2. amps-preamps
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McIntosh amp opinions?

Hello all, I currently have an old McIntosh MC2205.
The rest of my 2ch system is a Rega CD player, VTL 2.5 pre amp and Martin Logan Aeon speakers. My amp needs to go in for service as it now has unequal levels on each ch. I am asking opinions regarding this amp with my system as I have never had another amp with it. Is this amp (considering comparably priced and power) a good match? Or would I really improve things to upgrade either a different Mac or perhaps a VTL type tube amp? I listen to mostly HI-FI recording of rock and jazz at low volumes.

One interesting note, I recently upgraded cables from mid-line Transparent to Cardas Gold Reference and it was like I had a whole new system. Much better bass response, defiantly noticeable.

Thank you for you suggestions
vdosc

Showing 3 responses by vdosc

vdosc OP
51 posts
 
Thanks, are the cap upgrades after market or do you just mean new ones? And do you know of any upgrades to the speaker binding post that would allow them to accept larger lug speaker cables?
vdosc OP
51 posts
 
Hello all and thank you for the responses, The amp is indeed a MC2205 solid state. I have pics on my system profile.
The Cardas cable change was one set of RCA interconnect. From CD to pre-amp. I had previously used a complete set of Transparent (mid-level) cables all around including speaker. I noticed an immediate extension is bass response that I had never hear before, but ironically some dullness in the top end. That was with using a combination of the two brands. The best results believe it or not were to eliminate the transparent cables and use just the Cardas with some cheap cables connecting the pre to amp. The all transparent cables sounded great mind you but the mix of the two was not good and in the end much better with the Cardas. I will be looking to ad more cardas next.
vdosc OP
51 posts
 
Also....the amp has as stock a zip cord sized power cable and speaker binding post that are very small. I would like to keep the amp and improve these two areas as well as any internal upgrades. Has anyone ever done this before?
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