r/McIntosh

I’ve been running a McIntosh MA352 for a while now and honestly it’s been an amazing piece of gear tons of power, that hybrid tube warmth, and it just feels like one of those “endgame” integrated amps.

Lately though, I’ve been getting the itch to move further up the chain (likely toward separates or something a bit more resolving / refined). Curious if anyone here has made that jump and what you ended up going with, ideally something that’s a clear upgrade rather than just a side grade.

What are MA352s realistically going for on the used market right now?

Best places to sell without getting destroyed by fees?

For context, mine is in excellent condition with original packaging.

Just trying to understand the market and potential upgrade paths before making a move.

I just rolled a full tube set into my MC1502 this morning. First impressions are they’re just as spacious as the stock tubes, but more textured through the mids with faster less flabby bass. They’re a bit bright for my taste, but I can appreciate the extension and air. They’ve only been running for a few hours, so maybe things will change over the week.

Generally speaking, I like them and I’m curious to try the Horizon series tubes.

MX 100, MC7205, Heresy 4, 65” LG, JBL center and surrounds.

A set up I’ve dreamt about for 20 years and hopefully lasts me 20+. I went all McIntosh for this. I really enjoy the sound out of the XR100’s. I do have a Node Icon coming soon as well. Appreciate any feedback. I live in a condo so space is tight overall - what do you all do with your boxes?? I know it’s important to try and keep if you need to ship back for service or trade etc, but I can’t imagine having all that space taken up by them.

I’ve had this matching 1976 set of a C28 and an MC2105 since 2010. When I bought it from an A/V guy in San Jose, he said he had them serviced by a McIntosh certified tech after acquiring them from a customer who had downsized. The C28 crackles and hums and makes for some annoying listening at times (more often than not). It’s sensitive to adjustments on the dials and can really cause some goofy sounds. I presume it’s the capacitors or just needs a complete restoration. Do I gain a bunch of sound quality if I look into a tube preamp? If so, what pairs well with the MC 2105? Or do I just get the C 28 serviced and be happy with what I have? Forgive my ignorance, I haven’t dove deep enough down the audiophile rabbit hole, because I would probably never surface again, knowing how I can get.

Is there a fairly simple fix to return the white lettering on the 2105 back to Green to match the C28? The glass is in perfect condition otherwise.

Still can’t believe it. I work in the AV industry and a client bought an AirBnb with an early 2000s theater. He wanted all the gear updated and gave me the “old”stuff when we were done. I just replaced all the lamps and this thing is gorgeous. Never thought I’d be in the club but here I am!