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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

Showing 1 response by bretldwigd630

bretldwigd630
1 posts
 
In considering a preamp the first question should always be, "Do I need a preamp"? The answer, if you are not a turntable user, is often no. McIntosh has recognized this with the release of their latest optical player, which has a (usable, quality) volume control and an output of high enough level and low impedance so as to drive most any power amp. If the power amp has good sensitivity and a high impedance input most any CD player or tuner will do well in driving the unit directly, however.

If you listen to CDs only, vis-a-vis DVD-A or SACD, the purchase of a good DAC with a low impedance output and a voume control is a most advisable move. The Benchmark DAC has set the bar, it is cost-effective and sounds superior to ones costing 4-6 times as much.
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