Send the preamp to Audio Classics in Vestal, NY. They are experts in McIntosh repairs!
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Thanks for the responses. I plugged the MX114 in and one of the internal pieces started to smoke. I'm not sure what you mean by "sources" but I work in Pittsburgh. As far as commitment, I'm committed to using the working pieces, but I'm afraid it's going to cost too much to get the 114 fixed. So, I would replace it with a less elite pre-amp if it wouldn't detract from the other components. Does that make any sense? |
Audio Classics is a go to place for Mac repairs. I would not send this older piece to Mac as they will most likely sub out the work to Audio Classics (they are a short drive from each other). If you don’t want to go the repair route, most likely Audio Classics will give you some money for the unit as is. |
I asked about the sources ( cd player, streamer, turntable, etc. ) because many sources produce enough voltage output, to drive the power amp to full power ( not that you will drive it to full power output, and a turntable would need the gain of a phono stage ). In other words, you do not need the additional gain of a preamp, except with the phono. The 2125 has input level controls ( volume adjustment ), so maybe, just a switcher is needed ( similar to having a passive preamp ). Besides, the Khorns require so little power, this would be a good way to go. Do you have another system to combine the two ? |
If you are in Pittsburgh go see these guys. http://galaxieelectronics.com/ It is your responsibility to have the amp repaired. It is a family heirloom. If you are not an audiophile please sell the equipment to someone who will appreciate it. |
Hi Hoopie The smoke you saw, and maybe heard a fizzy sound, was a capacitor burning out. Easy fix! Not $800.00 (unless you want it to be) Find an shop that does repairs. They can replace the capacitor for less than $200. They should be able to replace all of the caps for less than $400. My electronics repair shop replaces all caps on a amplifier for $350. These aren’t the super high end caps but they sound fantastic. They work with Macs on a regular basis! You should easily be able to find somebody in New York that can work on a Mac. Bent |
michaellent: thanks, I think the switcher is the answer for now. It’s good to know the problem and potential cost to fix. I really appreciate your input. fasteddie: You expressed my dilemma perfectly. I’m not an audiophile, but I have heirloom audiophile equipment. It just feels wrong to sell it. And that’s why I found this group and posted my question. Thank you. |
No it makes No sence a fixed Mcintosh preamp is much better quality then any piece of junk for $750 please remember when you buy anything new roughly 25% or less actually goes into the item the rest a R&D overhead and markup. that piece you have would sell for $3-4K new it may cost $5-600 to fix send it in and get a written estimate . In the mean time with Khorns you can run any thing on them while you are waiting they are very efficient. I was at a demonstration where a Paul Klipsch hooked up a 9 v pocket radio up to a K horn around 1980 and was very loud at maybe 1 watt.grest Classic a Loudspeaker. |
We are not really answering your question, what decently priced preamp would be a good choice? I don't know. That is to keep the McIntosh amp and Klipsch Speakers. Putting aside sentimentality (I still use the equipment I inherited from my wealthy uncle) I would first question that decision. If not an audiophile, or, even if you were, who says that is the equipment you would choose, which means, keep it for sentimental reasons, or move it along. Klipsch Cornerhorns? What model? They are quite large and might not fit your listening space. Because they are highly efficient, the amp will not need to do much, so the idea of a 'switcher' then direct to the amp could work, but, consider volume. I use a Chase Remote Line Controller, love it, it has remote volume, input switching, and, a feature I truly like, remote balance. A small tweak to the balance of some tracks makes a large difference I found. here is new in box, $50. https://www.ebay.com/itm/wireless-adapter-Remote-Line-Controller-New-NIB-CHASE-RLC-1E/372651830886?hash=item56c3c7ae66:g:lDAAAOSwnXhcspCn Then, get familiar with the amp and speakers, (they might need some work too), and decide, fix the pre-amp, keep for future options, sell as is. |
Well, it is an older model not actually known for being that great. Get a repair estimate and then make a decision would be my advice. You might be able to purchase a new item that is much improved for close to the price of repair. You may also wish to use a different brand, but that is up to your personal room and ears. Cheers! |
Everyone knows "someone special" to fix your McIntosh MX 114. So? I do, too. He has a video series which runs to the hundreds of videos... and can fix ANYTHING. His name is Paul Carlson, of Mr. Carlson's Lab on YouTube. He will do WHATEVER needs to be done and owns more test equipment than some laboratories, much of which he has buffed. Listen to him, he knows all, but his usual money stream is fixing switching mode power supplies for CNC machines. His contact info is on his site. From the US (as he is in British Columbia), call 206 259-9312 from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm AT HIS LOCATION in Canada. |
If you choose not to get it fixed. This is an alternative. https://www.schiit.com/products/saga-2?gclid=Cj0KCQjwz8bsBRC6ARIsAEyNnvqllaIsuLvQd6vC9HJQ7IwdvF_3v0WJXXWKUVx4PNYqMhNHcDVJS-oaAm6HEALw_wcB |
The MX-114 is a nice preamp/tuner. It has the period traditional Mac sound and can be very pleasing to listen too. I have a marantz 7c, a 7T, and 24 which is a preamp/tuner and a very early 1030 integrated with preamp outs (I only use it as a preamp). The 7c is about 4500 used, the 1030 is about 450 used. The sound from both is nearly indistinguishable, sooo why not look for something like an old 1030 for basic preamp duties? It’s cheap and sounds way better than it has a right too? It would mate well with your Mac amp. Truthfully though, I doubt it would cost more than a few hundred to have your MX-114 repaired. It’s certainly worth it. |
