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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 2 responses by peter_s

peter_s OP
1,348 posts
 
Another preamp I'm thinking about is the VTL 2.5. I really like the McIntosh 2200, I've heard it before, but I think it's too pricey.
peter_s OP
1,348 posts
 
Thanks Arthur. How does the rebuild requirement from a SS amp like the 2100 differ from a tube one like the 240? Given the shipping costs, is it easier to just have it done here in Seattle than shipping it halfway across the country?

Is the tuner really worth rebuilding? I saw in TAS that a company buys them used in the low $200 range and sells them in the upper $200 range. The cost of shipping and rebuilding could be more than the cost of the tuner. Again, maybe it's best to go local in Seattle?

Thanks for the speaker recommendations. All the Best, Peter
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