Is McIntosh The Best Deal In Vintage Hi-Fi Right Now?

In this week's video, Kevin lets you in on a little secret. With vintage Japanese stereo components from the 70s like Pioneer, Sansei, Yamaha, and Marantz fetching astronomical prices these days, Kevin goes over some surprising prices on vintage McIntosh gear.
McIntosh Laboratory is an American manufacturer of handcrafted high-end audio equipment headquartered in Binghamton, New York. The company was co-founded in 1949 by Frank H. McIntosh & Gordon Gow. McIntosh Labs designs and produces audio amplifiers, stereo tuners, loudspeakers, turntables, music streamers, processors, and various other audio products.
Although solid-state components are a large segment of the McIntosh line, audio enthusiasts most revere the warm sound of the company's tube amplifiers. Some of their tube amplifiers rank among the finest ever created for home audio and theater use.
Let us know in the comments if you have found any bargains in the McIntosh world. Enjoy!
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[@lionvillelion]

Discord link?

[@skylabsaudio]

discord.gg/nwsH3nUh

[@stevencoffeen6684]

A few years ago I had a problem with my Mac MR78 FM Tuner. I took it to a Mac dealer for repair and they sent it to Mac in New York. I was told that it would take some time, and that was acceptable to me, but not the amount of time that it took. I called Mac and they said they would look into the delay. They called back and said that they could not find my unit! But, I had all the paper work showing that they had, in fact, received it. It was now 6 months into the repair time! Alas they called and had found it, but they said that the face plate was cracked. They were sorry for the delay and would fix my unit. They did and when I received it I questioned that it was my unit as it looked and sounded better than I ever remembered it. I checked the serial number with my original receipt and it was my unit that I had purchased new. I called Mac to find out that they had ungraded my unit with all of the current levels, replaced the face place with new and a new analog meter, etc., etc. They then said that since it took so long there was no charge! Wow, how many other manufacturers would have done that?

[@GreggWalken-xd3qv]

In the late 70's early 80's McIntosh would have a service technician spend a week once a year at the dealer to test your equipment for distortions or any problems. Any repair, cleaning and certification were free. Believed McIntosh called it their clinic. Very generous. Btw the MR78 has the best looking lit face of any of their equipment esp viewed in a low lit room.

[@user-qb7nh2gq1b]

I bought a C28, MR 77 and an MC2105 new 50 years ago. I am still using them for over 50 years with zero problems. I have been an audiophile my whole adult life. The differences between Mac’s and other 70’s brands like Marantz, pioneer etc was far greater back then than today. Why anyone would pay thousands of dollars for vintage Japanese equipment from the 70’s is incomprehensible. My 50 year old MC2105 is still audiophile quality.

[@stevezeidman7224]

I’m 70 yrs old and finally bought Mac in 2020. I have 5 pieces of vintage McIntosh. Including MC2155, MC2002, C26, MX115. They are beautiful pieces and I love their sound. I didn’t pay full retail and I’ve seen what you’ve said. They are a bargain compared to Pioneer or Marantz.

[@JoseMTamez]

No man, Maç is the shit. They are overpriced, but to me they're worth every penny 😂 Maç just sounds better and the build quality is by far better than anything out there. I like that their focus is on separates and the tube amp is my best sounding amp. They were far ahead of everyone else but the tube amps coming out of China are really stepping up. I agree with all you said and a/b is highly recommended. Thanks! I forgot to mention that the problem with Mac receivers is there decoding. If you're looking for receiver for movies, the old vintage receiver won't have the latest Atmos or DTS X. Which is why I have a Marantz AV7702mk and Mac 50watt tube connected to a pair of Martin Logan's for music, and 2ch Marantz, 5ch Outlaw, and a 5ch Rotel RMB-1095 for Atmos DTS-X movies. Movies in DTS X are mind blowing. I'm a musician and every guitar player I've known will only play thru a tube amp. For music I only play DVD-Audio or Sony's SACD, and hi-rez Flac, AIFF, etc.

[@nocnymarek7645]

​@@JoseMTamez I am beginner in club. Which Mac amp could you recc9mend. I own HK990 now and looking for something with similar sound , punch and power.

[@JoseMTamez]

​@@nocnymarek7645 Hey, I'm far from being a member myself...lol That HK990 is a very cool integrated amp. As for asking me what I would recommend, that's a loaded question...lol I don't have near enough information. I'm no expert but I am a home theater fanatic who's been buying gear since early 80's. So I do know a little about vintage gear and there's a reason why Kevin has recommended the MC2105. It's still around and still holding up and still sounding great. I would go with the MC2105 because of its build quality and sound, but it's also a worthy investment at todays prices. eBay has a few but first, and again, if you can do the A/B sound test, as recommended here, I would highly recommend that. The bottom line and in the end it's always in the ear of the beholder. Keep in mind that when it comes to amps they all have their own distinct sound characteristic because of the amp design Class A, B, D, or A/B, and there are others, but what is an amp anyway? It combines power and the signal, which each class does diferently and outputs a unique sound. For example class A is higher fedility and class b is higher distortion. It's up to you to decide which one you like but I can tell you this, when it comes to buying a vintage 2 ch amp, the MC2105 will win every time, for digital not tube and for the record, I'm talking about an integrated amp for music and not home theater. The meters are not just an aesthetic (yeah, they still look so cool), they actually work and are there for a reason. The only meter that acurately provides a 98% accurate reading. Also, there's a reason the Mac2105 has been around for so long and still performing like new. The MC 2105 has many safeguards, like the MC proprietary Sentry Monitoring, and other built-in safegaurds. It doesn't have XLR but what do you expect for vintage. Also, as for your beefy HK990, I dont think it would pair well but you can use the MC2105 for music and the HK990 for home theater since it has bass management. At least that's what I would do but I am saying this without hearing either one, again. I hope this helps and if I'm wrong about anything I wrote, hopefully others can provide you with thier own recommendations. Come on people, chime in.

[@stevezeidman7224]

For pure power amps…MC2105, MC2100 (no meters cheaper), MC2155, MC2200 (cheaper) all have Autoformers. For an Integrated MA6200.

[@nocnymarek7645]

@@stevezeidman7224 Thanks a lot.

[@christopherkolbash]

I’m happy you covered McIntosh. My experience with ownership is it is not snooty at all. You call the office, they help you. Simple as that. The fact that they still support 40 and 50 year old gear is reason enough to seek them out. If you are going to sink money into vintage equip, it is nice to know you have the OEM behind your back.

[@johnnytoobad7785]

I always loved the "look & sound" of MAC equipment. I remember seeing (and hearing) the Grateful Dead's MAC-STACKS on their Wall-of-Sound setup in '73. Blew me away ! Today I rebuild and restore most of my home equipment. Someday I'll get a MAC amp to re-furb.

[@johnvincent4048]

In the early 80s when I was in high school all I could afford was a crappy toshiba boombox. I would get Mcintosh brochures in the mail and dream. Last year I bought my first Mcintosh piece. Everytime I use it, it brings back some of those memories.

[@robertdentel1775]

I went down the McIntosh rabbit hole and have no regrets. I know it’s expensive but I also believe you get what you pay for.

[@robertdentel1775]

I would compare McIntosh to Rolex. Timex watches keep excellent time for a very low price yet Rolex will always hold it’s value.

[@stevenmeyer9674]

@@robertdentel1775 Very apt analogy.

[@PulledPorkGarage]

I get it!

[@mrpbody44]

McIntosh sceptic when I was younger. As a musician doing sudio work in the 70's all the studios had McIntosh playback systems and that got my interest. I started seeing McIntosh 275 tube amps at yard sales for cheap and bought every piece of McIntosh gear that I saw. Getting them up and running I became a big fanboy. Quality build and great sound. I have McIntosh gear in every room of the house. The 4100 is a great McIntosh receiver and a great deal these days. There is and has been a lot of good support for McIntosh gear as you mentioned and that leads to brand loyalty. Recently got into the Japanese 70's gear as I was finding it cheap at thrift stores and yard sales. I just got a JVC R-X40 for $4 and Onkyo A7055 for $10 at a thrift store and after recapping pretty impressed with the sound. Fun hobby and don't be afraid to try new things.

[@shadowofpain8144]

I would tell you a nice sleeper jvc but I don't want word to get out.

[@petersplat6164]

Every audiophile on the internet has a garage full of stereo gear from garage sales. I'm lucky to find good socks.

[@swift7191]

@@petersplat6164 I have been to plenty of garage sales, never once saw any stereo equipment worth buying. I'd sell a kidney cheap to find a nice gently used piece of McIntosh equipment for cheap at one.

[@thechannel6363]

I grew up with my dad's MC 2505 and MX 114 in the 1970's. He eventually gave them to me a few years ago and I just spent a good amount of $$$ to get them up to snuff. They work perfectly now and I use them almost every day listening to all my records that I (thankfully) never got rid of!

[@mikeg2491]

I got a rejuvenated MC2505 off eBay last year, I’d be hard pressed to not know there is a tube inside, just a wonderful sound especially paired with a high end dac.

[@JoePalau]

I'm an unabashed McIntosh lover. I went to college in Binghamton in the 60s. I actually knew a guy who found a Mc amp in a barn and had it restored locally and the sound from a dream. The first home setup I heard was a Thorens table with an Ortophan cartridge and Mc separates driving KLH 12s their flagship speaker then. I died, went to heaven and haven't been back since. Now I'm in the market for an MA6200 to drive the KLH 5s. All I want is that listening experience again. I don't have big bucks for new Mc’s or top-end speakers. Doesn't matter. All I was is to hear Der Rosenkavilier on my retirement system and sit back and enjoy.

[@AndyBHome]

I became enamored with McIntosh when I was a little kid in the early '70s. I bought the entry level McIntosh amp, preamp, and tuner when I graduated from college. I knew from the time I was a late teenager that McIntosh probably isn't the best sounding equipment at it's prices, but it is always good and the build quality is unparalleled in regular production equipment. I still love all sorts of gear at all sorts of price levels, but never for a moment have I regretted buying and keeping my McIntosh pieces. They are pretty much always my favorite stereo equipment to use.

[@timhermann2226]

3 years ago I was searching for an Pioneer vintage receiver like my older brother had. I stumbled on a McIntosh Mac 4100 along with a pair of McIntosh XR-16 speakers for $1000. My younger brother has vintage Mac equipment, so I bought the 4100 and have aboslutely no regrets. Sounds great and is built like a tank

[@skylabsaudio]

Thanks, Tim. Eric warned me you might take offense =) I agree with you 100% on the build quality and sound that comes from inside the cabinet.

[@timhermann2226]

@@skylabsaudio no offense taken. I just feel I got really lucky before these things went up in price. It cost me more to get it recapped than I paid for it.

[@PulledPorkGarage]

the 4100 is a Dynaco/Philips design. And very repairable AND great sounding. That receiver saved McIntosh!

[@walterpen371]

Built like a tank was the advertisement for MARANTZ, back in the early to mid 70's.

[@richardmarshall6751]

Much better build quality than any mid-fi Japanese receiver; Pioneer, Marantz, Sansui, blah blah blah. These are all consumer quality, no military grade hardware. The switches and pots all get scratchy and worn out by now.

[@kkoller8952]

Kevin, I have to agree with you about McIntosh! I believe that one of the reasons vintage Pioneer, Sansui, and Marantz receivers command such high prices is their rarity and that those company are either no longer in business (Sansui) or not the same companies any more! With Pioneer being combined with Onkyo and not being manufactured by the original Pioneer company....and Marantz being combined with Denon and owned by a big corporation that actually makes medical equipment! While McIntosh still has the look, the sound, the build quality, and is built in the same factories in New York as its vintage predecessors! You can still get many direct replacement parts for your vintage Mac components from McIntosh. You can't say that about almost any other audio brand, including Marantz. Pioneer, and Sansui. Most people who knock McIntosh on the internet probably have never listened or never owned a piece of MAC gear!.... so their opinions are worthless! Now as for JVC I totally disagree with you Kevin.... JVC made more that just VHS video players. Fortunately I grew up in the 1970s and I can tell you from experience having listened to and owned JVC amps, receivers, turntables, and cassette decks they are every bit both in sound and build quality the equal of all the popular vintage brands! Get yourself a JA-71 integrated amps and marvel at its build quality. Remember JVC was at one time one of the big three Japanese electronic giants just behind Sony and Matsushita!

[@drsbranch-wn2vx]

Hey, nothing wrong with medical equipment. Somebody’s life likely depends on it.

[@PulledPorkGarage]

No it is easy-er to repair and maintain and more subtle then 60's 70's solid state Mac. That is why!

[@martysielinski306]

I with you on every word about these two stereo units. I purchased my two MC's in the 70s and they still work. I was pursuing stereo channels and you got me as a subscriber. Looking forward to more of your stereo gear information.

[@ricksteen935]

Dude, my 80+ year old uncle in CA sent me this link telling me that you’re in DesMoines. I’m in Cedar Rapids. You have my attention, the love of clean warm sound is like a nap after a satisfying meal. Thank you for being around!

[@wallacedavidg]

I enjoy your program and the reflection on vintage hi-fi. Just out of college in 1973 I went to work for the biggest hi-fi retailers in the Bay Area, Cal Hi Fi and Pacific Stereo. It was the coolest job on the planet. Listening to great music on the best gear available. The hi-fi sales person was like a god/guru to the buying public. I later worked nearly 20 years for Pioneer Electronics from 1980 to 1996. What a great life! I couldn't tell you how many Marantz 2270's, Pioneer SX727's, Sherwood 2100's and Garrard turntables I sold. I can tell you I still have and enjoy a killer sound system for audio and video. I'll stay tuned.

[@nikto34]

Liked the video front card. Love my C24 paired with my MC2105. Listen to them regularly and sound great.

[@RickBranson]

My first experience was when I got my first batterey powered transistor radio when I was working on a paper route. I spent hours with that radio up against my ear and riding my bicycle around town listening to the Beach Boys, Rolling Stones, and the Beatles. I never looked back. Still have my first Sansui 2000x that I brought home from Vietnam in 71. It will never be sold but will be handed down to my kids or grandkids who are willing to take care of it and take it to Skylabs for an occasional tune up!

[@markamen]

I live in Binghamton and recently toured the McIntosh factory. Impressive to say the least. The attention to detail and the number of individuals who are dedicated to building this equipment was impressive to see first hand. I recently purchased a McIntosh MCD7800 multi disk CD changer and could not be happier. We have a local dealer, Audio Classics, that sells and services both new and vintage McIntosh equipment. I could spend hours in their showroom looking at all of the vintage McIntosh they have for sale. My next purchase will be a McIntosh integrated amplifier. Just have to decide on which one. I agree that there is something about the green backlit display and those blue VU meters has quite the appeal, at least to me.

[@francescotenti193]

Great piece! Sound quality alone is not the full extent of enjoying stereo equipment and, to me, nothing looks like a McIntosh, new or vintage and you're right, prices have not gone the crazy way like Marantz, Sansui and Pioneer. A brand I always wanted and now I'm 2 more college tuition away, my youngest son, to treat myself.

[@RonSiwicki]

While I was going to university I worked as a salesman for a McIntosh JBL dealer. I was also a musician who wanted a good hi fi stereo. I then worked as a tech sales audio consultant for a big store that sold many brands including audio research corporation, Harman Kardon, Marantz, Linn and too many to list. I live for music and equipment. It was great to be able to buy and try gear at staff price discounts. Some of the new McIntosh pieces run up as high as $ 50,000 so a really high end stereo could cost well over $ 100,000 which I couldn't dream of buying. I kept my hi fi equipment for the eighties and it still works.

[@phonebackup8132]

Being in Nashville Tennessee I've had the opportunity to work on just about every kind of audio equipment from all over the world from America, Japan, Russia, Scandinavia, Germany and all places in between. McIntosh is mechanically and sonically way better than the early 70's through the early 80's Japanese mainstream equipment. The golden age of Japanese hifi is well made enough but the failure rate was/is much grater than the higher end stuff from most others and that's not really a dig because thay were not competing with higher end equipment. I know you don't like JVC or Kenwood, and I agree JVC had problems with slider style pots because they used them a lot and they're exposed carbon tracks that got dirty faster and for some reason they had a problem with their power transformers failing. Both Marantz and Pioneer amplifiers had problems with output transistors failure with some early Pioneer small signal transistor failure as well. The failure rate of Kenwood and Sony were the least of the bunch. Realistic used the worst electrolytic caps in everything and you need to replace 100% of the caps in them nowadays. Which is a shame because some of their early amps used an inerstage transformer in between the voltage gain and output transistors which gave them a genuinely good sonic character. The build quality and component quality that McIntosh usses is leagons better as you stated and thats why they're more costly and reliable. Subsequently when recapping them you should be careful that you use at least the same grade of parts. It's true that the mc250, mc2100, on up to the mc2300 do have a warmer sound with the later transistor amps sounding more analytical. Of course their tube amps are legendary for reliability and sound. The build quality of the early tube amps are simply off the charts. We had a massive flood in 2010 and i received two mc240's and one mc75 that were on the way to the landfill after being under water for months and left outside for approximately two years after that, under a shed roof but uncleaned untill a friend asked if I could fix them. I thought of them as part junkers but we hosed and scrubbed them off and then baked them at 135 degrees for 36 hours upside down to get all the moisture out of the transformers. Replacing nothing the mc75 came to life at about half voltage and sounded fine but as I increased the voltage the power supply caps started to leak. Both mc240's had the cathode windings open on the left output transformers. I had Doc rewind the two output transformers one on each amp and rebuilt the voltage doubler power supply caps and went ahead and put new polyester caps in the signal path and even though the tubes didn't read bad I put all new tubes in them and in the mc240's I used JAN 6L6's wich are 25 watt plate dissipation instead of the standard 19 watt regular 6L6's and the amps both made close to 60 watts with both channels driven and they sound fantastic. Obviously they aren't the best looking units but thay were road dogs there entire life and really cleaned up well considering the fact they had flood mud on them for far longer than thay should. I have a MAC 4100 and yes it's got the vinyl case but it's sonically in another league than any Pioneer, Sansui, Technics, Marantz, Kenwood, Carver, Harman Kardon, Sony or any mid-fi receiver that I've ever tested. I do still have and use a lot of various brands and love them for what they are and you're right about the twin powered Harman Kardon receivers. Thay are akin to the Citation 12 amplifier and when modified do step into another sonic level. As for the prices you are right. I think the prices are far in excess of the value of the Japanese equipment. But if you get a completely rebuilt unit the price is a little more justified as its a chore and time consuming venture as you know. Maybe my statements make me a "snob" but I've been doing this for over 50 years and I'm just relating my experiences, good, bad or otherwise. Piece out.

[@stevengagnon4777]

Funny that you mention the slider pots used by JVC. I' have DD-7 cassette deck and yes the slider pot for the output volume is the only thing that has gone wrong with...it slowly lost one of the channels. I just bypassed to one side with a rotary. Anyway other than that the deck turned out to be a great thrift store find 25 years ago. I makes good tapes ... absolutely loves the TDK D series tape. And it's still working fine after the 15,000 hours I put on it under abusive conditions in a bicycle repair shop. Can't say enough about those Sendust Alloy heads they are just fine still. And the direct drive capstan...well let's just say no to belts here. My little 40 watt JVC integrated amplifier...not so good those STK amp chips ...they just don't don't hold up to abuse . That DD-7 is probably the most reliable tape deck that JVC ever made though it was in areal sweat spot when it was built in 1982. Very nice electronics inside . Quartz locked drive motor so it's always at the right speed and negligible wow and flutter. Nice x cut SA record/play back heads. Single capstan so it never ate tapes. And just plain sounded good. A definite winner. I do need to replace that counter belt yet...it got so loose that I wrapped totally around the pulley...so it won't rewind the tape...fast forward yes.

[@phonebackup8132]

@stevengagnon4777 One shouldn't be afraid of the STK chipped amps as you can use the modern lm3886 for up to 60-70 watt units and the lm 1875 for 20 or so or less amps. The circuits are simple and easy to build, just be sure that the rail voltages are within the piv of each chip.

[@dwahnaslowdown8887]

A friend had a C-28/MC-2505 combo and asked me to look it over. My experience was with military comm/nav equipment, but I agreed. I found them to be a pleasure to work with. Schematics were easy to obtain (and read); circuits were laid out well and components easy to locate. I found a leaky power cap, but otherwise these 50 year-old components worked as advertized. The cap was a form factor that I had difficulty locatiing, so I called McIntosh. They had some in stock. Not cheap, but they had 'em. Gotta respect that. I can't speak for the modern models, but I love the rugged dependability of the old stuff.

[@tee-jaythestereo-bargainph2120]

Mac makes some amazing gear for sure ! Thanks for the video

[@robertwright5487]

Talking about repairability, many years age a friend purchased a Pioneer cassette deck with the blue display meter. At 6 months, one of the channels went out. Still under warranty, Pioneer told him it was non-repairable, and he received a new deck.

[@silversurfer3636]

I bought a used Mac pre amp on Reverb in 2018, a c50. It sounds delicious, runs my digital AND analog systems seamlessly and beautifully without problems. Paired with my Krell KSA-100 I'm a happy camper!

[@Jackgrahamphotograph]

My C32 is awesome! 45 year or so old--been upgraded etc... but what a piece!!

[@christopherparker3981]

Recently had a 2105, C28 bequeathed to me. After cleaning and servicing, life is great. Beautiful equipment and when you add in the beauty of the lights and general vibe the equipment leads with, make life a great thing, when sitting back and being enveloped by music.

[@lewisf9266]

Have same since the early 70s. Still works great, looks good

[@danstein2467]

Thanks for the great video. I agree with you that McIntosh is the ultimate sleeper. Keep the videos coming.

[@skylabsaudio]

Thank you, Dan. Very much appreciated. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@chrisd5299]

Just inherited first piece of McIntosh gear - MCD7007 CD player. Build quality is unbelievable. Took cover off to get out stuck CD, then fiddled around until I got the drawer working. Sounds incredible with my vintage Pioneer SX-727 and American Monitor AM-14 speakers. Now, how far down the McIntosh rabbit hole do I go???

[@RandySmith-iz1ml]

Great info, thanks.

[@mahnkemachine3281]

I inherited my parent’s C28, MC2125, and FM receiver, mated to a pair of Klipsch La Scala speakers. I love them! Not only did I grow up with them, I get to enjoy them as an adult! Unfortunately, the MC2125 has an issue, so I don’t listen to the set as much as I would like, as I’m worried about the life it has left. Truth be told, everything needs a good servicing and cleaning, but the on the amp, the right channel gets so hot, you can’t hardly touch it. The left channel stays ice cold. I talked to a Mac service center and he said he wasn’t sure if it could be fixed, as the parts for them are becoming more and more difficult to get, and some parts are not available at all. He said sometimes he can make needed adjustments and it will fix the heat problem, but if it needs certain parts, I would probably be better looking at buying a working unit somewhere, or to find a parts donor unit. Should I be contacting McIntosh directly, or just finding a different service center altogether? Unfortunately, I’m in northern Michigan, so finding a reputable service center nearby is tough. The closest place I could find is a 4 hour drive away. Any thoughts or suggestions are greatly appreciated!

[@petrolfever]

I have a few pieces of vintage gear, including a few different amps and receivers from various Japanese brands. I'm always surprised when I A/B them with my c26/2505 combo. I always start off thinking, this Pioneer/Sansui/etc does sound really good, but then I switch back. Yup, there's a reason I stick with the McIntosh gear for my main system.

[@robertpurdy4452]

It's interesting how opinions on gear can be so different. I have never been a fan of Pioneer and especially Sansui, yet I loved all the JVC gear I had during the '70s and '80. The gear I have now is Yamaha, JVC, Paradigm, and JBL. We do both agree however, that McIntosh is quality equipment.

[@abmia77]

70’s Sansui gear can never be left out of the conversation,especially their iconic BA,CA,AU series,not to mention some of the finest tuners ever made.

[@doofwop]

JVC just never made anything superlative in my view

[@scott4015]

@@doofwop JVC had some pretty superlative cassette decks. JA-S77 JVC JA-S71 JVC R-S77 were nice receivers/amplifiers. Due to the cost cutting measures every Japanese brand ended up in the same boat by the late 80's making JAPCRAP including Pioneer & Sansui. Most 80's/90's Sansui really was awful plastic garbage which never really gets remembered in the same way as JVC or Technics.

[@glenz1975]

This is very timely as I'm about to embark on servicing an MC2100 and C26 for the first time since they were new. The build quality is top notch!

[@kurtburkhardt5862]

I have a C-26 and 2100. It is my first Mac gear. Haven't serviced them 1977 vintage. I did clean and deox them and they sound great. I've never serviced or updated any of my gear. Would be interesting to hear about your results. I've always been a if it's not broke don't fix it guy...

[@PulledPorkGarage]

I owned two 2100's. It turned out it was not my SOUND cup of yea! To Harsh. I did enjoy my mid 80's mac CD players, integrated amps and FM AM tuners though. And still build like a tank and 'serviceable'

[@3dimensionsofmusic3D]

Once I retired I purchased an older Mc SS integrated then traded it for more than orig. purchase price for a current Mc SS integrated. Love it. Happy listening 🎶

[@phatjbl]

I like both Japanese 70s and 80s and some 90s gear. I see the beauty of Mc Intosh vintage. The customer service situation you speak of is very true. Best of all I very firmly agree with your views about any piece of music sounding great on a Mac...there is something about the way the gear filter s music. Besides I love the amps and preamps with rotary eq controls like the MA12000. The new Mac gear while ok just doesn't have it...that X factor like the older gear like the huge two tone Greatful Dead power amps... VU meters =Dollars agree. My old Accuphase gear rocks those too.

[@wjekat]

Excellent video. Your point that vintage McIntosh equipment won’t lose value is very well taken. I wonder if overhyped Marantz and Pioneer receivers will actually retain their lofty valuations. After an overhaul a few years ago my 60 year old MX-110 and 2 x MC-30 combo is blasting great sound through my 50 year old Klipsch Cornwalls. It‘s quite shocking to consider how far up you have to go pricewise with today‘s equipment to achieve similar sound quality.

[@mikeg2491]

Holding onto your value becomes even more important in the age of inflation. Gold is nice but at least the McIntosh will actually entertain you!

[@Mike_Jones68]

Dang!! I'd love to hear how that system sounds!

[@hurkamur1]

JVC made some of the GOAT CD players in the 80s and 90s

[@55SwampFox]

The price point was always beyond me but, the 3 times I walked in to a demo and found love at first listen was Macintosh pared with B&W speakers.

[@mcgjohn22]

nice video. The MAC tube gear has continued to climb up in retail prices. Same with Marantz tube gear, the Model 7, 8B and 9. The MAC SS gear does seem like a bargain compared to the commanding prices Marantz, Pioneer and Sansui units are now getting.

[@marclacasse1]

Just wanna say the 1980 JVC R-S77 receiver is a sleeper. And it's got faders.

[@adsph]

Good take on this iconic American brand. The level of support they still provide is unreal. Based on my musical tastes Mc was down the list for amplification. Still I wonder about those tubes and everyone else’s.

[@richardmarshall6751]

The MC output transformers are the heart and soul of their tube amps. Very complicated windings, but they sound better because of it. You can read the tech sheets and patent, but listeners have confirmed their sound advantage over the years.

[@donaldgorden8383]

Hi, Keven, since I just started to follow this channel in the last few weeks, I've started rebuilding my dad's Realistic Mach one 4024a speakers circa 1977. thanks for the inspiration, and any thoughts on the Mach ones of this era ??

[@johnfrei9057]

I love McIntosh and will have some in my next hi-fi system. But as Groucho Marx said, “I’d never want to be in a club that would have me as a member.”

[@debilthomes501]

I just bought a Mac 1900 receiver. Don't have it yet but cannot wait to try it out. Most of my amps are vintage NAD.

[@arsimahmetaj6272]

Got the Mc1900 , I love it sound is so Smooth

[@stresstested]

I never hear about Soundscraftsmen but remember seeing them in the Hifi shops when i was a kid

[@wwz1011]

Love my vintage McIntosh MA6200 AMP. Came across a MA6100 Amp with a cracked faceplate, didn't realize they still make faceplates.

[@robertyoung1777]

I really like the sound of my McIntosh MC225 tube amplifier. High maintenance like all tube amps but a beautiful sound.

[@daniannaci3258]

The key to the McIntosh sound is their use of autoformers on their upper line solid state power amplifiers. Honestly, the lower priced Mac gear without autoformers sounds pretty much like any other midrange solid state class AB amp. Take it from a long time dealer.

[@drsbranch-wn2vx]

Another great video, Kevin. I remember a few years ago stopping at a McIntosh store in Indianapolis several years ago and being 1) unimpressed with the sound quality in regards to other brands of vintage equipment and 2) the snobbery and name-dropping was nauseating.

[@twntwrs]

The most ludicrous has to be the notion that tubes - primitive obsolete technology that adds distortion and coloration to your sound - are hyped as the nonplusultra of high-fidelity.

[@Universityofvinyl]

Love my vintage MA 6100!

[@doncirelli4797]

It blows my mind, to see vintage McIntosh gear priced lower than Marantz, Sansui, Pioneer, etc. Back in the day, the new McIntosh gear was always top dollar in the store, much more expensive than the other "mid fi" gear. Always.

[@allanellis5827]

I have the 4100 and I love it. The sound quality is fabulous. I do think the cabinet should have been made of wood but perhaps McIntosh figured they had to try and lower the build cost because the internals cost was so high. It still ended up costing almost $2,000 when new and a lot of people still bought it even with a non wood cabinet. Come to think of it the Marantz 2325 (which I had one) came with a metal cabinet and the wooden cabinet was an upgrade. The Sansui G7500 (which I have one) has a vinyl cabinet. The Fisher 500C did not come with a cabinet and it was an upgrade. Point being perhaps a wooden cabinet wasn't and still isn't considered very important.

[@hjalmarfossi5728]

Definitely gonna be a fun one

[@dmhnc07]

Great info.

[@owensmith4303]

good job thank u

[@memcdm]

The Macintosh separates were great. However I had a Macintosh 6100 integrated piece that looked wonderful but was terrible. Unsealed switches constantly dropped out. Power transistors were cheap and the unit didn't drive my speakers like my older amp. Returned the product in a few days after listening to it for a good number of hours. The older separates were well built and sounded very good to me back in the day. Both the tubed pieces and transistor Power amps were wonderful. They used to run clinics where they would test your gear for free. There power amps always tested great. Many other branded units did not meet their claimed specs.

[@prestonchiasson7998]

Another great vid Kevin, well done! But what was that gizmo in the back right corner ( if you spun around in your chair) that was analyzing and visually playing back your voice, it was hilariously distracting. I want one! 😊 If anybody else noticed I'm sure they'd like to know ;) Stay safe!! Preston

[@kevinfestner6126]

No negative comments on my side. I agree with you about McIntosh. My Marantz 2270, which needs a lamp replacement, has prices that are in the stratosphere. What I'm trying to hunt down is an old Sony L-Cassette, the 3 and 3/4 per inch player/recorder they made. I regret not buying one new, even though they are orphans. Sony, no baloney, would develop these new standards and then fail miserably. I am an old 70s into early 80s junkie. Another product I'd like to have is the old Audio Technica headphones that use the pre-amp. These sounded great. I'm glad ESS is back making their old heil headphones. I found nirvana on this channel. TY Kevin. I like everything about you, including the first name. 😁😁

[@skylabsaudio]

Lol- good stuff! Thank you

[@mrbill4128]

Discord sounds interesting. Have you ever done a show talking about preamps?

[@ripjones5294]

Enjoyed this installment, as always. Yep, McIntosh is something that I truly want to own, one of these days. As you said, the allure of the Big Blue Meters, draws me like a moth to a lightbulb. The McIntosh "Look" is still wildly evident by the Infotainment Display on the new Jeep Grand Wagoneer, which boasts an audio system designed and built by McIntosh. Big Blue Meters ! STARTING at only $95K for the "Top of the Line" Grand Wagoneer. Take Care....Rip

[@ethimself5064]

Legacy counts. Both ESS and SAE went down during C-19 for lack of parts and are both up again - with limited stock - but back

[@beercanshooter7680]

another great vid

[@lewisf9266]

I started my system with JVC equipment. Was great for the price

[@mrfroopy]

I have the MC 502 Solid State amp and the 504 preamp and they are amazing sounding despite being solid state..

[@1999zrx1100]

I had McIntosh gear for about 8 years, MA6200, MA6600, bought used and after a few years with each sold them for about $500 more then I paid. I thought it was a bargain back then, never would have dreamed the Japanese gear would pull ahead in value. 😎

[@marvinsbprealty5760]

My late uncle gave me his 4 piece McIntosh equipment, he bought it in 1980, Mc 2105 amp, c26 pre amp, MI 3 indicator, MR 75 tuner, all manuals included

[@markchidester6239]

What is your opinion of sizing your speakers to your amplifier? Years ago some speaker company listed a "watt range" that a speaker was rated for. They all had a maximum handling capacity, but this one had a minimum. Just wondering if too large of speakers set up on a smaller amplifier could damage the amplifier. Great channel BTW

[@Laguna2013]

I visited the McIntosh factory in Binghamton in recent years and was blown away by the love and devotion they put into their product. Unlike anything else in this country. Like an air cooled 911

[@vintageaudioreview]

The more "vintage" McIntosh gear I test, the more impressed I become- and it always sounds fine. Something about those big blue meters as you noted. Best description I have heard is they are the Harley Davidson of Audio gear....

[@twntwrs]

The noise, vibration and oil leaks of the Harley being analogous to the tubes in The Mc - antiquated technology long since superseded by solid state in coming closer to what hi-fi actually means: high fidelity.

[@vintageaudioreview]

@@twntwrs While I agree with you on your great analogy as to some of the problems with Harleys (I was thinking of the ones that were taken care off well and not made during the AMF owned years, but some folks like the noise and vibration), but disagree with you about "Mc-antiquated" tube gear. There are many "high end" companies that are still making tube gear, including McIntosh. From my own tests, there was not a difference in the sound between a tube and Solidstate amp. Whatever floats your boat, I guess.

[@heathwirt8919]

@@twntwrs That analogy either comes from a position of ignorance or you're just parroting a cliche you've heard on a message board that was posted from a position of ignorance.

[@bradsherman6486]

I just picked up a used Mac MHA100 Headphone Amp for my office space. The sound is just so nice compared to the Deckard Audeze I was using. (Side note - I stopped using the Audeze because the latest Apple OS no longer supports it and many other DACs. Shame on you, Apple.) I put some SVS Ultra Bookshelf speakers to the MHA100's outputs and it fills this small room like a boss. I almost want to move it to my listening room and do a side-by-side with my Meridian 6000 but I don't see how that would make me feel any better about either unit. So I will have upstairs and downstairs equipment and be happy with both.

[@RonSiwicki]

I just turned 72 and I worked as a full time musician and also in the home audio equipment industry and I am still gung ho loving music and equipment with a great stereo who has become less of an equipment snob Bryston is great but the looks of McIntosh gets me too .

[@soundman2604]

You just want to look at it, is very correct for a lot of the vintage stereo stuff. Now if only some of it could sound as good as some of the better stuff today. I guess nostalgia has a lot to do with it.

[@kthermistor675]

The Mac 2105 amp is early '70's and when I owned mine I concluded that it had flabby bass - not punchy and tight. This was before and after restoration (which is minimal).

[@55benchguy]

I worked for a Pioneer Factory Authorized service canter back in the 70's....... When my boss passed away , his wife rented a few dumpsters and filled them with new old stock parts and receivers because Pioneer did not want any of it back. NOT EVEN FOR FREE ! ( I hate those memories ) R.I.P. Mr. Hunter.

[@kkoller8952]

Oh forgot to add is the sound of McIntosh is what I would call "Musical" .... very neutral and with the right speakers an enjoyable and non- fatiguing for an all day and all night listening experience. My collection includes a MC-2105 amp, MA-6100 Integrated amp, abd C-45 preamp!

[@LordSamuelJ]

I was just thinking about this today when I saw a Sansui amp on craigslist priced at $4k! My brother paid less for his Mac amp and there is absolutely no comparison in sound quality. The Mac just sounds so much better than anything sanui or pioneer! Oh and about JVC... They are actually really great products. No where near a Mac but they sound great and are very reliable for what they are. I just recently replaced a Yamaha CR420 with a JVC jrs-81H and it sounds and looks sooooo much better.

[@davidwell686]

I do see the McIntosh tuner sit a while before they sell on CL or FBMP. They usually go for $500-900 dollars for the 77/78 tuners. I sold my 78 with the case for 800 dollars. The demise the the FM band could be a factor.

[@drewyoung2102]

I can see the attraction to this gear but settled on full range speakers and low watt class A amps. Just what I like. I can't tell much difference is streamers so just have a node.

[@novisnick6928]

Wait! I have a JVC QL-A200. I realize its not a high end turntable but after all these years it sounds pretty good. Are you familiar with it? Is it worth getting serviced? Thanks so much, I’m really digging your channel.

[@Geoduck.]

What you say about McIntosh prices matches what I see as well. I've owned vintage Mac gear in the past and own several known collectable units today. Over the years prices slowly increased until recently. Some gear has slightly lost value with a few exceptions. The MC225, and MC30's are still appreciating and for good reason.

[@wjekat]

The McIntosh tube preamps like the C-22 or the C-20 have become outrageously expensive. The MX-110 tuner/preamp isn‘t cheap, but still is a bit of a sleeper with much the same circuitry as the C-22.

[@robinpetrillo9282]

I have had my Mac equipment for over 50 years with ZERO problems but the biggest thing I love is you can take average speakers and plug them in and you still get a quality sound. I have owned everything - McIntosh is still my best choice .

[@CraigHollabaugh]

Just joined the discord server. Thanks Kevin and Alex.

[@mxbishop]

Bought an MA6900 integrated when they were new - probably in 2003. I think I paid around $4K for it. Still runs great. Only issue ever is the incandescent light bulbs have to be changed out once in a while - which I've learned to do myself. I see used units listed on eBay for around $4K even today - although $4K today is not the same as $4K in 2003. Nice to know it's holding some of its value. I think the bargain value in used hi-fi gear today are amps, receivers, and integrateds from about 1988 to 1995. These units seem to get no love, but many of the higher end pieces are quite nice - with reasonable internet prices.

[@bobbyvv136]

I had a MA6900 and the first thing I did was call Mac about a capacitor. The first productions of the MA6900 had a capacitor that could fail and if it did it could melt the board (this is what the technician told me at McIntosh). Please call them and make sure yours has the newer capacitor.

[@mxbishop]

@@bobbyvv136 Good to know. Thanks.

[@daniannaci3258]

I think you’re talking about Kyocera receivers. Best bargain in vintage gear - especially if you want great sound and bulletproof build quality.

[@mxbishop]

@@daniannaci3258 The Denon PMA-1080R integrated also comes to mind. I think it was made from 1992 to 1994. Saw one sell on eBay for $207.47 plus shipping from Germany. Assuming this one had no issues, it's quite a bargain since it originally retailed at $650. Nice kit, but for whatever reason, not highly coveted like the 1970s vintage gear.

[@marantz747]

I really like my 275 with my Marantz 3200

[@lcee6592]

Would you entertain the idea of a "best value top 5-10" list of McLntosh gear? I would love to purchase some vintage Japan gear but maybe I could save some coin with McLntosh?

[@corneliusantonius3108]

Fun fact. At one point in the 70ties McIntosh used Philips made soft dome tweeters for their speakers.

[@daniannaci3258]

Koss also used the same exact Phillips tweeter to extend the highs on their Model Two Electrostatic Loudspeaker. That Phillips tweeter was one of the best dome tweeters of its day and it was used on a large number of loudspeakers at that time.

[@passqualecaiazza7728]

You know if you find a stereo you love, their is no need to look for something else. My Dad bought the Pioneer receiver and Dual turntable in 1971. I have them in operation today. In !987 I bought a high end Realistic receiver and Dual turntable in 1980 (used). I have always loved them. Neither was ever put away. I bought other stuff later. Another Realistic receiver and 9 more Duals. I did recently purchased in an Estate Sale, a McIntash tape deck. I paid $20.00 for it. It did not work. Hope to fix it soon.

[@marbab-kj9sm]

Pioneer, Marantz, Sansui... is all about guys about my age getting "the hits they missed" from back in our pasta days

[@stuartsmith3804]

Hi new to your channel love your volgs and learning a lot thank you I have rega P2 turn table a marentz 67 se and looking for a vintage amp please at the moment I have a Cambridge AXA 35 what you advise please keep up the good work

[@Winterfell1066]

There are real McIntosh bargins to be had. One is the MX 130 home theater preamp. This was an early preamp for home theater. TOTALLY not suited for that today. But WAIT! It has a 2 channel mode that turns it into a monster stereo preamp. They are about $1500 +/-. Mine sounds fantastic. I paid less than 1000 for mine a few years ago, but these have gone up in value. It has the classic MC look and also has an excellent tuner.

[@insolentstickleback3266]

Grado headphones are simply excellent!

[@kevinyoung2431]

Kevin, what 70's vintage McIntosh MAC Stereo Receivers would you recommend? I currently have a Marantz 2238B. Thanks.

[@uterpia]

Thank you

[@frozenintime1009]

In 1971 I worked at a Lafayette Radio store during the year I went to college. I bought a Pioneer SX-424 receiver for $149.95 and 2 Pioneer speakers for $49.95 each because that's what I could afford at a wage of less than $3.00 per hr. You could listen to all the equipment in the "sound room". I'll never forget the sound quality of the MacIntosh. Either a C26 or C28 and a 2505 or 2105 with Mac speakers. I believe the pre and power amps were priced at around $599. and $799.Bose hadn't been out that long at the time. I think they only had 901s and 501s then. Nothing else compared to the Macs.

[@richardmarshall6751]

Ha! I worked at Lafayette Radio in Rockaway NJ in 1977. Remember the owners, Rocco, Aaron and Don, great guys. Rich was the senior salesman, had been in Vietnam and I remember lost part of his finger in a fire fight. Ralph was a teacher, doing it in the evenings for extra scratch. I was a pimply kid still in high school, and this was my first real job....graduating from digging ditches and restaurant dish washer to actually wearing a tie. It was a great learning experience. We would get on the CB and tease the truckers- "Breaker good buddy, this here is the Son of Sam..." The owners would get mad, though, when I would spend too much time helping customers with their electronics component questions, figuring crossover values on the sales floor. I didn't think about what little profit that represented, I just wanted to be helpful. Other than that, I think they appreciated my work ethic. There was a bonus for the most sales on Saturdays, and Rich usually won.

[@prestige2000rider]

Good Vid. Whether or not Mcintosh is a good Value right now? igess thats up to the individual to decide . Sound wise its stood its ground over time. Personally i like Accphase more . But both excellent. Interesting you mention JVC. I worked in studio production for alot of yrs, Ive seen oddly enough, alot of consumer JVC in Broadcast rack rooms and studios. receivers CD players and Tuners. It may not be flashy stuff but seems to be built like a cement truck for that kind of duty. Anyways, nice Vid,. good points.

[@davidrubert1536]

I totally agree with you regarding JVC. They were certainly not much admired for their Hi-Fi products, unfairly. During the mid 70's and early 80's they made some good equipment and components. I'm currently using a 1975 JVC JA-S8 integrated amplifier combined with a JVC 4DD-5 discrete 4-channel quadraphonic vinyl decoder (I think they invented it along with the shibata needle) just for fun and I'm having a great time. They even made very good recordings. They also made some pretty interesting cassette decks and even very good turntables. Unfortunately, JVC, in audio, is a discredited brand. Greetings !!

[@prestige2000rider]

@@davidrubert1536 to add to that I have an XLV 450 in my home music studio rack since new, and that was the mid 90'S. Never a hiccup.

[@karaDee2363]

MacIntosh is second to none. If you ever watched The Departed, there's a McIntosh component system in that movie that I would absolutely love to have, but I will never be able to afford it. LOL

[@skylabsaudio]

Same!