#1
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Downsizing McIntosh
I currently have a McIntosh C2700 with a pair of Mc3500 MkIIs playing through Focal Scala Utopia Evos. My source is mostly streaming through an Esoteric N01-XD and sometimes vinyl. My room is about 17’x35’. The system sounds great, but I would like to reduce the footprint of my equipment. I may also want to add subwoofers (but don’t have the floor space due to the pair of Mc3500s).
Am I crazy to be considering downsizing to a MC462 or an ARC 160S for a power amp or even further reducing the footprint by substituting the C2700 and Mc3500s for a MA12000 or another integrated such as a Pass INT-250, Hegel H600, or Gryphon Diablo? Freeing up some floor space would allow the addition of one or two subs and a JL Audio CR-1 crossover. I listen to a lot of live Grateful Dead and subs definitely allow the achievement of a fuller more realistic sound at lower volumes. Thanks |
#2
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Personally if I did that I would have buyers remorse for getting rid of the 3500s.
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My System: Amp-McIntosh MC611(2) :Pre-McIntosh C2700, MP1100 :CD/SACD-McIntosh MCD600 :Speakers-McIntosh XR100 :Power Controller-McIntosh MPC1500 :Turntable-VPI HW40 Ortofon Cadenza Black :Cables-Morrow PH5,MA5 and Elite Speaker Cables :Headphones-McIntosh MPH1000 :Record Cleaner Klaudio KD-CLN-LP200T Thanks, Bill |
#3
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While not as dramatic a downsizing as you are thinking of, I just downsized from a C22/MC275 to an MA8950 and don't feel I've lost a thing. An MA12000 would provide the 'magic of tubes' while maintaining rhe 350wpc for your Utopia speakers. Plus, you might find that the solid-state amp will provide a better "grip" on the low end. I have noticed that to be true with the MA8950 and my notably tube-friendly Devore speakers.
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#4
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I don't think you would lose a thing as far as Grateful Dead soundboards go.
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Joe Great Room: 2 Channel System Amplifier: McIntosh MC312 Preamp: McIntosh C22 Mk V (Gold Lion Tubes) DAC/CD/SACD: McIntosh MCD12000 Streaming Source: Aurender N10; UpTone Audio EtherREGEN Switch; AfterDark Project Clayx Giesemann OCXO 10MHz Reference Queen Master Clock w/ Black Modernize LPS x 2 Giesemann OCXO 10M Edition Speakers: Canton Reference 3K Power: 2x Dedicated 20 Amp Breakers + Whole House Surge Protection Power Outlets: PS Audio Power Ports Power Resonators: ADD-Powr Sorcer x4 (at service panel); ADD-Powr Wizard; ADD-Powr eau2; ADD-Powr Symphony (in network closet) Power Distribution: Shunyata Denali 6000/S v2 Power Cables: Shunyata Delta v2 XC (Denali v2 to dedicated 20A Outlet); Shunyata Venom NR v10 (Amp to Denali v2); Shunyata Delta v2 NR (Preamp to Denali v2); Shunyata Alpha v2 NR (DAC to Denali v2); Shunyata Venom NR v12 (Wizard to dedicated 20A Outlet); Shunyata Venom V14 Digital (Streamer and Master Clock LPS to Denali v2) Speaker Cables: Shunyata Sigma v1; Shunyata Sigma v1 Jumpers Audio Cables: Wireworld Silver Eclipse 8 XLR (Preamp to Amp); Wireworld Gold Eclipse 8 XLR (DAC Tube and Solid State Outputs to Preamp); Shunyata Sigma USB (Streamer to DAC); Shunyata Sigma v2 AES/EBU (Streamer to DAC); Shunyata Venom Ethernet (Wall Wart to EtherREGEN); Shunyata Sigma Ethernet (EtherREGEN to Streamer); Wireworld Platinum Starlight 8 75-Ohm BNC (AfterDark Queen Master Clock to EtherREGEN); Wireworld Platinum Starlight 7 S/PDIF (Streamer to DAC) Isolation: Stillpoints Ultra SS (Under Speakers); Stillpoints Ultra Mini's (Under Preamp and DAC); HRS E1 Isolation Platform w/G7 Feet and G-Links (Under Amp and Master Clock/LPS); HRS E1 Isolation Platform w/G7 Feet (Under Streamer); Shunyata DarkField Suspension System and DarkField Mini Elevators (Under Speaker Cables); IsoAcoustics Iso-Pucks (Under EtherREGEN) Noise Reduction: HRS DPX-14545 Damping Plate (On Amp and Preamp); HRS DPII-14545 Damping Plate (On DAC) Grounding: Shunyata Alpha v3 CGC/SGC Ground Cable (DAC to Denali v2); Shunyata Delta v2 CGC/SGC Ground Cable (EtherREGEN to Denali v2) Rack: Quadraspire SVT Sun Room Wireless Speaker: McIntosh RS200 Power Resonator: ADD-Powr Symphony Pro Power Distribution: Shunyata Venom PS8 w/ Venom Defender Power Cables: Shunyata Delta NR (Venom PS8 to Wall Outlet); Wireworld Silver Electra 7 (RS200 to Venom PS8) Isolation: IsoAcoustics Iso-Pucks Rack: Pangea Audio Vulcan |
#5
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Quote:
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Schiit URD CD Transport > Schiit Yggdrasil Analog 2 DAC > Schiit Loki Max EQ > Bryston BP-26 Preampamplifier > Schiit Vidar Power Amp > B & W 805D + JL Audio E112 subwoofers (x2); Power- Shunyata Venom 16; ADD-Powr Symphony Pro & Eau2's; Equitech Son of Q; Cabling- Wireworld IC, Synergistic Research SC, Shunyata PC. |
#6
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Nothing crazy at all! We make changes to experience and to further enjoy the music choices through our ever so evolving systems. Just take a look at AA member systems through the years.
All the options you listed above, IMO, are first rate/top tier pieces which should have no problem driving the Scalas. By the way, heard from Ivan that JL Audio is expected to announce new subs at CES 2024.
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Main System: Sf Amati Tradition, B&W DB1 sub, McIntosh C2300, MC501s, MA12000, MCD500, HiFi Rose RS150B, Oppo 105, Niagara 5000, AQ Tornado/Thunder/Blizzard PCs, Robin Hood BiWire (zero+bass), Gibraltar SCs, Water ICs, Cinnamon RJ/E, Solidsteel HF-3 racks. 2nd System: Sf Cremona Auditor M, McIntosh C50, MC275(VI), MA6600, Node 2i, Oppo 95, AQ NRG-4 PCs, Robin Hood Zero SC, Cobra/Nordost Heimdall ICs. |
#7
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And they say “nothing’s shaking”. 🤣🤣
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#8
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Quote:
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#9
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Keep your current system and don't look back! If you are moving and no longer have the space then change it up. Your are at the top of the food chain, so enjoy it!
Happy Holidays!!! |
#10
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Yep.
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McIntosh MA8000; McIntosh MC1502; Canton Vento Reference 1 DC; E.A.T. E-Flat; Soundsmith Paua Mk II; Technics SL 1210 MK5; Audio Technica AT-150 MLX; Tascam BR-20; Teac X1000R; Pioneer RT-707; Oppo UDP 205; Denon DCD A-100; HP All-In-One Touchscreen Server; JRiver MC 28; Woo Audio WA6; Shure SRH 1840; SVS SB 1000; Jolida 502BRC; Jolida JD9; VPI 16.5 RCM; Wireworld Oasis 8 Speaker Cables; Audoquest Columbia 72 DBS IC's; Panamax PM-5400 (source components only) |
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