akdave Posted August 11, 2016 Share Posted August 11, 2016 2 channel gurus! I am seeking input on a mc 2105. A friends father in law has had it in storage for "a while". He's willing to sell but hasn't named a price. What are some things to be aware of - as of yet I haven't seen it. I know it's an ss and not a tube, but I've not entered the world of Mac and would like to know better what to look out for. Pics he texted me are below. Thanks for any insights! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Richard Posted August 11, 2016 Share Posted August 11, 2016 A friend of mine has a 2105 he uses to power Heresies, and they are a good combination. His speakers and the amp both came out of a restaurant where they were used daily for many years. Listen to the amp and if it sounds OK offer $750 for it. If you can get it for less, great. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akdave Posted August 11, 2016 Author Share Posted August 11, 2016 Thanks Don, I appreciate the info! I'll hopefully be able to get a test drive and see. Probably my biggest concern is dropping money on a 40 year old amp and having parts start to drop off. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
djk Posted August 11, 2016 Share Posted August 11, 2016 ". Listen to the amp and if it sounds OK offer $750 for it." Sure, if it has just been overhauled. A non-restored MC2105 recently sold for $399 on eBay. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dude Posted August 12, 2016 Share Posted August 12, 2016 Why does it seem that the mc2505s are bringing more money? On that note an djk's, for some reason the 2100s and 2105s have gone for less. But you are in Alaska where shipping would make up a quite a bit of change. With that being said and you are happy with $750 go for it, if you don't want to spend that much offer $600 and see what he says. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dude Posted August 12, 2016 Share Posted August 12, 2016 1 hour ago, djk said: Sure, if it has just been overhauled Are those blue caps newer? Are was there a serial number break when they started using them? That may be a sign if it has been overhauled. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akdave Posted March 2, 2017 Author Share Posted March 2, 2017 A quick bump - an update - and an extremely inexperienced "buyer" question. The amp is still in storage, it will not power up. This has not been a priority for them. (I trust the sellers rep we go way back) They think it could be a fuse, but (in my mind) with possible repair needed - any idea what a reasonable offer would be? What kind of parts/labor are common here - are they fairly easy to work on or is it tech only? Best leave it be? Any input is appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CECAA850 Posted March 2, 2017 Share Posted March 2, 2017 You'd be buying a pig in a poke. I have no idea if there's something common in these particular amps that craps out causing it to not power up. Shipping costs for you will be high to get it to a reputable repair shop unless you're aware of one close to you. It probably needs to be completely gone through which is pricey. With my luck it would be an expensive repair. I'd offer $100 for the amp as is (DOA) knowing I'll have to shell out more immediately. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akdave Posted March 2, 2017 Author Share Posted March 2, 2017 Thanks Carl, I was thinking the same thing - lot's of risk when it's been sitting so long - especially when it won't power up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimjimbo Posted March 2, 2017 Share Posted March 2, 2017 Has it been in temperature controlled storage? Or humidity controlled storage? If not then it could easily be something other than just a fuse… just because it's a Macintosh doesn't mean you have to buy it… Personally, my suggestion would be to find a nice MC 250 to add to your system. One of the best solid-state vintage McIntosh units ever made, and has a great Tubey signature.Exactly the same amplifier as a 2505, just without the meters. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akdave Posted March 2, 2017 Author Share Posted March 2, 2017 Sounds like cold storage - up here - huge red flag. and a shame. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Warren Posted March 2, 2017 Share Posted March 2, 2017 The fuse holder was pulled, look at your photo. The large filter caps are replacements. The power output boards and the preamplifier board are easily accessible for repair/rework. The chassis doesn't show signs of pitting so it will likely polish up nicely. Cage shows no dents. If the glass isn't cracked, the meters works, the autoformers and power supply transformer are in good shape, everything else can be repaired or replaced. It's the same amplifier as the MC2100. The 2100 has no meters, no glass front, no meter PC board, same preamplifier, amplifier sections. Just about every part needed can be found in Mouser. McIntosh will provide NEW power output boards for $300 pair. I've gone as far as designing and installing a better preamplifier board in my 2100, 2105 and 2505 (shown below). 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CECAA850 Posted March 2, 2017 Share Posted March 2, 2017 5 minutes ago, John Warren said: The fuse holder was pulled, look at your photo. Hard to power up without it Good eye. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tarheel Posted March 2, 2017 Share Posted March 2, 2017 And be sure to look for bubbles around knobs on the glass front panel. Cosmetic only and not a priority at this stage. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akdave Posted March 2, 2017 Author Share Posted March 2, 2017 55 minutes ago, John Warren said: The fuse holder was pulled, look at your photo. The large filter caps are replacements. The power output boards and the preamplifier board are easily accessible for repair/rework. The chassis doesn't show signs of pitting so it will likely polish up nicely. Cage shows no dents. If the glass isn't cracked, the meters works, the autoformers and power supply transformer are in good shape, everything else can be repaired or replaced. It's the same amplifier as the MC2100. The 2100 has no meters, no glass front, no meter PC board, same preamplifier, amplifier sections. Just about every part needed can be found in Mouser. McIntosh will provide NEW power output boards for $300 pair. I've gone as far as designing and installing a better preamplifier board in my 2100, 2105 and 2505 (shown below). Did I say "extremely inexperienced"? I meant knuckle dragger. Thank you for your insight! I know many of you have forgotten more than I will ever know about the hardware, I am grateful for the feedback. I like the fact that it's an obvious starting point for a possible solution any way. :-) 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimjimbo Posted March 3, 2017 Share Posted March 3, 2017 Knuckle dragger....I get it. Why buy something that you will be stressed out over, will not work from the get go, and that may require many more dollars than you ever expected to spend? You are not experienced in electronics, renovation of vintage gear, etc, etc, etc....and that's OK. Not many are. I suggest to be patient, find the right unit for you, one that is not going to cause a bunch of hassle, and can be a part of your system for years to come, without worrying that it's going to become a flaming pile of poop at any moment.... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
USNRET Posted March 3, 2017 Share Posted March 3, 2017 Oh, how I feel you! Shipped without proper crating, scratchy this, popping that from my adventures with 2105, 2250, C28 and so on. In your situation and explained kindly to the owner buy at a BIG discount, buy factory shipping containers ($50-75 if I recall), find a reputable refresh person (be prepared for a long queue), order a new glass from Mc, wait and ye shall be rewarded. If it was cheap enough I would do it or If you want that McIntosh sound and looks (luv it!) without the above risks talk to Audio Classics (and there are others) on the phone and get a plug and play with peace of mind. or get that puppy, put a fuse and fuse cap in, proclaim "hold my beer and watch this", plug that sucker in (I use disposable speakers when I choose this one) but what the hey, might just be smooth as silk. or pick it up cheap take quality photos trade in to the above folks towards a plug and play unit of what ever moment in history you find appealing. I will post this pic as an example of a USED amp I just bought near 1/2 MSRP from the above recommendation with a one year warranty and those guys would chat as long as I wanted about whatever. Jim and others have had great experiences recently with more classic models that are in glorious condition. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dawson's Ridge Posted March 3, 2017 Share Posted March 3, 2017 MC2105 came out in 1967. 50 year old parts and design. Quality and performance have improved a little since then. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akdave Posted March 3, 2017 Author Share Posted March 3, 2017 54 minutes ago, USNRET said: Oh, how I feel you! Shipped without proper crating, scratchy this, popping that from my adventures with 2105, 2250, C28 and so on. In your situation and explained kindly to the owner buy at a BIG discount, buy factory shipping containers ($50-75 if I recall), find a reputable refresh person (be prepared for a long queue), order a new glass from Mc, wait and ye shall be rewarded. If it was cheap enough I would do it or If you want that McIntosh sound and looks (luv it!) without the above risks talk to Audio Classics (and there are others) on the phone and get a plug and play with peace of mind. or get that puppy, put a fuse and fuse cap in, proclaim "hold my beer and watch this", plug that sucker in (I use disposable speakers when I choose this one) but what the hey, might just be smooth as silk. or pick it up cheap take quality photos trade in to the above folks towards a plug and play unit of what ever moment in history you find appealing. I will post this pic as an example of a USED amp I just bought near 1/2 MSRP from the above recommendation with a one year warranty and those guys would chat as long as I wanted about whatever. Jim and others have had great experiences recently with more classic models that are in glorious condition. Outstanding amp! Good info - I've offered $100 as is - we'll see what happens. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akdave Posted March 3, 2017 Author Share Posted March 3, 2017 35 minutes ago, Dawson's Ridge said: MC2105 came out in 1967. 50 year old parts and design. Quality and performance have improved a little since then. Very true! And add Alaska cold storage, yada, yada, yada... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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