MC 3500 Mark II

[dixon007]

I wonder if this one might be part of a Mac Trade-up program for some.

[JWJW]

The more I look at this amp, the more I’m liking the silver face. Beautiful.

[W9TR]

Here’s the dynamic power difference from the specs. I converted the dynamic headroom dB specs into linear factors:
2301 - 300*1.32= 396 W
3500 - 350*1.74= 609 W

The dB of the dynamic power difference is 1.9 dB.

[JBT]

Originally Posted by JWJW

The more I look at this amp, the more I’m liking the silver face. Beautiful.

You just got new amps!

[JWJW]

Originally Posted by JBT

You just got new amps!

[Vintage Pete]

Well, I have to say it's certainly hard not to like this latest creation from the team in Binghamton. Its retro/industrial, yet modernized appearance is really, really cool. And of course, the original MC3500 has a large legion of fans, not surprising with its historical mystique. It's a beauty for sure, and I have no doubt it will sell well. In the right setup, it will really look and I'm sure sound spectacular.

While I do really like the look, I do have to say I'm with those who prefer the styling of the MC2301. The fact that you can see the tubes from the front of the 2301 is really a plus on the visual side. And of course the all-black glass has an unquestionable allure. One does have to give credit to McIntosh for including some LED-lit black glass on the lower front of the 3500 MKII, however.

Technically, this amp is very intriguing. That it does not utilize KT88 power tubes is an obvious difference compared to the 2301. As has been pointed out already, the increase from 300 to 350 watts, is no little deal. I'm sure this amp sounds amazing, and I'd like to hear a pair.

Physically, my system could accommodate a pair of these amps, even though my pocketbook can't. There would be caveats, however. In my setup, the top of the amps would not be visible, and as nice as these amps do look, I think I'd find myself wishing I could see those glowing tubes! (once again, the 2301 has those slick windows in the front).

Another issue I would have is, if I ever needed (or wanted) to change tubes, I'd have to haul those beasts out! Which brings me to a question...I think somebody here made a comment that tube rolling is "not an option" with this amp. Pardon my ignorance, but why is this so?

Overall, without even hearing these amps, I do have to say....Bravo, McIntosh. This is quite a creation.

[Stahle]

A pair of those would look great with my C22 IV, but I’m quite happy with my MC462 and so is my pocketbook.

[Vintage Pete]

Originally Posted by Stahle

A pair of those would look great with my C22 IV, but I’m quite happy with my MC462 and so is my pocketbook.

There is nothing not to be happy about with an MC462!!

[bart]

It's a well done reincarnation!

[JWJW]

Originally Posted by bart

It's a well done reincarnation!

Agree. They got it right.