Mcintosh MC2500 Amp to drive the 4430?

[CarlHungus]

I just wondered if the Mcintosh MC2500 Amp would match the 4430?
Have any of you guys tried that amp with JBL studio monitors?
Jan-Thore

[Audiobeer]

Not only would it match it will sound great! :applaud:

[rgrjit8]

Oh, ye of little faith.:rolleyes:

The JBL/McIntosh pairing has been the ultimate combo for decades.
I recently replaced an Adcom 5800 for a Mac 2300 on the low end of my 4355s. It was like adding an entire octave of sound to the low end. Where the Adcom had sought to merely get by with overcautious handling, like female drivers, the Mac made those woofers its bitches. There is now tightness and control to the bass that I hadn't known was possible.:blah:

I think you're in for a thrill!:bouncy:

[mvaldes]

I'm using an MC300 with my 4430. Great sound :applaud:

[JBLnsince1959]

should work great, I had my 4430's ( sold'em to audiobeer last year) hooked up to a MC402 ( 400 watts per side) and it really sounded good. it had a "fullness" that I really enjoyed and couldn't get with any other type of amp ( all mac's worked great - the bigger the better)

Mac's ( 300 and bigger) seem to make a good match to the 4430's ( IMHO)

enjoy

[hwirt]

I’m using a McIntosh MC-2300 (300 watts per channel) that I purchased in 1977 for sound reinforcement work to power my JBL L220’s and it sounds great.



I also have a Carver M1.5t that is rated at 350 watts per channel which sounds almost as good as the Mac in the mid and high end but the bass control is no contest, the Mac is a lot better. The deep tight base that my L220’s can produce with the Mac is incredible. Enjoy the MC-2500.



Heath

[CarlHungus]

:(Unfortunately, the 2500 was sold from under me, called 10 min. to late :(
The McIntosh 2500 is an amp seldom seen in these parts of the wood, som I'm a bit p#ssed now :banghead: . But thanx for the feedback, you guys :)
My latest object of interest is the Electrocompaniet ECI-1 (norwegian amp.).
2x100W, dual mono.
Jan-Thore

[JBLnsince1959]

:(Unfortunately, the 2500 was sold from under me, called 10 min. to late :(


Darn....well next time you'll know to jump on them fast...you don't see those often.. better luck next time..

But as I said ANY MAC ( 300 or over) will work great...the bigger the better. I always wanted to try a 2500 but never had the chance..

Good luck

[remusr]

Carl - talk to Frank Gow at www.audioclassics.com (http://www.audioclassics.com/) and pick up a NOS MC352 or better yet some NIB monoblock 501's or 1200's. I bought the 352 and found them to be nice folk with good followup, great prices. These amps would all blow away that little 2500 guy. Might give you a hernia lifting the 1200's at 185# ea though the 352 and 501's are flyweights at only 110# or so once out of the 30# boxes. And you would need a new rack cuz they are a mite large. Great controlled and rich sound from the 352 and tho I would like the larger monoblocks the 352 is safer on the ears. My wife doesn't even like it turned up. And Mac's newish soft clipping circuitry and power sentry really do eliminate nasty sounds and speaker damage when these puppies deliver up to maybe 50% over rated power. And the blue meters are way cool. You would not regret it.
- Roy

[Ken Pachkowsky]

I just wondered if the Mcintosh MC2500 Amp would match the 4430?
Have any of you guys tried that amp with JBL studio monitors?
Jan-Thore


Hmmm. It might be ok.......

Are you kidding, they are a very nice amp. Had a 2300 for a couple of years and was sorry to let it go.

Ken

[scott fitlin]

Carl - talk to Frank Gow at www.audioclassics.com (http://www.audioclassics.com/) and pick up a NOS MC352 or better yet some NIB monoblock 501's or 1200's. I bought the 352 and found them to be nice folk with good followup, great prices. These amps would all blow away that little 2500 guy. Might give you a hernia lifting the 1200's at 185# ea though the 352 and 501's are flyweights at only 110# or so once out of the 30# boxes. And you would need a new rack cuz they are a mite large. Great controlled and rich sound from the 352 and tho I would like the larger monoblocks the 352 is safer on the ears. My wife doesn't even like it turned up. And Mac's newish soft clipping circuitry and power sentry really do eliminate nasty sounds and speaker damage when these puppies deliver up to maybe 50% over rated power. And the blue meters are way cool. You would not regret it.
- RoyI bought a refurbished Mc-2125 from these people and they are great! Nice people, and HONEST!

Great to deal with, prices arent cheap, but not over inflated either, and their amps perform to spec or better, they are the Mc people.

:thmbsup:

[CarlHungus]

Carl - talk to Frank Gow at www.audioclassics.com (http://www.audioclassics.com/) and pick up a NOS MC352 or better yet some NIB monoblock 501's or 1200's. I bought the 352 and found them to be nice folk with good followup, great prices. These amps would all blow away that little 2500 guy. Might give you a hernia lifting the 1200's at 185# ea though the 352 and 501's are flyweights at only 110# or so once out of the 30# boxes. And you would need a new rack cuz they are a mite large. Great controlled and rich sound from the 352 and tho I would like the larger monoblocks the 352 is safer on the ears. My wife doesn't even like it turned up. And Mac's newish soft clipping circuitry and power sentry really do eliminate nasty sounds and speaker damage when these puppies deliver up to maybe 50% over rated power. And the blue meters are way cool. You would not regret it.
- Roy

thanx for the tips, I have just visited the website and those Mc babies sent shivers down my spine :bouncy: I guess I have seen the light, McIntosh or bust :)
I am now looking into an 6900 integrated amp for sale here in Norway.
I know It's probably a "lightweight" by McIntosh standard, but maybe it will be adequate, as I live in a condo...
Jan Thore

[yggdrasil]

If you end up buying from audioclassics, or any other place in the US you must make sure it runs 220V....

[mvaldes]

check also here

http://www.mcintoshaudio.com/

I've bought some MCIntosh item here and they are very nice and professional
Of course they can modify to runs 220v

[korgroenewoud]

If you end up buying from audioclassics, or any other place in the US you must make sure it runs 220V....

That' s no problem. They convert the units all to the tright voltage. They have a lot of expertise of Mcintosh overthere. I bought all my Mcintosh stuff there. I visited this company last year. They invited me at the Mcintosh factory. I had a tour there. It was a great time

[CarlHungus]

If you end up buying from audioclassics, or any other place in the US you must make sure it runs 220V....

If needed, one could just use an external transformer; 120v-230v /2kVA would be adequate, no?
Jan-Thore

[JBLnsince1959]

I am now looking into an 6900 integrated amp for sale here in Norway.
I know It's probably a "lightweight" by McIntosh standard, but maybe it will be adequate, as I live in a condo...



I would recommend NOT gettting the integrated 6900 or any other integrated amp for the 4430's. You need something with a lot behind it and the integrateds don't do it.

That's my opinion ( IMHO) anyway

good luck. Personally I think an older 2300 or 2500 is perfect. The older MAC amps from the 70's and early 80's have a Better sound than those today that really matches well with the 4430's - again just my opinion.

[mvaldes]

If needed, one could just use an external transformer; 120v-230v /2kVA would be adequate, no?
Jan-Thore

external tranformer is not a good choice for a power amplifier. It's Ok for low power electronics like preamp or other, but not for Power amplifier.
Both Audioclassics and Mcintoshaudio.com can change the voltage.
As I know this is very easy with all McIntosh Amp. Just need to make a modification in the primary input of the transformer (serial vs parallel) and change the fuse.

[mvaldes]

I would recommend NOT gettting the integrated 6900 or any other integrated amp for the 4430's. You need something with a lot behind it and the integrateds don't do it.

That's my opinion ( IMHO) anyway

good luck. Personally I think an older 2300 or 2500 is perfect. The older MAC amps from the 70's and early 80's have a Better sound than those today that really matches well with the 4430's - again just my opinion.

I totally agree with you. I've a MC7100 and a MC300
When I hooked up the first time the 7100 I thought I made some mistake in the wiring.
The difference with the MC300 was so impressive that I never used the 7100 again. And I'm not talking of high volume listening level.
You can hear the difference also when driving the 4430 with few Watts (10/15)

[remusr]

I've been told that there was a period where the McIntosh dropped their sights a bit on their lower power solid state units but that is not the case for the last several years or for the higher power units probably forever. My 352 and the bigger 402, 501's & 1200's are awesome. And their soft clipping control and speaker sentry technology is very nice. My 2c.

[sajt]

i am thinking also a 2500 buying.
can tell somebody for which speakers passed? not only the 4430

[remusr]

I would recommend a larger Mac like the 2500, 2600, 352, 402, 501's, 1201's for just about any speaker, JBL or otherwise. Good entertainment to watch the meters too.

- Roy

[JBLnsince1959]

I've been told that there was a period where the McIntosh dropped their sights a bit on their lower power solid state units but that is not the case for the last several years or for the higher power units probably forever. My 352 and the bigger 402, 501's & 1200's are awesome. And their soft clipping control and speaker sentry technology is very nice. My 2c.

as an owner of the current 402's and other MAC's for over 33 years ( OK now I'm showing my age), when doing side by side comparisons, personally ( and it's just my opinion, also I never sold any of my MAC's I still have them) I really like the old circuits and the way they sound - there's more ...THERE..there...anyway that's just me.

Now don't get me wrong..I love my 402 and I demoed the 501 for a month..yes, those are the best amps they have ever made BUT........

[JBLnsince1959]

I've been told that there was a period where the McIntosh dropped their sights a bit on their lower power solid state units .

82 to 90 was the "down" period.....then they were bought out by a Japanese company ( 1990?) and had new money to play with. My next Mac will the the C200 pre-amp - almost bought it two years ago but didn't :banghead:

Oh, yes another REALLY NICE feature of the old amps - they have a volume control so you can by-pass the pre-amp...makes a really big difference in sound...wonderful

[JBLnsince1959]

The difference with the MC300 was so impressive that I never used the 7100 again. And I'm not talking of high volume listening level.
You can hear the difference also when driving the 4430 with few Watts (10/15)

It's not the loudness but what we call "headroom" here in the States, the meter may only say 10 to 15 watts BUT the transients ( bursts of power for very short time) may need a lot more. It's amazing how so little can change the sound so much.....

good luck with whatever you do

[invstbiker]

Just go for the headroom, you won't be sorry....

[JBL Dog]

I just wondered if the Mcintosh MC2500 Amp would match the 4430?
Have any of you guys tried that amp with JBL studio monitors?
Jan-Thore

I power my 4430's with an McIntosh MC7270 (270 wpc). A little more headroom with the MC2500 wouldn't hurt, go for it!

:yes:

[JBL Dog]

I power my 4430's with an McIntosh MC7270 (270 wpc). A little more headroom with the MC2500 wouldn't hurt, go for it!

:yes:


I guess I should have read the entire thread, sorry it didn't work out.

:o:

[JBLnsince1959]

Just go for the headroom, you won't be sorry....


Invstbiker...yes, those 501's are incredible amps...I kick myself for NOT getting those some times.....but the 402 does just fine.....

[hwirt]

The latest McIntosh powerhouse the MC2KW; yes 2000 watts per channel.

Heath

[Nightbrace]

What MAC receiver would be a a definite upgrade to the Marantz 2250 I am using for under $250?

[JBL Dog]

What MAC receiver would be a a definite upgrade to the Marantz 2250 I am using for under $250?

I don't know if you're going to find a Mac receiver under $250.00 unless it is in need of service.

[sajt]

today my first McIntosh had arrived :spin: :nanana: :rockon2: :presents:

[hwirt]

Congratulation Sajt! What are your first impressions of the MC2500? How does it compare to the amps your using now? Please share the excitement.:applaud:

The big industrial series (MC2300, MC2500 & MC2600) are my McIntosh favorites. Enjoy your new toy.

Heath

[JBLnsince1959]

today my first McIntosh had arrived :spin: :nanana: :rockon2: :presents:

yes, be sure to let us know.

[majick47]

That MC2500 must be a powerhouse! I lucked out when I purchased a Yamaha pro PC4002m from fellow MA member JBLNUT, 420x2 with headroom. This was the followup to the PC5002m with a 100 less watts and 50 lbs lighter. While browsing Audiogon I saw a couple of Accuphase pro amps listed and the resemblance to the the Yamaha pro amps was almost identical but the price was a lot higher. If you you can't locate a pro MAC the Yamaha or Accuphase pros might be worth considering.

[sajt]

so i have tried the MC2500, with 4430-4333-L220:bouncy:
ALTEC 604E-604-8H-604K model 14:banghead: and finally
Tannoy Classic monitor and
Tannoy Westminster.....:applaud:
teh best was the Tannoys after JBL and do not like the ALTECs

[ddino77]

Super amp. cannot go wrong. love the industrial look and heft.
Once you go over 300 watt/ch Macs pretty much have the same
headroom, dynamics and sound. IF you treat them respectfully, (without
abuse) and give minimum care, a classic Mac will outlast you! I just purchased a Sansui BA-5000 which is a Japanese MC-2300 clone, just so I could biamp without paying the wallet emptying price of admission for
another 2500. Come to find out the Sansui is a total sleeper whose reputation is well known among the vintage/classic crowd and is
now also in very high demand fetching ridiculous prices. I bought the 2500 used in 93 for half what is now being paid and can thank mysefl almost every day. Even the new Mac amps to my eyes are just not made to the same NUKE busting build quality. Yeah, they are very pretty with the big meters $ extra helpings of chrome, but have they stood the test of time (ALMOST 30 years)? I hear folks on some blogs talking about the soft and restrained signature Mac sound. Is it accurate? Maybe. I know that Krell makes a very respectable amp as well but sounds overy bright to my ears compared to the 2500. :blah: Hope I didn't put anyone to sleep

[scott fitlin]

McIntosh MC-2500.

THAT is a BIG MAC!


:D

2weeks ago, there was a beautiful pair of McIntosh MC-1000 monoblocks on epay.

I guess when those BIG MAC,s were ordered the guy said SUPERSIZE IT!

[stephane RAME]

Super amp. cannot go wrong. love the industrial look and heft.
Once you go over 300 watt/ch Macs pretty much have the same
headroom, dynamics and sound. IF you treat them respectfully, (without
abuse) and give minimum care, a classic Mac will outlast you! I just purchased a Sansui BA-5000 which is a Japanese MC-2300 clone, just so I could biamp without paying the wallet emptying price of admission for
another 2500. Come to find out the Sansui is a total sleeper whose reputation is well known among the vintage/classic crowd and is
now also in very high demand fetching ridiculous prices. I bought the 2500 used in 93 for half what is now being paid and can thank mysefl almost every day. Even the new Mac amps to my eyes are just not made to the same NUKE busting build quality. Yeah, they are very pretty with the big meters $ extra helpings of chrome, but have they stood the test of time (ALMOST 30 years)? I hear folks on some blogs talking about the soft and restrained signature Mac sound. Is it accurate? Maybe. I know that Krell makes a very respectable amp as well but sounds overy bright to my ears compared to the 2500. :blah: Hope I didn't put anyone to sleep


http://www.classicsansui.net/images/

[vernb]

so i have tried the MC2500, with 4430-4333-L220:bouncy:
ALTEC 604E-604-8H-604K model 14:banghead: and finally
Tannoy Classic monitor and
Tannoy Westminster.....:applaud:
teh best was the Tannoys after JBL and do not like the ALTECs

Is that an Altec poweramp we almost see in the picture?
Please let us have a better look at that.
Vern

[Peter Becker]

I also use Sansui BA 5000 with my JBL 4343B.This is really a very good sounding Amp.

[BMWCCA]

lease let us have a better look at that.
VernI still want to know what small bookshelf JBL that is in your avatar? Looks like an L20t with an 044. What the heck is it?

http://www.audioheritage.org/vbulletin/image.php?u=5434&dateline=1208537236

[hjames]

I still want to know what small bookshelf JBL that is in your avatar? Looks like an L20t with an 044. What the heck is it?

http://www.audioheritage.org/vbulletin/image.php?u=5434&dateline=1208537236

Its an 18ti - on its side, I believe ..
Pretty wood - certainly makes me want to get a pair!

But - with a silver tweeter rather than the black tweeter of these -

http://audioheritage.org/vbulletin/attachment.php?attachmentid=28848&stc=1&d=1191704272

[grumpy]

... or was. No Ti in non-Ti 044 :)

[vernb]

... or was. No Ti in non-Ti 044 :)

You are dead right. They are 18ti without ti. I got them for next to nothing with the original 044ti tweeters, but I had a pair of 044 tweeters lying around doing nothing. Ended up selling the 044ti tweeters for 200euro and kept the speakers as now just JBL 18....

[grumpy]

... a win-win situation :)

[BMWCCA]

And good-looking, too! The 044 really looks great in there. A much easier transplant than it would be for my L20t though. Very elegant.

[JBLCanuck]

Not yet but I can give you my opinion tomorrow!
Today I found an MC2500 & a C32 at a Garage Sale!
Believe it or not, I traded a vintage stove for the pair :applaud:
My 4343's are on route from Houston, TX & so I can give you an opinion on those once they arrive next week or the L100t's tomorrow!
Any recommendations on a better preamp than the C32? :hmm:

[invstbiker]

Not yet but I can give you my opinion tomorrow!
Today I found an MC2500 & a C32 at a Garage Sale!
Believe it or not, I traded a vintage stove for the pair :applaud:
My 4343's are on route from Houston, TX & so I can give you an opinion on those once they arrive next week or the L100t's tomorrow!
Any recommendations on a better preamp than the C32? :hmm:

CARY SLP 05 with 1959 vintage 6SN7's

[tom1040]

Has anyone had any experience with the McIntosh MC402 & C46 on JBL S2600 speakers? Anyone at all? Perhaps with the S3100's?

[tom1040]

No need to respond. The combo works great on my S2600 speakers. Thanks for everyone's help.:)

[screw_squirrel]

Hi everydody!
I use 2 Mcintosh to bi-amp my 4430 and it sounds great to me.
MC2250 for low end and MC2255 for High end.

[saberger1]

Just got my first ever JBL's(at 64 no less!), some 4412's. Got them because I recently acquired a McIntosh MC2300 and didn't want to do something to kill my precious AR3's. So those are now relegated to duty with my Mc MC2105, and the 2300 is finally able to stretch it's likes and flex it's muscles with the 4412. Never saw the meters move much until this pair up. Now, this is a regular occurrence(when the wife isn't home, of course).


https://youtu.be/evkKN5xCbKs