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McIntosh MC-2300 amplifier or... ?

Hello,

I tried searching on the web for info on this, but apart from some specifications I didn't find much in the way of listening experiences.

Please be gentle.

I'm looking to "upgrade" more for the sake of trying new things than a necessity. I currently have an Integra DTR 6.5 (2005? 2006?) that does a decent job for my home theatre and when run in Pure Audio mode (switches off all video processing) does a decent job for stereo music.

I have often heard that having a dedicated amp, especially for stereo really opens up the soundstage and in general you get better clarity of music etc. I would use the pre-out on the Integra for the Left and Right channels to connect to the stereo amp whatever one I end up with.

My budget is no more than $1000. Used or new.

That said, there's someone local selling a McIntosh MC-2300 for around $1000. I know they were made between 1970 and 1980. Would this be a good way to dip my feet into a stereo amplifier? Would this be a downgrade from the Integra considering the age?

Would it by wiser for me to spend the grand instead on a new amp by Emotiva or Outlaw or something similar?

Any input is welcome. If you think it is silly to go with MC-2300, I would like you to tell me so I don't waste $1000.
maritan
maritan OP
7 posts
 
Hifitime - Thank you for a very detailed response. The original buyer never responded even after me contacting them a couple times. If he's not interested in making money, whatever.

Do you recommend any tube amps for my specific case then - music and double duty as front left and right home theatre speakers? I might be able to swing up to $1500 if absolutely need be.
hifitime
715 posts
 
Maritan, If you went to tube amps, it would be best for two channel music only. They wouldn't match very well with solid state, in a home theater system. And, an all tube theater system costs a fortune. You would need all the speakers to be tube powered. Also, tube amps like efficient speakers in general. Speakers that run around 8 ohms, and fairly efficient, meaning they don't need that much power to play loud enough.

Some people switch between a tube amp for the front two main speakers, and then switch back to the solid state for home theater. That gets to be a pain though, and risky. A tube amp needs a speaker load on it whenever it's on. So if you accidently switch a tube amp on, with no speakers, there a risk of ruining the output transformers. That gets costly.

I'm guessing there must be solid state amps out there that would do better. A lot depends on your speakers, and other gear too. If your speakers are good at revealing things, a better amp may work. The Integra's preamp section may limit it some too. Also, if your speakers like a lot of power, or are 4 ohms, an outboard amp may make a difference for that reason. A lot depends on your gear you have, and what your looking for.
tonyk54's avatar
tonyk54
1 posts
 
I have had MC2300s over the last 12 years and I can say with confidence that I learn more and more about these amplifiers as time goes by.It is one of the best amplifiers that Mcintosh had ever built. The ones that come into my possession have always been thoroughly refreshed by the legendary Syd Beaumont of Ideal Innovations in Woodstock, Ontario. Newer and better power transistors - re-built driver boards - Better Power Caps - Every circuit checked and newer/better parts installed, including resistors, connectors and the use of shielded wiring where necessary - too many to list. One unit took me about 2 years - but well worth the money and time. they would be good for another 40 years. I have 2 units now and they are simply amazing. I use them with C20 preamps and a series of different JBLs - stunning.
archguy's avatar
archguy
45 posts
 
Newer and better power transistors - re-built driver boards - Better Power Caps - Every circuit checked and newer/better parts installed, including resistors, connectors and the use of shielded wiring where necessary

Granted this thread is a bit old but I wonder how one sources 'rebuilt driver boards' -- does one buy them or craft them? And if so, how?  I've got my eye on an MC2300 but so many of them have been butchered over the years that I'm really wary.  I guess one would have to take it apart and inspect every detail before buying, which is impractical among other things.
archguy's avatar
archguy
45 posts
 
I guess McIntosh can provide the boards?  Since they are so legendary in their support of legacy equipment.  But then they wouldn't be 'rebuilt' would they...
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