MC-275mkiv vs MC-2102

[McMan]

Originally Posted by Formerly YB-2

Definitely something I could go for if only tubes.
Would also like to see the MC312 split into a pair of half-width monoblocks.

A 300-watt monoblock, with minimum depth, would be a great idea. It would allow clients to install traditional-style furniture cabinets. Make it a Mc, and make sure it has knobs, not buttons.

[Charles]

Sentry Monitor is a quite important feature on modern Mac tube amps. Output tubes can fail unpredictably and catastrophically resulting in a blown fuse that must be replaced. The more tubes the more likelihood of a tube failure. Sentry Monitor makes it so much easier when you have an output tube failure. Power Guard is also quite important but don't depend on it to protect your amp if you over drive it severely. I think both are extremely desirable features. I am not aware of any other tube amps that provide this comprehensive protection and they are more important on tube amps than solid state amps, IMO because you have less watts. Meters are also quite important because you can use the watt hold feature to reach a safe maximum volume level. I don't want to over stress my 3500's and my XVX can easily do it. There's not much difference in subjective sound levels between 200 and 300 watts. So if I want to listen loud I use the meters to give me a maximum wattage of about 250 watts. But IMO Sentry Monitor and Power Guard are more important than meters. Together with the Solid Cinch binding posts which provide a much better and reliable connection, SM, PG, and meters combined with superb sonics, plenty of watts, and cool running, Mac has really improved their tube amps. It's easy to see why they sell a lot of them.

Best

Charles

[JDCheek]

I have not yet received the MC-2102 but I auditioned it in 2007, when I bought my first McIntosh component. I’ve had so many different McIntosh components since then, but rarely see this 2102 that I remember being so fond of.

I’ve already made the purchase and I hope to be pleased with the results. If I am not, I will probably go back to the MC 275, but the latest version versus the IV. If I found the perfect ones, I’d go monoblocks with the MC75’s.

I have enjoyed reading about heat, power and meters in this thread. But, Power is not an issue for me as I have Klipschorns that just don’t require it. I never fear that I am stressing tubes.

[FreddieFerric]

Originally Posted by JDCheek

I have not yet received the MC-2102 but I auditioned it in 2007, when I bought my first McIntosh component. I’ve had so many different McIntosh components since then, but rarely see this 2102 that I remember being so fond of.

I’ve already made the purchase and I hope to be pleased with the results. If I am not, I will probably go back to the MC 275, but the latest version versus the IV. If I found the perfect ones, I’d go monoblocks with the MC75’s.

I have enjoyed reading about heat, power and meters in this thread. But, Power is not an issue for me as I have Klipschorns that just don’t require it. I never fear that I am stressing tubes.

There's no substitute for what your own ears like. Our opinions are just that.

[miner]

I would be surprised if the 2102 did not meet your expectations. Rarely do Mc products not pass the muster. I will be watching for your review.

[80B]

Originally Posted by FreddieFerric

There's no substitute for what your own ears like. Our opinions are just that.

True, but we can be really good at helping you spend your money!

[Elvis160]

Love my MC2102 with gold lions. Purchased used in 2013. Only downside is the weight. Getting harder to move as I get older.

[JDCheek]

Originally Posted by Elvis160

Love my MC2102 with gold lions. Purchased used in 2013. Only downside is the weight. Getting harder to move as I get older.

I have only used Gold Lions in my tubed McIntosh equipment. Started with only the power tubes, but an even bigger difference with the source tubes.

[Stahle]

Audio Classics used offer an LED conversion kit for the 2102. I’ve seen one with it installed and it looked fantastic. If you decide to keep the 2102, you might want to have someone do an LED conversion, everything will look more vibrant and crisp.

[JDCheek]

Originally Posted by Stahle

Audio Classics used offer an LED conversion kit for the 2102. I’ve seen one with it installed and it looked fantastic. If you decide to keep the 2102, you might want to have someone do an LED conversion, everything will look more vibrant and crisp.

It’s been done on the checkup. I had that done in my C-2200 and it was great. Those old meters do fade and yellow in the center.

I should get it in this week. Very excited as I don’t change much. I’ve had those K-horns since 1984!