2. amps-preamps
  3. 130893-102001

Inherited 21 piece of vintage McIntosh and need help building a system

Hello.  I was fortunate enough to inherit a huge collection of mac stuff from my uncle, but although an audiophile, I'm out of my element with vintage stuff.  Here is a list of what I have to work with:

C28 preamp

two C20, stereo tube preamp

two C8's mono tube preamp

MC2002, Solid state amp

MC2200, Solid state amp

MR67, FM Stereo Tube Tuner

MR 71, FM Stereo Tube Tuner

MR74, tuner

MX 112, tuner preamp

1700 tuner

1900 tuner

MA5100, integrated amp

two MC 60's, tube amp

MC 240, 40WPC amp

MC 250, 50WPC amp

Sansui 500A

Dynaco SCA-35

HK A220

 

Linn axis turn table

Technics SL-1950 turntable

Mac XL10 speakers

Utah A70-A speakers


Any suggestions on what the best pairing would be out of these?  I can't use all of it so some will be posted once I get a system built.

Thanks for the help,

Brent



128x128brenthardy

Showing 5 responses by erik_squires

erik_squires
15,647 posts
 
If I were going to make a single system out of that gear I probably would keep the integrated and get a horn loaded system, either vintage JBL or Klipsch or Altec Lansing. :)

That would make a really great sounding combination, and discussion pieces as well.


erik_squires
15,647 posts
 
I kind of agree with Elrod. You have to REALLY like this gear to keep it. Requires care and feeding due to age.

That's why I was suggesting to stick with the integrated, and a tuner or streamer, and sell everything else, where it will go to some one who really DOES want it.

Also, your own tastes may get really excited by something more modern, or more home theater friendly.
erik_squires
15,647 posts
 
Make no mistake! That is a fabulous bit of kit. :)

I just think the speakers may be the one thing to start upgrading, and then decide what you want to keep. That's a full stereo store's worth of gear.

Best,


E
erik_squires
15,647 posts
 
I should also mention, speakers are the first to go. Surrounds rot or break, crossover caps get too old. Unless you are absolutely in love with any of them, I would sell them first, get speakers you really like, then see what electronics you want to keep, and can live with.

For all these components, anything you keep you should consider getting recapped. Electrolytic caps dry up and break down after 20-30 years.

Best,

E
erik_squires
15,647 posts
 
Maybe start with the speakers?

Then you can listen for yourself, and see how much cabling and other issues you are willing to live with. :)

For instance,  you could make a really nice system with the integrated amp alone, a nice music streamer and turntable.

Do you like records or FM? I personally am 100% digital, with streaming from Tidal and ripped CD's my sources.

What you sell you can convert into new speakers, streamers, TV.

Best,


E
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