Submitted by podaypodayson t3_11w1xgy in BuyItForLife
Comments
_Mechaloth_ t1_jcvzokk wrote
Starting around $5300, if anyone is interested.
podaypodayson OP t1_jcw2hj2 wrote
And able to be passed on to my children, and likely their children.
Ystebad t1_jcw2seo wrote
McIntosh has always been a dream of mine.
First I didn’t have the money. Then got the money but wife that thinks audio stuff shouldn’t be seen. 😢
podaypodayson OP t1_jcw3671 wrote
I got mine after a bad breakup. Seemed like a better idea than drinking
Ystebad t1_jcw3br9 wrote
That running a set of Klipshhorns and I would never leave home.
podaypodayson OP t1_jcw3w4s wrote
I’d love that, but I don’t have the funds or the space for them. Mine is running a pair of Vienna Acoustics Beethoven Concert Grand speakers. Much smaller profile than the Klipschhorn and got them 70% off at their former US distributor as “b stock” (a couple cosmetic dings) back in 2006. Obviously the speakers and amp cost a bit of money, but I’ll have them until I die, so for me the cost is justified.
Shashi2005 t1_jcw8ijc wrote
She's right. If you're buying audio equipment for it's visual appearance, something ain't right.
I've got a decent band PA system upstairs but my daily drive is a Roland Street ex busking amp. I use it in school, in my garden, in the street, for busking. And monitoring my home recordings.
Goldberg variations are awesome. Even on 78RPM shellac.
It's the notes that count.
humanzee70 t1_jcwcbg3 wrote
Hey, you don’t have to justify it to us, lol. If you can afford it, enjoy!
podaypodayson OP t1_jcwcqey wrote
Thanks. Perhaps I misinterpreted the comment I replied to. Yes, it’s expensive (and honestly unnecessary). But it’s BIFL, so here we are!
podaypodayson OP t1_jcwcyz1 wrote
Que no los dos?
humanzee70 t1_jcwdkhs wrote
Well, I’m sure it sounds amazing. Many years ago, when I was in high school, a friend’s parents had a beautiful McIntosh system (they still do). We used to love cranking that thing up when they weren’t home!
podaypodayson OP t1_jcwexnt wrote
I think I’m too old for cranking up the volume these days. I mostly just sit and listen while reading or working on a spreadsheet. Adulthood is exciting!
77707777770777 t1_jcweyty wrote
Do you think that someone who has at best heard, in terms of home speaker setups, just stuff like bose from the 90s and on wards would actually hear much of a difference?
They few times I have know "audiophiles" they just turn stuff up way too freaking loud.
holddemaio t1_jcwhd3q wrote
that is a sweet piece of kit. what kind of speakers do you have that feeding? (if you don’t mind me asking)
podaypodayson OP t1_jcwhhlp wrote
In this case? Yes, with a “but”
I replaced the amp in a nice ($1200)Denon receiver with the MC275, and the difference was instantly noticeable, and far more pleasing to my ear.
That said, tube amps tend to be less accurate than solid state amps, so while it may sound better to my ear, it’s not as close to the original recording as solid state. Think of it like Vaseline on a camera lens. It hides imperfections, but isn’t necessarily true to the original source.
There are more modern tube amps that most would agree sound better than the MC275, but they’re in the same price range (if not higher), and don’t have the same aesthetic appeal.
podaypodayson OP t1_jcwi020 wrote
I have a pair of Vienna Acoustics Beethoven Concert Grand speakers. Sadly I don’t believe they’re sold in the states anymore, but I find them to be quite wonderful.
https://www.vienna-acoustics.com/speakers/concert-grand-series/beethoven-concert-grand-reference/
tofupoopbeerpee t1_jcwjczr wrote
At that price it better be BFL.
cropguru357 t1_jcwjrc4 wrote
Hm. I’d think the tubes would have a consumable quality to them?
holddemaio t1_jcwkjqi wrote
oh man. i can still remember the first time i auditioned a pair of Vienna Acoustics. they were some of the only speakers i can recall giving me a deep emotional reaction. and those were only bookshelves! i cant imagine what yours must sound like.
I know that Magnolia Audio Video used to carry them many years back but Vienna had to pull out of the stores because they couldn’t build the speakers as fast as they were selling, and didnt want the brand to suffer from lack of craftsmanship (or so the story was told to me).
i bet you’ll enjoy those and the McIntosh forever and ever - thanks for sharing!
podaypodayson OP t1_jcwl37q wrote
Yes, the tubes will need occasional replacement, though these have been running for 16 years, so it’s not often. And of course they are user replaceable.
omw_to_valhalla t1_jcwl83h wrote
Gorgeous piece of kit!
Good audio equipment is definitely BIFL!
My NAD head unit isn't in the same league, but is a quality piece that should last for life as well. It's from the 90's, I bought it used about 10 years ago, and it still works perfectly!
podaypodayson OP t1_jcwllnj wrote
You bet!
And from what I understand the version of the story you heard is correct. The other brands carried at Magnolia at the time were much larger operations and could handle the increase in volume that came much better. Vienna had something like 25 employees at the the time, and there was no way it was going to work. Sumiko (their US distributor) ended up dropping them entirely since Magnolia was their only retail contract. It’s a shame.
podaypodayson OP t1_jcwls9p wrote
Yup! NAD made some amazing stuff in the 90s. I love the convenience of “modern” audio (iPhones and such), but nothing beats the stability and performance of quality audio gear
humanzee70 t1_jcwm92g wrote
Adulthood has it’s own rewards.
alphabet_order_bot t1_jcwm9zj wrote
Would you look at that, all of the words in your comment are in alphabetical order.
I have checked 1,409,457,235 comments, and only 269,283 of them were in alphabetical order.
podaypodayson OP t1_jcwnyvy wrote
Quite true.
[deleted] t1_jcwpu3u wrote
[deleted]
cronx42 t1_jcwqtrj wrote
That Mac is beautiful, and I bet it sounds great. What kind of power does it make, and how does it perform?
I have an old Pioneer Spec1 and Spec2 amp and preamp. I need to get it reconditioned. It still works, but the pots need cleaning, and I would imagine some stuff on the board needs replacing. It is scratchy when adjusting the majority of the pots. It puts out MASSIVE power, though.
Currently, I can't hook it up. I'm living in an apartment. I have some SVS bookshelf speakers that I have hooked up to it before I moved, and it sounded like a PA system. It's the loudest bookshelf stereo I've heard by a decent margin.
Eventually, I will have all new SVS towers, surrounds or bookshelfs, subs, and Emotiva amps and processors. If I can ever afford a house. Once I have a place to build my dream system, it will come together.
h2opolodude4 t1_jcwre0o wrote
Can confirm. I'm the 2nd generation owner of a bunch of hifi equipment. Lots more enjoyment still to be had.
southcounty253 t1_jcwrubg wrote
Very sweet. My late grandpa had an amazing McIntosh system with floor standing Martin Logan's. My Sony setup pales in comparison, but he's why I love good sound.
Whole_Aspect_7216 t1_jcwtzy5 wrote
Can confirm. My dad bought one be in the 60s while working at a stereo shop. He died in 2004. I still have it in working condition.
Thing is built like a tank.
JustJ-that-is-it t1_jcwv9fi wrote
Beautiful tube amp! Audio Quest cables?
JustJ-that-is-it t1_jcwvn1b wrote
Viennas are great. I had a pair of Sonas Faber, Cremona. Had to sell them as they were impractical living in the city.
ChalupaCabre t1_jcwz33x wrote
BIFF.. Buy It For Forever
$5300USD?? Wtf!
ChalupaCabre t1_jcwz8h1 wrote
I mean, I would agree the price is high… but obviously it’s worth it, or nobody would buy one and they would go out of business.
TaliesinWI t1_jcwzxrd wrote
Comes down to number of hours they're run, not how many years they've been installed. 2500 hours is a good rule of thumb, but if the amp is a conservative design (doesn't run the tubes that hard) you might get even more out of them.
Pre-amp or small signal tubes usually last even longer.
TaliesinWI t1_jcx07sm wrote
Pfft. McIntosh will sell you an amplifier with a 1 in front of that price (not that I would ever pay nearly that much for one) and you can easily double that price with other high-end brands. The Audio Research 160M monoblocks at $30K/pair come to mind.
amitrion t1_jcx1fsb wrote
Kids won't care... just like my $1000 fishing pole. Don't expect them to value your collectibles.
hardidi83 t1_jcx3hgz wrote
And as long as replacement tubes can be found :-)
deltarho t1_jcx3qc5 wrote
First time seeing an expensive piece of hifi gear?
deltarho t1_jcx3vp1 wrote
I’m not a fan of most new McIntosh equipment, but somewhere deep down I still want a 275. Very nice amp!
ChalupaCabre t1_jcx4h6c wrote
No… I own a pair of Apple AirPod Pro’s. Lol
Theoldelf t1_jcx4m2i wrote
That is the dream amp for sure. Grats.
BunkyDingDing t1_jcx4vkt wrote
Marc Maron said on his podcast once he has wanted one of these his whole life. He goes to hang out with Jack White and Jack has 50 of em. He thinks to himself well if Jack has 50 of em surely I can afford one. Ran down to record store, realized he couldn’t and bought something else(can’t remember what he got).
Somamang t1_jcx6gs1 wrote
That looks absolutely tantalizing. My ears are drooling! I can feel the warmth.
afvcommander t1_jcx7ln3 wrote
Audio gear, not earpods :D
Bootyblastastic t1_jcx83v3 wrote
But if you were to crank it up, what would you blast? Or what was the last album you cranked up?
Bootyblastastic t1_jcx8793 wrote
Totally, my dad gave me some old car named after a fish, said is valuable. Doesn’t have infotainment or anything I need. Hate it.
newkyular t1_jcx8t4e wrote
That's not what she means.
Also, busking is cool!
gnatskeeter t1_jcx8yg6 wrote
“At some point in the last two years, I got a renewed interest in playing records. I'd had turntables before, and I had a box of records that I'd been carting around since high school. I always knew in the back of my head that records had more integrity than digital music. I went to interview Jack White at his place in Nashville, and he's a real analog guy. He had these Mackintosh tube amps, and I got hung up on the idea of getting a tube amp, but the ones Jack had were $15,000. There was no way I could spend that kind of money on stereo equipment and enjoy it; I'd always be thinking, does this sound like $15,000? I don't think so.”
diab0lus t1_jcx9oq2 wrote
Please tell me you listen to vinyl through it.
BunkyDingDing t1_jcxbjrf wrote
That’s one quote about them but another time he went into talking about how he had so many surely he could afford one.
Either way I fucking love Marc Maron.
seamallowance t1_jcxch0c wrote
Yes, but they all involve Ibuprofen.
Ishiibradwpgjets t1_jcxehsh wrote
Rock on !
Other_Acount_Got_Ban t1_jcxhe1d wrote
Yeah until they sell it
SlightComplaint t1_jcxiar0 wrote
Also bear in mind the speakers themselves have higher distortion factors than the amps. And I think that's just physics. You can swing an electrical signal far quicker than moving the mass of a speaker cone.
iamshifter t1_jcxj68g wrote
A Barracuda?!
No, Tiburon… V6 😎
trikkinhoez t1_jcxlwvt wrote
Jisp_36 t1_jcxn4tk wrote
Please excuse me, I realise your question was directed at the Op but I can't resist. Mine was AC/DC Back In Black. Cranked all the way up to 11 because that is the only way to listen to that masterpiece.📢🎤🎸🥁📢
hacknix t1_jcxn99m wrote
You've hit on what might limit it's lifespan there. Tubes. Eventually, at some point, the tubes will cease being made...
podaypodayson OP t1_jcxrk2e wrote
It’s relatively low power by modern standards, putting out 75 watts per channel, but I’ve never noticed any shortcomings.
Old pioneer gear was incredible, I’d say it’s absolutely worth getting yours back into operating order!
podaypodayson OP t1_jcxro2a wrote
Sounds like he gave you the bug!
podaypodayson OP t1_jcxrpgy wrote
A very heavy tank!
podaypodayson OP t1_jcxrug1 wrote
podaypodayson OP t1_jcxrwjc wrote
I love Sonus Faber. They sound incredible and look amazing.
podaypodayson OP t1_jcxs00m wrote
Absolutely. I use it about 2-3 hours a day, so I’m prepared to replace them any day now.
woden_spoon t1_jcxsc1m wrote
Not sure why the downvotes—there’s been a pretty significant tube shortage for the past couple of years. There are only a few factories that produce them. One closed recently, and another is in Russia where tubes were on the 2022 export ban list. This has caused musicians and audiophiles to hoard tubes, further exacerbating the supply-chain issue.
For those who don’t know, vacuum tubes have a limited lifespan. You can get 5-10 years out of a tube if you only use it occasionally and at low volumes, but if you use them several times a week at higher volumes, they’ll last maybe 2-3 years.
The possibility of tubes becoming unobtainable or prohibitively expensive is very real.
podaypodayson OP t1_jcxscgx wrote
Fair point!
podaypodayson OP t1_jcxsg9n wrote
Thanks! I can’t justify any of their other products, the MC275 is a bit of a bargain compared to most of their catalog.
podaypodayson OP t1_jcxsoxf wrote
Looks great with the lights in the room low as well. McIntosh running, lights down, and a glass of wine is a great way to unwind.
Lee1138 t1_jcxt6q4 wrote
If you think airpods are expensive audio gear, you are not the target demo for this kind of item.
Axel1010 t1_jcxtb9h wrote
I have a great Sony amp from 1995. It was passed down to me by my father. It cost 100$ in a pawn shop back then and gets used every single day. It sure doesn’t look that good but I’ll bet you 100$ no one can hear the difference.
larman14 t1_jcxww9d wrote
I’m a child of the 80’s and have no idea what this is? A radio? Is it a flux capacitor?
HotgunColdheart t1_jcxy3kz wrote
Any audiophile would...I'd love a free $100 though.
CarlySortof t1_jcxymq7 wrote
Damn I only recognize this and things like it because of my late audiophile grandpa. We’ve got a lot of insanely nice stuff like this we’re all just kinda scared to try using ourselves
Dlemor t1_jcxzfhp wrote
For those about to rock, we salut you! FIRE!
answerguru t1_jcy0kzs wrote
He said hifi, not Apple garbage.
JustYerAverage t1_jcy14ty wrote
I used to make tube amplifiers for Dynaco.
kmc307 t1_jcy2kha wrote
bot good*
TangibleSounds t1_jcy3ggs wrote
Sorry if I’m being slow here but what does it do?
DrGonzo34 t1_jcy4o85 wrote
If you buy one, you won’t have any money left to buy another for the rest of your life.
Admittedly, this is top of the line, though.
podaypodayson OP t1_jcy5hsz wrote
Pretty much anyone can hear the difference. It’s a completely different technology versus FET driven amps and has an inherently different sound. Whether or not the difference is worth the cost is up to the individual, but the difference is profound.
podaypodayson OP t1_jcy5td1 wrote
It is a speaker amplifier. In the world of traditional stereo setups, most people connect speakers to a receiver, which is essentially a pre-amp and amp combo. The pre-amp let’s you select source and set volume, and the amp takes that information and amplifies the signal to play through the speakers. In this case the amp is not built in to a receiver but is a separate item (as pictured)
podaypodayson OP t1_jcy5xjc wrote
Be not afraid! Dive in!
podaypodayson OP t1_jcy68p2 wrote
That’s awesome. Are they still around?
podaypodayson OP t1_jcy6f2d wrote
It takes the line level signal from a pre-amp and amplified it to play through speakers. Prior to the 60s, you needed an amp, pre-amp, and speakers to play music. Today all of that fits in a small bluetooth speaker.
JustYerAverage t1_jcy6qd0 wrote
No, I don't think so. They were being manufactured by a company called Sound Values, mid 90s. I think the owners' names were John & Joy Peterson. Great company.
IandIreckon t1_jcy88lo wrote
For that price it had better outlive my grandkids
skinny_jimmy54 t1_jcya2le wrote
You’re kids suck. I can’t wait for my dad to croak so I can inherit all his cool shit
Govt-Issue-SexRobot t1_jcyadfm wrote
I feel like I should dress nicer to browse that website
mmmmmarty t1_jcyb187 wrote
I've landed some of my biggest catches on my grandfather's old heavers and pier rods. His Penn Senators and Mitchell clickers still run like new. I wish he knew how much I like them.
mega_brown_note t1_jcyctno wrote
I feel like the law of supply and demand means there will always be tubes available … for a certain price.
WineSoda t1_jcyf8p7 wrote
I have awesome memories of digging through piles of transistors in old audiophile stores.
LittleBitGhengisKhan t1_jcyfwqt wrote
What about the tubes? I’ve read it’s harder and harder to find replacements.
[deleted] t1_jcyhb9n wrote
[deleted]
mailerdeemon t1_jcyhjfn wrote
After they recap it and buy new tubes every decade or two. Tube amps are BIFL in the same way a Rolex is BIFL. They aren't inherently reliable, in fact they are less reliable than many cheaper options, but due to their value people will keep servicing them.
Drbatnanaman t1_jcyho6u wrote
🤤
CruelHandLuke_ t1_jcyi2ub wrote
I have a McIntosh C50 driving an MC402 hooked up to B&W 702 S2 signatures with an SVS PB3000 for bass.
I love McIntosh gear, it's the best stereo I've had.
yoyohands t1_jcyi5pw wrote
I’m hopeful they will keep making them. But hard to say - it’s part of the reason I switched to a solid state amp (but I do miss the sound of tubes). https://guitar.com/features/interviews/exclusive-western-electric-confirms-plans-tube-georgia-factory-crisis/
zvexler t1_jcykl2d wrote
How heavy is it? An estimate if you aren’t sure?
alexandertg4 t1_jcyla3w wrote
He does. You make him proud.
podaypodayson OP t1_jcyln4f wrote
That’s a shame. So many great audio brands died as consumers chose convenience over quality.
Regulator0110 t1_jcylrn3 wrote
Pffft, I will sell you my desktop monitors for 100k each. This game is EASY.
podaypodayson OP t1_jcylrxw wrote
Ha. I don’t think they judge.
podaypodayson OP t1_jcylwu4 wrote
Yeah. I miss the way audio used to be. The mid-tier is gone. Everything now is either high end or bargain basement.
podaypodayson OP t1_jcym4ls wrote
KT88 are relatively commonplace, and those are the primary tubes that will need to be replaced. I would hope someone would step in to continue manufacturing them if it came to that but who knows.
podaypodayson OP t1_jcymddr wrote
Recapping shouldn’t be necessary for a long time, if ever on a modern unit (gen 4 and newer). Yes the tubes need replacing eventually, but I’ve got 16 years on mine so it’s not like it’s common, and they’re obviously user replaceable.
podaypodayson OP t1_jcymilw wrote
That’s a great setup! I love the 702s. I’m using a REL sub which is fantastic.
podaypodayson OP t1_jcymklm wrote
About 65 pounds I believe. Lots of copper in there!
LittleBitGhengisKhan t1_jcynj6k wrote
zvexler t1_jcyo4i5 wrote
[deleted] t1_jcype0s wrote
[deleted]
ski-dad t1_jcyr7ei wrote
I don’t know.. 50’s here and was cranking Jane’s Addiction - Three Days this weekend. Sounded pretty good!
ChalupaCabre t1_jcyr8cq wrote
Lol just a joke.
Noteagro t1_jcys0vz wrote
That is all contingent on parts being replaced and regular servicing. These style amps often need to be serviced once every 5-10 years based on the manufacturer’s recommendations.
I bet you know that, but make sure those that are being passed such an expensive piece of hardware understand they will need to pay those expenses too. Otherwise they will just end up with an expensive paperweight.
HeywoodJaBlessMe t1_jcyta3h wrote
Well, at least that .25W sounds awesome.
HeywoodJaBlessMe t1_jcyu60o wrote
Nope.
The differences between quality amplifiers is vanishingly small. And the closer to perfect they are, the more similar they sound.
Amps are one of the last places to spend your money when designing a home audio system.
In terms of sound quality importance the order is: speakers, room, source, amp, interconnects.
HeywoodJaBlessMe t1_jcyvnpi wrote
Accurate transduction is vastly more challenging than accurate amplification.
Thirdnipple79 t1_jcywgu5 wrote
Haha, depends on what you collect. Mine seem to value my video game collection.
podaypodayson OP t1_jcyx5wz wrote
I can’t speak for other tube amps, but there is no recommended service interval for these. Replace the tubes when they burn out, and repair things as they break (as with anything else). I’ve had this amp 16 years now, and I’m still running the original tubes. They’ll likely need to be replaced soon, but that’s not a bad run
TaliesinWI t1_jcyxjkb wrote
Meh, generally the more expensive stuff sounds better than the mass-fi stuff Best Buy will sell you. The prices go up faster than the "benefit" because the high-end stuff doesn't have economy of scale and/or is hand built (or at least isn't being churned off a non-US/European assembly line). Whether it's worth it to you/anyone is another matter entirely, and even those deep in the hobby have a cutoff point.
Noteagro t1_jcyxmgw wrote
Damn! That is really good, when I was looking at amps I kept seeing people talk about the tubes and other components need to be replaced after 5-10 years. Wonder if the high price point helps with better quality.
[deleted] t1_jcyyuon wrote
[deleted]
polyesterjellyfish t1_jcyzr61 wrote
an '87 Tilapia
Shadeun t1_jcyzzt7 wrote
Thats a lot of money for something that looks a lot like a microwave
friendoffuture t1_jcz047s wrote
The problem is the "new old stock" tubes will run out eventually and you'll be buying artisan small batch tubes from a resuscitated Russian assembly line for $100s.
albertienstien t1_jcz0spy wrote
What? You know theyve invented solid state amps right? You know modern caps can last much much longer. Dude im an audiophile as much as the next guy and the 275 is an AMAZING product but by its very nature its not BIFL.
darth_faader t1_jcz1kn4 wrote
Gorgeous. I love their early solid state amps, MC 2205 for the win (the tube era is largely too rich for my blood)
Regulator0110 t1_jcz28jp wrote
For sure, Ive hand-soldered point-to-point tube power amplifiers, so I totally understand, but at a point, a large percentage of the asking price is gatekeeping the prestige, regardless of how transparent the soundstage. I bet they do sound phenomenal though.
Koitenshin t1_jcz3fra wrote
I laughed harder at this than I should have. Then I had to take an ibuprofen.
deltarho t1_jcz3jpm wrote
A “bargain” and a real heritage design that isn’t just OpAmps dressed up in a fancy black and green box.
Koitenshin t1_jcz3sre wrote
This is definitely true from all the posts I've read in r/coins of people just unloading entire collections into Coinstar machines.
CosmicRambo t1_jcz5cjs wrote
And one of them is probably gonna sell it on facebook marketplace for $50
podaypodayson OP t1_jcz6mfq wrote
From what I understand, amp design can have a pretty significant impact on tube life. The harder the tubes are driven, the more often they’ll need replacement, so the amp tubes (the large 4) will need to be replaced probably twice as often as the pre-stage (the smaller ones in front). Considering this only puts out 75 watts per channel, it’s a pretty conservative design.
Shitebart t1_jcz6ojd wrote
As long as guitarists exist, somebody will still be producing tubes. I don't think tube guitar amps are going anywhere. They've remained strong throughout 20+ years of digital tube amp simulation and I don't foresee that changing
podaypodayson OP t1_jcz6v64 wrote
I wish there were more places people could A/B compare them with solid state. Though the MC7300 is certainly a worthy competitor!
podaypodayson OP t1_jcz6y7q wrote
This is true. But for now I’m just enjoying the sound.
podaypodayson OP t1_jcz8hqe wrote
Yes, I’m aware that solid state has been invented. While the tubes here will need eventual replacement, they are obviously user replaceable, so no technician needed for the most common “repair”. Although the overall design is 60 years old, they’re using modern caps here, so those should last just as long as any other quality amp.
But, because of the simplicity and long history of this product, there will likely always be a source for any needed parts and repairs, unlike most vintage electronics. Additionally, due to what it is (an amp, nothing more), there is no technology to become obsolete. How many perfectly operating A/V receivers are now useless due to changing technology? The Denon AVR5600 released in 1998 was the ultimate AV receiver and sold for over $5000. But… no HDMI, no 4k, no modern deciding, and today it’s virtually worthless.
podaypodayson OP t1_jcz8nde wrote
The 2205 was gorgeous.
Bob_Chris t1_jcza2m3 wrote
I was given a McIntosh MC-30 Monoblock amp about 30 years ago which was used as part of a home sound system in at my uncle's house in Binghamton, NY. Had to have been purchased late '50s early '60s based on when that model was made. And they were $153.50 when new ($1560 today). I never got it up and running myself, but ended up selling it on Ebay about 5 years ago for $1200. So basically maintained its value over time.
I'm guessing your amp has done about the same.
podaypodayson OP t1_jczadrf wrote
Definitely. I don’t plan on selling it, but knowing I can get back what I paid pretty easily is a nice bonus.
seamallowance t1_jczazl2 wrote
I am pleased to read of other’s passion for vintage hifi. I have Hafler gear. None of my peers care. It often seems that nobody under 50 appreciates vintage hifi. I just tell them to get off my lawn.
cronx42 t1_jczcski wrote
75 is plenty for most applications. I'm sure it's a clean and powerful 75W. I've heard some people run Khorns on 2W or less and they can blow the corners of your foundation apart...
Yeah, the Spec1 and Spec2 are fairly iconic. They were used in many studios and are rack mountable. I need to get them fixed up.
L_viathan t1_jczd20f wrote
I always thought these things looked really cool, even though I have literally no idea what they do.
Tony_Lacorona t1_jczddjw wrote
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Bootyblastastic t1_jczeaj3 wrote
That’s it, a real pile of carp.
[deleted] t1_jczefwf wrote
[deleted]
StevenTM t1_jczehhb wrote
Please, it's pronounced mee-kro-wah-vay
StevenTM t1_jczejpr wrote
mmmmmarty t1_jczf5ja wrote
Thank you for saying that. My breath caught in my chest for moment when I read it. Peace to you.
TheInebriati t1_jczf7qp wrote
I much more reliable indicator of tube health is how hot they’re biased. Tubes biased close to the crossover can last a loooong time.
SunnyCofax t1_jczgt95 wrote
Agree. Saying this as a person who has bought my Mac gear new… and has my father’s Macs from the late 60s/70s … both are overbuilt & work great!
i_donno t1_jczijjt wrote
I know its spelled differently but I always thought it was weird that these amps and Apple Macs could co-exist especially when Apple got into music.
Guses t1_jczizzn wrote
Is that a tube amp? I'm assuming it only takes analog signals?
SkyVINS t1_jczja6m wrote
Yeah i mean, for how handsome the thing is, *anything* is BIFL if you are ok with constantly buying spare parts. Tubes there are about £20 each, now that they are still being made.
gregsting t1_jczjgvj wrote
I’m not sure this is more reliable than any other reasonable quality stereo amp though
ywBBxNqW t1_jczlnfw wrote
> Adulthood has it’s own rewards.
Like hypertension and swollen ankles.
dontshoot4301 t1_jczmbul wrote
Audiophiles, like most hobbies to a lesser extreme do this crazy shit. It’s barely discernible improvements for exponentially higher prices and everyone fawns over the price rather than the enjoyment.
frockinbrock t1_jczmhcx wrote
Yeah but you have to pick a favorite child, so there’s that
Razgrez11 t1_jczmof9 wrote
Thought those were Nixie-tubes for a second.
humanzee70 t1_jcznglu wrote
humanzee70 t1_jcznmlr wrote
No swollen ankles yet, but the hypertension is settling in, lol.
Ellietoomuch t1_jczp07l wrote
Purely a hater comment incoming, but that’s too high end to feel like it belongs here, like yea I’m sure if I could afford $5k for audio equipment sure, but like, who is this post for? For other rich audiophiles? They probs already know , this just feels like a flex on a niche item
contempt1 t1_jczpld3 wrote
Reminds me of being a poor college student but had hi-fidelity tastes and would visit stereophile stores and geek out with staff listening to the little details. Sadly, my now spotify life along with family no longer affords those dreams any longer. Rock on.
Busman123 t1_jczqh9u wrote
Nice! Are replacement valves available?
233719 t1_jczr7bv wrote
And then - as seen on ‘Maron’ - he went out and got one anyway.
https://www.stereonet.com/forums/topic/95644-mcintosh-featured-in-tv-show-maron/
SlightComplaint t1_jczspjp wrote
There's the words I wanted. Thanks.
podaypodayson OP t1_jcztz5k wrote
Makes speakers play music!
podaypodayson OP t1_jczu629 wrote
For sure. At any given point you can sell it for what was paid if not more.
L_viathan t1_jczupnh wrote
So there's like a mini version of this in most regular speakers?
podaypodayson OP t1_jczw7jn wrote
I don’t know that Apple and McIntosh ever had a conflict. The Beatles on the other hand…
podaypodayson OP t1_jczwjbq wrote
Yes, it’s a tube amp. It only accepts analog inputs from a pre-amp/processor, but any pre/pro will accept digital signals (HDMI, tos-link, etc), so functionally it’s the same as any more modern amp.
podaypodayson OP t1_jczwoss wrote
Constantly might be an exaggeration though. I’ve had it 16 years and bought zero parts so far.
podaypodayson OP t1_jczwzbp wrote
While possibly true, how many reasonable quality stereo amps are still in use after 20, 30, or 40 years?
podaypodayson OP t1_jczxinr wrote
Yikes. Good point.
podaypodayson OP t1_jczxla7 wrote
I’ve always wanted to build a nixie clock!
podaypodayson OP t1_jczy28m wrote
Personally I disagree. I picked this up used 16 years ago for $3500, so $218/year to own it at this point, and many years still ahead. Meanwhile, how many people buy a new pair of AirPods or similar every year? Not an exact comparison but you get the idea.
podaypodayson OP t1_jczy4jf wrote
Yes, they’re (currently) readily available.
podaypodayson OP t1_jczy9vu wrote
Yep! Any Bluetooth speaker or speaker that plugs into a computer has a miniaturized version inside. Obviously made from different technology, but same concept.
L_viathan t1_jczyqtk wrote
So with it being external and large, you can get better sound quality? Plus maybe interchangeable parts to customize outcome?
ContemplatingFolly t1_jczzssa wrote
podaypodayson OP t1_jczzyex wrote
Yes, there are modders out there, though that’s beyond my capabilities.
podaypodayson OP t1_jd04ocw wrote
Among other formats, yep!
Ellietoomuch t1_jd04qol wrote
Well I’m sure you disagree, just like I disagree who’s gaining anything of value here, this is probably my poverty talking but it feels like telling someone to buy a $30k car over a $2k car bc it’ll last so much better when you simply can’t afford a 30k car like that in the first place. Great advice for those with money, otherwise just feels useless and like a brag. Enjoy the toy tho, just feels like the wrong sub to me.
podaypodayson OP t1_jd0528z wrote
Oh man… that’s a tough one, as it depends greatly on the mood. Top five crank up tunes that come to mind (in no particular order):
- Low Self Opinion-Rollin’s Band
- Life On Mars-David Bowie
- Adore-Prince
- John Finn’s Wife-Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds
- Regret-Fiona Apple
podaypodayson OP t1_jd07fwg wrote
Well no offense was intended. (In my view) Some BIFL items are designed to save money, and some are designed to be purchased that last a lifetime, practical or not. We all treat ourselves occasionally, and while income largely determines what those treats look like, the intent is the same.
A lot of people buy a new (inexpensive) stereo every few years to keep up with current technology. A lot of people buy inexpensive Bluetooth speakers, and replace them every couple of years when the internal battery dies and can’t be replaced. Assuming I keep and use this for 50 years (not unreasonable), was the cost really that high? I don’t believe so.
I try to buy things I’m going to keep where possible. I have t-shirts I bought in high school (30 years ago) that I still wear, holes and all. I have a blender I bought 20 years ago that I’ll have forever. And the last time I bought underwear was in 2008 at Target (no holes, no need to replace!), and my kitchen cutlery is a set my grandmother got free when she opened a bank account in the 1940s.
And while a $2000 car might fit your budget better than a $30,000 car, that $2000 car is still likely out of reach for a lot of people, and might be seen as a flex. Meanwhile, some dude with a boat is going to look at my McIntosh and scoff since it didn’t cost six figures and require five figure annual maintenance.
Again, if my post offended you, I apologize, that wasn’t the intent, nor was a “flex”. I just thought that in the disposable world of consumer electronics, something with staying power was appropriate. Money and toys don’t buy happiness, and some of my best memories are from when I was earning $6/hr and living with 4 roommates. Hopefully you understand my perspective and I genuinely hope you enjoy the rest of your day.
ChalupaCabre t1_jd09s09 wrote
Lol pretty are very uptight about their audio!
StevenTM t1_jd0axwp wrote
I don't own anything better than my airpods pro (adequate on the go), a pair of Bose QC35 (comfy!) and a 3.0 Sonos system with no sub, which is nonetheless more than adequate for my needs.
But yeah, when discussing "expensive" and "hifi" audio gear, airpods aren't really part of either discussion.
MayorDaley t1_jd0bsni wrote
If you have the manual or packaging, write down where to find replacement tubes and which specific type to look for. A manual might just say to buy from Mcintosh, but there are other options.
podaypodayson OP t1_jd0c51r wrote
Yeah the manual recommends McIntosh, but if course theirs are just rebranded from other brands.
There are a few websites that sell them, and luckily each tube is labeled with the type.
TheEverHumbled t1_jd0cwib wrote
BIFL community walks a tricky line between "good value" and "status symbol" goods, sometimes.
​
My interpretation of an ideal BIFL item boils down to this:
-The item costs you more in the short term, but you are saving money/avoiding waste in the long run.
​
For instance, quality boots which can be resoled repeatedly and last much longer than cheapo's, are a great BIFL. Stuff which is modular, and allows for self-repair with low cost, commonly worn sub-components are great for this.
On the flip side, rare/elite goods sometimes have a cost well beyond what most of us would ever spend in their entire lifetimes on moderate quality alternatives. Such things have allure for enthusiasts, in part because the detailing brings them joy, possibly beyond the raw utility of the item.
Also, if an item dramatically changes your behavior such that you have to be really cautious or paranoid of people borrowing, stealing, damaging or losing the item, I feel like those aspects need to be considered too.
​
Stuff like Montblanc or Rolex can be fine items, but sometimes a LAMY or Casio will suit the needs of many as a durable value.
1872Glen t1_jd0d3kw wrote
Just looked up the price in Australia, 13k wow.
Does this thing get loud and sound awesome?
ChalupaCabre t1_jd0d4i1 wrote
Was a bad joke! Oof
podaypodayson OP t1_jd0dfm2 wrote
That’s about $8700 USD? I paid $3500, though granted it was 16 years ago and it was a display model.
It does indeed get loud though.
polyesterjellyfish t1_jd0imh2 wrote
I'd still drive it around town just for the halibut
Whole_Aspect_7216 t1_jd1noyu wrote
And it’s not evenly balanced. There’s a heavy side that will mess you up if you aren’t ready for it.
gregsting t1_jd1rxim wrote
Still a lot but of course people keep the most valuable stuff. But is a Ferrari a buy it for life car because people will never discard it?
podaypodayson OP t1_jd2huyk wrote
Assuming someone buys a Ferrari as a daily driver and it’s maintenance free for a decade and a half? Yes.
gregsting t1_jd3ig89 wrote
It isn’t, but still people keep their 50 years old Ferrari and don’t keep their 50 yo Toyota
podaypodayson OP t1_jd3pk9w wrote
Okay. I’m glad you have an opinion.
BoltingBubby t1_jd3wve7 wrote
It has no moving parts. Ns it’s bifl. You’re kidding yourself if you think with heavy use one of the board components won’t have to be swapped out though while costing a hefty price to do so. You’d also be kidding yourself if you think a solid state wouldn’t last just as long or longer while being better in every measurable way and costing a fraction of the price. Pointless post for this sub tbh
podaypodayson OP t1_jd3zhoe wrote
Plenty of things with no moving parts are posted here daily. Spoons, socks, thermoses, etc etc etc.
I don’t know too many people who have had the same stereo for 16 years (and counting). BIFL is part reliability, part repairability, and part long term relevance. Yes there are cheaper solutions, and those solutions get replaced somewhat often because they lack current technology. This does not fall into that trap.
podaypodayson OP t1_jcvyoxi wrote
Sometimes BIFL can be boring (no offense to the socks and cutlery lovers out there!). The McIntosh MC275 has been in production since 1961, and unlike most consumer electronics, is still relevant today after more than 60 years.
I bought mine in 2007, and somehow it’s still running on the original tubes. As long as standard passive speakers are available, the MC275 will be a relevant piece of audio gear.