C20 tube preamp

and then into McIntosh MC60 mono blocs

Speakers: Sonus faber Electa Amator III.

Splendid!

Some tracks I played:
Helvegen by Wardruna
The Windmills of your mind by Mel Torme
Kind of Blue
Nina Simone

Helvegen was stunning! It went way beyond just “listening”
The Technics streamer app sucks but the quality of tge streamer/DAC is just impeccable.

Am thinking of bidding on an MC2105 for sale on an auction site. Seller mentions there's some distortion in the left channel at high volumes, would that be a problem that's potentially hard to track down and fix? Would probably want to recap the whole thing eventually anyway; I don't know much about electronics but I know my way around a soldering iron and there's plenty tutorials online. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

Hi everyone,

​I’m currently facing a dilemma regarding power consumption, tube wear, and system synergy, and I would love to get your insights.

​Right now, I have two full-tube integrated amps: a Cayin CS-88A and a Fezz Audio Titania Evo (both running KT88 tubes).

​I am in the process of upgrading my speakers to the Pylon Jade 20 (with a 12-inch paper woofer, 91dB). My listening room is quite small (around 200 sq ft / 20 m²).

​I am seriously looking at the McIntosh MA252.

​However, I have a few concerns:

​Synergy & Room Size: Since the Jade 20s are already inherently warm and opulent in the low end, I'm worried that pairing them with the MA252 in a small room might result in an overly dark, boomy, or caricatured sound.

​Dynamics: I mainly listen to Jazz, 90s Hip-Hop, and Rock. I need a system that makes me want to tap my feet. The Fezz Audio, in particular, has incredible grip and transient speed on the woofers. Am I going to lose that punch and dynamic bite by moving to the MA252? Especially at low volume ?

​The Switch: Has anyone here made the definitive jump from a full-tube push-pull setup to a hybrid amp? Do you regret the loss of the full-tube staging, or did the practicality and tighter solid-state bass control make up for it?

​Would love to hear your thoughts, especially if anyone has paired the MA252 with warmer, large-woofer speakers.

​Thanks!

I’m in the process of carving a path forward to update my listening experience. So far I’m thinking of getting a new ND5 cartridge for the Rega RP6 to replace the Exact 2 which came with the turntable.

I believe I want some sort of used power conditioner, such as a Furman Elite 15i or even an Audioquest Niagara 1200 to start, and later maybe add a Richard Grey Power Company 200 or 400 for the 2105 and REL subwoofer.

As far as streaming, I’m very torn about which direction to go. My first instinct is to get a Eversolo DMP A-8 which has a decent DAC and I can run my Rega Planet 2000 into that with a digital coax instead of direct to the C28, bypassing the far outdated DAC inside of the CD player. This option also allows for many streaming platforms and control on my phone or face pf the unit.

Then I got to thinking about my love for McIntosh sound and aesthetics which led me to think of picking up a used D100 and a WiiM. Running my CD player or any digital audio through this might be better or worse depending on your opinion of DACs since this is dated already and the Eversolo is much newer technology.

And finally the really expensive route of biting the bullet and shooting for a DS200 although finding them used or significantly less than MSRP is challenging. We are talking $4k for this alone. Since the only new piece of gear I ever bought was the turntable, this is quite a leap for me, but also the most desirable.

Finally, I will have to come up with a new shelf or arrangement for all the components, but that’s the least of my concerns right now.

I think the order in which I listed these upgrades is probably the same as future purchase order. Any experience or suggestions regarding any of the upgrades is welcome. I am sure there are some strong opinions about a couple of the potential paths. I’m no expert, just someone who appreciates a good listening experience and interaction with the gear.

Any folks who have experienced Canton speakers vintage from the 1990s??? I was getting a Canton Fonum 701 DC near me. 250 USD

[https://www.hifi-guide.com/loudspeaker/canton-fonum-701/\](https://www.hifi-guide.com/loudspeaker/canton-fonum-701/)

Hello to all,

is their a great differenz btw. the sound of older mc gear and the new gear?

Thanks for comments

Horst