Inheriting my dad's McIntosh equipment and have some questions...

cheamatic

New Member
Oct 13, 2020
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Hello, I was considering selling my dad's McIntosh equipment (listed below), but quickly realized it wouldn't be a good idea. I always knew he had some good equipment and it was always well maintained. I am currently in the process of servicing each piece and will use it for my own set up.

In researching the value of each item to potentially sell, I realized each piece would go for $3,000 max. In the audiophile world that's pennies. I always thought for some reason they were worth tens of thousands (as some McIntosh equipment is). With the internet, if you look hard enough and if you're patient, you can find all the pieces below in great condition.

Further research revealed that the pieces below are the end game for some. I feel like I'm on the fast track to being an audiophile b/c of my dad. So my questions are as follows.
  • Why are the pieces below priced so cheaply on the second hand market when compared to new McIntosh products? Especially if they're considered end game/holy grail pieces.
  • What is the difference b/w the vintage pieces below and McIntosh's modern line up?
  • What are your thoughts on the equipment below, do I ever need to purchase anything again, am I set for life (I have speakers and a turntable)?
  • Can't seem to wrap my head around the consensus that vintage sounds better and is better but still pretty "cheap", especially in comparison to new McIntosh products. It runs counter to what you see in the car or watch would with vintage items.

  • McIntosh 2205 Solid State Stereo Power Amplifier
  • McIntosh C 28 Solid State State Stereo Preamplifier
  • McIntosh MR 78 Solid State FM/FM Stereo Tuner

IMG_5362.JPG
 
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Tango

VIP/Donor
Mar 12, 2017
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Sorry. You made me thought of this and I just have to say something. Forget the monetary value. I wish I could have back all my father's McIntosh and Garrard 401.
If I had them and had to choose which to let go, I would let go my current system.

One thing though. Vintage electronics (not speakers) mostly are not as capable as modern ones. This could be why they are cheap.
 

leyenda

Well-Known Member
Mar 2, 2011
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In my experience solid state vintage equipment typically fetch lower prices than those that are tube based. In any case, the MR78 is one of the, if not the best (in my opinion) tuner around. But its a very small market now, who still listen to fm radio these days? I used to be a tuner guy but have not listened to any of my tuners for ages. Overall vintage Mcs have a very classic house sound, thats why some swear by it. You should just forget about monetary issue and enjoy the equipment :)
 

Mikem53

Well-Known Member
Oct 1, 2020
662
581
105
In my experience solid state vintage equipment typically fetch lower prices than those that are tube based. In any case, the MR78 is one of the, if not the best (in my opinion) tuner around. But its a very small market now, who still listen to fm radio these days? I used to be a tuner guy but have not listened to any of my tuners for ages. Overall vintage Mcs have a very classic house sound, thats why some swear by it. You should just forget about monetary issue and enjoy the equipment :)
My experiences as well.. I owned an MR-78 and when comparing it to the Marantz 10B at the time, I thought the Mac sounded better.. but it sat and collected dust, nothing more than a conversation piece.
 

Addicted to hifi

VIP/Donor
Sep 8, 2020
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Australia
Hello, I was considering selling my dad's McIntosh equipment (listed below), but quickly realized it wouldn't be a good idea. I always knew he had some good equipment and it was always well maintained. I am currently in the process of servicing each piece and will use it for my own set up.

In researching the value of each item to potentially sell, I realized each piece would go for $3,000 max. In the audiophile world that's pennies. I always thought for some reason they were worth tens of thousands (as some McIntosh equipment is). With the internet, if you look hard enough and if you're patient, you can find all the pieces below in great condition.

Further research revealed that the pieces below are the end game for some. I feel like I'm on the fast track to being an audiophile b/c of my dad. So my questions are as follows.
  • Why are the pieces below priced so cheaply on the second hand market when compared to new McIntosh products? Especially if they're considered end game/holy grail pieces.
  • What is the difference b/w the vintage pieces below and McIntosh's modern line up?
  • What are your thoughts on the equipment below, do I ever need to purchase anything again, am I set for life (I have speakers and a turntable)?
  • Can't seem to wrap my head around the consensus that vintage sounds better and is better but still pretty "cheap", especially in comparison to new McIntosh products. It runs counter to what you see in the car or watch would with vintage items.

  • McIntosh 2205 Solid State Stereo Power Amplifier
  • McIntosh C 28 Solid State State Stereo Preamplifier
  • McIntosh MR 78 Solid State FM/FM Stereo Tuner

View attachment 70272
Beautiful vintage mcintosh.
 

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