McIntosh MAC-4100: Where to put it?

[bombarde32]

Hi all. I'm just coming out of newb stage in setting up systems and I've been offered a McIntosh MAC 4100. The problem is, I'm not sure what I can do with it?

I have an Integra 8.9 as the hub for a 5.1 system Paradigm system (60's, 690, 20's and a Studio 12 sub). It sounds great and seems to be doing just fine on it's own.

Still, I know the 4100 is a great piece of equipment and this one is MINT. I just have no idea how/where/if I should incorporate this into my system.

Thoughts on what the heck I can do with it? I'd hate to stick it in the bedroom just for use as a tuner for my ancient Pioneer speakers ...

 

[bandphan]

How is the asking price?

 

[walter duque]

This is not just a receiver with 75 wattsX2 . It's a Mcintosh, a real piece of audio history. One if not the finest receiver made for the times. Maybe even 40 years old, I am not sure. If I could get a real good deal on a mint one I would buy it even I would'nt need it, just to have it. I say jump on it. They still go between $800.--to 1K and people are willing to pay for. Don't pass this up.

 

[bombarde32]

Free

The price is Free. It was my dad's and he passed away. He was using that and a seperate unit to drive a 7.1 system. But my brother yanked all the wires b/c my mom wanted it out (shelf space) so I have no idea what (if anything) it was still used for.

I'm just trying to figure out what I can do with it? SWMBO isn't a fan of stuff lying around as we're a little short on space.

 

[bandphan]

Made between 78-85. Id get a nice pair of bookshelves and run as the bedroom system.

 

[bombarde32]

I was afraid you'd say that. I was really hoping there was a good way to incorporate it into my system. I had thought about stuffing it between the Integra and the center but there's really no need and then I have 2 volume controls to balance. Perhaps the bedroom gig is the best option. It can keep my Philco company.

 

[bandphan]

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?spkrmoni&1254613709&/KEF-Q-60

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?spkrmoni&1254047807&/Focal-JM-Lab-707-nice-2-way

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?spkrmoni&1253991374&/Sonus-Faber-Concertino

 

[walter duque]

The sonus fabers bandphan recommended would be a perfect combination. 2 sweet sounding pieces of equipment in perfect harmony.

 

[lsiberian]

The price is Free. It was my dad's and he passed away. He was using that and a seperate unit to drive a 7.1 system. But my brother yanked all the wires b/c my mom wanted it out (shelf space) so I have no idea what (if anything) it was still used for.

I'm just trying to figure out what I can do with it? SWMBO isn't a fan of stuff lying around as we're a little short on space.

I'll take it off your hands. Just send it to me.

 

[Lordoftherings]

This is not just a receiver with 75 wattsX2 . It's a Mcintosh, a real piece of audio history. One if not the finest receiver made for the times. Maybe even 40 years old, I am not sure. If I could get a real good deal on a mint one I would buy it even I would'nt need it, just to have it. I say jump on it. They still go between $800.--to 1K and people are willing to pay for. Don't pass this up.

+1 I 100% agree with Walter here.

The price is Free. It was my dad's and he passed away. He was using that and a seperate unit to drive a 7.1 system. But my brother yanked all the wires b/c my mom wanted it out (shelf space) so I have no idea what (if anything) it was still used for.
I'm just trying to figure out what I can do with it? SWMBO isn't a fan of stuff lying around as we're a little short on space.

Wow! Even better.

* And by the way bombarde32, a big Welcome to Audioholics.

Made between 78-85. Id get a nice pair of bookshelves and run as the bedroom system.

Agreed.

I was afraid you'd say that. I was really hoping there was a good way to incorporate it into my system. I had thought about stuffing it between the Integra and the center but there's really no need and then I have 2 volume controls to balance. Perhaps the bedroom gig is the best option. It can keep my Philco company.

You were right to be afraid, but it's still the better solution.
* Another great place to use it, is in the room where you computer is.

The sonus fabers bandphan recommended would be a perfect combination. 2 sweet sounding pieces of equipment in perfect harmony.

Sonus Fabers with this Mac = Two big thumbs up, excellent match.

Bob

 

[Pyrrho]

Hi all. I'm just coming out of newb stage in setting up systems and I've been offered a McIntosh MAC 4100. The problem is, I'm not sure what I can do with it?

I have an Integra 8.9 as the hub for a 5.1 system Paradigm system (60's, 690, 20's and a Studio 12 sub). It sounds great and seems to be doing just fine on it's own.

Still, I know the 4100 is a great piece of equipment and this one is MINT. I just have no idea how/where/if I should incorporate this into my system.

Thoughts on what the heck I can do with it? I'd hate to stick it in the bedroom just for use as a tuner for my ancient Pioneer speakers ...

You can read a little about it at:

http://www.roger-russell.com/rcvrs.htm#mac4100

Basically, it is a fine two channel receiver which can be used with almost any speaker you like. I would use it in a bedroom system (or in a den or wherever) on its own for two channel listening. So go ahead and use it with your ancient Pioneer speakers in your bedroom, unless you are driving them with better equipment already.

Or you could send it to me. I don't need it, but it would be a nice addition to my collection. And you could rest assured, that I would take very good care of it, as I take good care of all of my equipment. People who have purchased used gear from me that I bought new are often amazed at how like new the equipment is, no matter how many years I have owned it.

 

[Pyrrho]

The price is Free. It was my dad's and he passed away. He was using that and a seperate unit to drive a 7.1 system. But my brother yanked all the wires b/c my mom wanted it out (shelf space) so I have no idea what (if anything) it was still used for.

I'm just trying to figure out what I can do with it? SWMBO isn't a fan of stuff lying around as we're a little short on space.

You probably want to just get rid of whatever it is that is driving those ancient Pioneer speakers in your bedroom, and put this MAC in its place. If you decide to upgrade speakers later on, that is fine, but you do not have to. Are you also inheriting the speakers that your father purchased to use with it? If so, those might be nice in your bedroom instead of what is there now.

 

[bombarde32]

Thanks for all the replies! Rest assured I won't be giving this away free

Unfortunately I won't get the speakers. They're getting hitched to a Pioneer receiver my brother is ditching.

It'll be interesting to hear the difference between the Sony and it's tuner vs. the McIntosh. The towers have 15" cones and I've always felt the Sony was just too weak to handle it.
And yes, I did say Sony receiver. I used to be young and naive and thought Sony built quality products across the board.

 

[Lordoftherings]

Thanks for all the replies! Rest assured I won't be giving this away free

Unfortunately I won't get the speakers. They're getting hitched to a Pioneer receiver my brother is ditching.

It'll be interesting to hear the difference between the Sony and it's tuner vs. the McIntosh. The towers have 15" cones and I've always felt the Sony was just too weak to handle it.
And yes, I did say Sony receiver. I used to be young and naive and thought Sony built quality products across the board.

I agree buddy, hold on very tight to this baby.

Your Mac will beat the hell out of his Sony, no doubt about that.
It's like a Rolls Royce vs. a Fiat, or a "Peugeot"*, or a Ford Galaxy.

=> Your Mac should be your baby for life, and when you die, give it to your son.
That's how precious it is, really.

* Forgot how to spell it. Just checked it; I was perfectly right on my spelling.

Bob

 

[MatthewB.]

The Mac would make the Sony it's beyatch and beat it daily for shyts and giggles. Seriously it ist hat good. I would use it in an office system strictly for music and music only if I were you. Pair that beauty up to some great speakers and post pictures to make us all jealous.

Sorry your father had to pass for you to get it, but he left you one heck of a "inheritence" piece and it's a good thing your brother isnt smart enough to realize what he had in front of him (taking it for himself).

McIntosh makes excellant gear and even though it's 40 years old, McIntosh takes pride in all it's gear and most likely will still warranty it, if it ever has any issues.

 

[bombarde32]

The Mac would make the Sony it's beyatch and beat it daily for shyts and giggles.

Yeah, that was pretty much my expectations. My Sony is HORRIBLE. I'll hook it up to my Paradigm Studio 60's and snap a couple pictures.

I need to check what the turntable I'm getting with it is. Knowing my dad it's on par with the McIntosh. He was big into vinyl because "It Just Sounded Better."

 

[Lordoftherings]

Yeah, that was pretty much my expectations. My Sony is HORRIBLE. I'll hook it up to my Paradigm Studio 60's and snap a couple pictures.

I need to check what the turntable I'm getting with it is. Knowing my dad it's on par with the McIntosh. He was big into vinyl because "It Just Sounded Better."

Wow! You got the Paradigm Reference Studio 60 speakers!
This is really weird man, as I was just going to recommend you some Paradigm Reference Studio 20s, to mate with your Maccie.

And you're into vinyl too! That's great.
You're absolutely right; vinyl sounds much better than those crappy CD recordings,
in the vast majority of cases.

Way to go man, you're a true genuine Audiophile.

Best regards,
Bob

 

[bombarde32]

Thanks for the recommendation on the 20's. I don't know if I can talk SWMBO out of the $$ for another pair though. Apparently she has a wish list too

I have the 60's, the 690 and the 20's hooked up to an Integra 8.9 receiver along with a studio 12 sub.

 

[Lordoftherings]

Thanks for the recommendation on the 20's. I don't know if I can talk SWMBO out of the $$ for another pair though. Apparently she has a wish list too

I have the 60's, the 690 and the 20's hooked up to an Integra 8.9 receiver along with a studio 12 sub.

That's pretty cool man. You surely know your way around.

 

[JerryLove]

Yeah, that was pretty much my expectations. My Sony is HORRIBLE. I'll hook it up to my Paradigm Studio 60's and snap a couple pictures.

I feel your pain, my Studio 40v3s are hooked up to a Sony 5.1 (admittedly, just two shy of what was the top of their non-ES line), and I'm derusting (yes, someone abused the poor girl) a Mc2120 Amp right now to replace it.

Though I hear McIntosh's trade-up program is still ongoing... It's tempting to part with thie 2120 once I have her all clean and the felts replaced and go a bit more modern.

Remember: never trust "wattage". Everyone measures differently (and car audio is worse: they often simply lie). I'd take a McIntosh at the rated wattage over any of the "mainstream" lines at twice the rating.