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Anyone compare Mcintosh MC2102 to new Mcintosh SS?

I have a Mcintosh MC2102 amp and with no AC here in the Bay area this summer has been brutal with the tube amp running. It's caused me to consider a Mcintosh SS amp, but I'd like to solicit other's opinions on how the Mcintosh SS and tube amps compare, from the recent vintages. I love the MC 2102; can I also love an SS amp? I have the tubed C2200 preamp plus a tubed Audio Note DAC. My speakers are fairly efficient. Any thoughts? Thanks.
budrew
4 responses Add your response
budrew OP
467 posts
 
Sounds like it's a tradeoff with no losers. My system runs for hours on end too and the "little heater" causes me some grief, but I just love it too much, especially with acoustic instruments. It sounds so darn natural. Fall's here anyway so i can put this decision off. When the kids come the answer may be more obvious. I'm glad Mcintosh is back on top and doing good work!
valleyplastic
149 posts
 
Your 2102 is one of the best in my book. I settled for the 352 The "402 & 602" was just out of my budget at the time. I did go with the C2200. I get that SS hard drive from the amp and the sweet, warm, sound from the pre. Both run cool, and they are driven a minimum of 3 hours every evening.
Dave
P.S. I have since thrown the budget out the window and my next up grade will be the Mac: mono blocks.
lfb44
28 posts
 
I used a mac 352 with my speakers (Magnepan 3.6) before switching to a 2102. Is the 2102 audibly better in my system? Yes. Is it _miles_ better? No. Does the 2102 run hotter? Much.

Have fun.

Skip
jrd351
332 posts
 
the mac 402 and 602 match nicely with the 2200 pre and although each is a tad less warm, they more than make up for it with more bass control and detail. the 2102 is one of the best tube amps ever made, but i finally settled on the 602 to use every day and it operates cool.
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