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Building a System around old McIntosh Components

A friend of mine has a McIntosh 2100 solid-state amplifier (100 wpc, very heavy) and an MR-65 tuner. He's wanting help building a system around it. The room configuration is pretty much set. The speakers face the couch and back up against a large plate glass window (nice view). I would say the speakers shouldn't be rear ported, nor should they be too high to block the view (e.g. around 30"). He can move them forward for more serious listening... then the situation becomes more near field.

So I'm thinking a tube preamp (<1000 used) like a Quicksilver, Eastern Electric, or??? For speakers, any suggestion on what would mate well with this amplifier? I really like Totem and Spendor, and they could be either monitors or floor standing (<1500 used). CDP will be bought new (Music Hall or Rega Apollo?).

Also - those who know this McIntosh gear... do you think the amp should be serviced to replace caps or do you think it should still be fine. I imagine the tuner definitely needs to be serviced. Who does McIntosh repair well?

Thanks for ideas. Peter
peter_s

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theo's avatar
theo
2,659 posts
 
I think if you are going to do any McIntosh repair or refurbashing there are tow choices that I would consider.
FIRST: McIntosh Labs SECOND: Audio Classics. I would try Mc-Labs first. They will do the most thorough checkout and return the peice to original spec. Be prepared to wait though as everything is as mentioned a very thorough checkout. Audio Classics are all old Mc people and can do a near equivalant job. But I think that Mc will actually re-ship in new box as well. They always have my stuff.
They are great people to work with and love their gear as much as we do.
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