Today I picked up a McIntosh MA-5100 PreAmp-Amplifier that I won off ebay. I have to admit, it is sure purdy :) . It is a all SS design, but it is a very warm sounding amp. It actually is almost too-polite. It seems to excell well at making music, and not showing you when the third violin player moves her chair back an inch. Its 45 watts a channel. I have to say, its the most solid 45 watts I have ever heard in my life.
Ben

Roublard Cache

Nice score! How much did your new toy cost?

:)

Chris


We want PIX!

You've summarized exactly why we McIntosh owners/lovers are so passionate about the equipment.

The 5100 usually puts out a solid 65 watts RMS per channel with about 2.5 db of headroom.

To forewarn you, the MA5100 is one of the lesser McIntosh units. If you think it is good, wait until you get into the separates. Surprisingly, if you shop smartly, they are not more than much of the vintage Japanese goods is going for. CAVEAT: Owning McIntosh tends to reduce the appetite to keep running around looking for equipment. You tend more to find excuses to stay at home and actually listen to the music rather than the system.

I paid 250 for it. It just had the glass face replaced and is only missing 1 screw somewhere on the chassis ( according to the previous owner.) I have to say even though it doesn't have the blue meters, its darn cool when the lights are out. I know the MA-5100 is a "lesser" model, but when I hear about what is "lesser" to (such as, My MC225 is a better amp than that) I think I still got a keeper. It lets the music through!
Ben

I paid 250 for it. It just had the glass face replaced and is only missing 1 screw somewhere on the chassis ( according to the previous owner.) I have to say even though it doesn't have the blue meters, its darn cool when the lights are out. I know the MA-5100 is a "lesser" model, but when I hear about what is "lesser" to (such as, My MC225 is a better amp than that) I think I still got a keeper. It lets the music through!
Ben


They are right about it taking care of the "bug" to shop for more equipment. I had mine for at least 7 years, and it works fine. Even had it taken to the shop for a cleaning and replacing some of the innards, and it sounded even better. Used it with my CD and very basic home theater, and really enjoyed it.

It took all this time to finally get a new piece of equipment, which I am still waiting on...

CONGRATULATIONS !!

Mark

My first Mac piece was an MA 230, looks almost the same but with an all tube amp section. Rated at 30 watts but sounds very powerfull. A descent receiver from the 70's rated at say 50 watts was a real 50 watts and would weigh around 40 pounds. Unlike much of the mass marketed junk today rated at a hundred watts and weighs 20 pounds. Haven't heard any Mac SS watts but would like to get one some day.