|
Vintage Asylum Classic gear from yesteryear; vintage audio standing the test of time. |
Register / Login
|
|
|
Vintage Asylum Classic gear from yesteryear; vintage audio standing the test of time. |
Register / Login
|
In Reply to: mcintosh mc2300 vs mc2500 posted by itsthemusic on September 1, 2003 at 09:26:37:
Hi - I used an MC2300 in my system for over 25 years. A couple of years ago I retired and decided to update my system from the mid 70s to 80s or later thinking that would keep me set for life. I liked the 2300 so much the logical choice seemed to be the 2500 or 2600. I found a 2500 and played with it for a couple of weeks. I too have Tympani 1Ds and was using an Audio Research SP-3A-1.The 2500 in general didn't sound as good to me as the 2300. I was very disappointed. I'm not an expert at which adjectives to use when describing sound but it sounded dead or lifeless. The middle to low end sounded blurred or muddy. I think it was the midrange that caused it to loose it's life but the highs did sound OK. Gone was the instrument separation, wide soundstage and depth to the stage.
I hate to say amps sound like tubes or ss, but my 2300 had all the best things I ever heard in an all tube system while the 2500 just sounded lifeless. I can't say it sounded sterile or like transistors and I think it wouldn't have sounded all that bad if I didn't have the 2300 to compare it too. I can't compare the 2300 or 2500 to any other Mc amps - only each other. From what I've read, the later models do not have what I think you're calling the "Frank McIntosh sound."
Another thing to consider is going from 300/channel to 500/channel is less than a 3db increase in volume. To get a 3db increase you need 600/channel.
I sold the 2500 and decided to keep the 2300. I was going to have the 2300 refurbished, but shipping and handling these babies is just too much for this 'ol guy. I took a chance on ARC D400MKII and find that it does all the things I liked in the 2300 - plus it sounds better in the lower mid to lowest freq. It really separates the small nuances of the string bass as one example. But if you have no complaints about the 2300 - I'd not hesitate to have it rebuilt. "the truth is out there" Fran
This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors:
Follow Ups
- I know this one - a little long >> Re: mcintosh mc2300 vs mc2500 - ruffscruff 13:31:42 09/01/03 (0)
Top of Page ]
[ Contact Us ]
[ Support/Wish List ]
[ Copyright © 2025, Audio Asylum, all rights reserved ]
