camandhannah Posted November 18, 2020 Share Posted November 18, 2020 I'm hoping Cornwall IV owners or folks with a lot of McIntosh experience can help guide me on the right fit for an integrated or preamp and amp fit for them. 'm looking to spend $10,000 or less. A dac would be great on board but not a necessity. An onboard phono is also great but also not a necessity. I'm looking in the preowned market at the moment. My room is 17x24x10. I listen to a very wide variety of music but I would say the greatest percentage falls in the classic rock and jazz genres. There are just so many models of amps and preamps and integrateds I'm not sure how to narrow it down. The preamp can be tubes or ss...really about the right "match". Thank you in advance! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
salbake Posted November 19, 2020 Share Posted November 19, 2020 (edited) I really enjoy my MAC7200 w my Cornwall IVs. Tuner, DAC, MM phono, MC phono, their autoformers and 200 wpc if I ever want to change speakers to something not as sensitive as Klipsch heritage. I would also look at MA352 and MC275 if I were you. *all are under your budget brand new Edited November 19, 2020 by salbake 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
artto Posted November 21, 2020 Share Posted November 21, 2020 Obviously this depends on YOUR needs and requirements. Nowadays I'm in the less is more state of mind. IMO the MA5300 would be a great match for a simple Cornwall IV system. The main caveat for me though was no outputs - analog or digital. And for hi-res streaming you'll need to add something like the NAD/Bluesound Node2i. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimjimbo Posted November 21, 2020 Share Posted November 21, 2020 MC240 or MC 30s with C22v3 preamp. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shiva Posted November 21, 2020 Share Posted November 21, 2020 One way to narrow the field, especially when buying used is, what can actually be found on the used market. https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649674421-mcintosh-mac6700-integrated-amplifier-200-wpc/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mustang_flht Posted November 22, 2020 Share Posted November 22, 2020 A little dream for you 😋 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimjimbo Posted November 22, 2020 Share Posted November 22, 2020 A bit of patience and some good research, along with a call to Audio Classics will be rewarded. https://www.audioclassics.com/ 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank1938 Posted November 22, 2020 Share Posted November 22, 2020 I would recommend the MA352 along with the Cambridge Audio DacMagic plus. Both have XLR connections. I use that combination and I'm very pleased with both. The Cambridge is listed as #1 among DACs under $500. Talk to Ryan at Audio Classics. He's great to work with and a fountain of knowledge. There is a close link to Audio Classics and McIntosh Labs, both in central NY. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fattner Posted November 25, 2020 Share Posted November 25, 2020 Mc275 and c2300 (all used ) go to audio classics !, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dude Posted November 26, 2020 Share Posted November 26, 2020 Shameless plug here, but I do have a MC2505 for sale. Sent from my SM-G986U using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mdm7eb Posted December 1, 2020 Share Posted December 1, 2020 I have Forte IIIs and run them with a Audio Classics restored MX110 and MC240. Sounds fantastic! If I was starting over, I would consider the MAC7200 (I love tuners!) as mentioned above. I would also consider the MA252 for simplicity and lower cost. If price where no object, I would go with a new MC275 and McIntosh tube pre-amp. I also second checking out Audio Classics. They are really great and have a lot of used McIntosh gear I would be comfortable buying. Their service team is top notch. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MDJAK Posted December 5, 2020 Share Posted December 5, 2020 I’m using an MC462. Perhaps overkill, but that’s my middle name. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr Morbius Posted December 10, 2020 Share Posted December 10, 2020 MC240 is what I would go with, with what I have heard. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Nikolai Posted December 14, 2020 Share Posted December 14, 2020 Also check out http://www.mcintoshaudio.com/ for older components. The owner of the shop is Tom Manley. Don't be put off by his outdated looking and basic website. He does top notch restorations on vintage Mcintosh. I bought an MI-3 maximum performance indicator from him and it was well below the eBay market price and looks like it should be in a museum. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.