I'm interested in making a second system upstairs - which will employ my ESS AMT-1s on a full time basis (it's just wrong I think to relegate them to surround duty only! ) Rather than separates, I just want a good sounding vintage amplifier that isn't "harsh" with those amazing Heils - I'm afraid Japanese receivers would be!

I've been thinking about a Mac1500 - as I've wanted to make the plunge into tube gear for some time... maybe I'll even get my Dual TT out of storage (where its been for the last 11 years!) and start listening to vinyl again.

At any rate, a 1500 that looks very clean just appeared on Ebay. What's a reasonable bid amount for such an interesting hybrid machine? Thanks in advance


Jim

I've wanted a 1500 for a while. Orion bluebook says $425 used (current), $500 MSRP in 1965. On ePay, I've seen them go for $400-$600 and more sometimes. So, I'll keep looking locally for a deal on tube Mac gear. FYI, if you buy one it may need a going-over to replace aging caps, electrolytics, FM de-emphasis, etc. Good Luck!

:wtf:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5767821484


Carl

Wow, Mc tube gear is getting out of sight on prices now days, huh? I'm afraid I would have to take a pass on one at this price! Wish I could find a garage full of Mc tube gear in someone's unknowing garage sale!
Guess I'll have to stick to my SS gear until that winning lotto ticket comes my way! My 2105 sounds much better today after seeing this. Maybe I'm going deaf, but it's better than going broke.

:wtf:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5767821484


Carl

My feelings exactly, Carl! That was the auction I was watching. I would have paid up to 700-800 bucks for that, but it's more than its worth in my opinion. You realize, the bids already nearly as much as I paid last June for my nearly flawless Mc2205 with cabinet? And it's already more than I paid for my Mac4100!!! :eek: I was telling Bolly in the chatroom yesterday afternoon that I thought the auction would tickle $1000. I see this one going a LOT higher, the way the bids are coming fast and furious.

Heck, if I wanted something with tubes, I could just buy one of those Almarro's from Venus for less than this (although they have a lot less horsepower under the hood! - not enough for AMT-1s)

Hey Cleve, check your PM's and or email quick!!

The AMT-1s will be fine with a 6100, 4100, 2505, 2105, etc. The 1500 will be wimpy on those speakers in my opinion.

Ron-C

The more you look at this the stranger it gets. The high bidder got another one off ebay for 425.00 in January. Now he is crazy bidding on this one.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=50596&item=5742139372

They also recently won a Stereotech too.
For a receiver with 7591 outputs it makes a Fisher 500C a super duper sleeper.
Mine after 400 dollars total invested after Terry's restoration, align, and new output tubes:
http://www.audiokarma.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=1819&size=big&password=79841ecd89e4063f281fb868befcd82f&sort=1&cat=500

Carl

I just spoke to the McIntosh 1500 seller over the weekend. Seems like an ok guy. Small world.

Murray

Thanks, Ron, for the advice. I don't think I'll need all that oomph for my bedroom system. I'll try something in the 30-40 watt range, if it doesn't work (and I like tubes) I'll get some different speakers and regroup on the ESS. I'm gonna end up with a friggin collection of equipment if this keeps up.

I know this is the Mac forum, but any thoughts on this old Fisher 400? It's been at Audio Classics for a while and in good physical and electrical condition...

http://audioclassics.com/detail.php3?detail=400-FISHER&nav=cat

http://offer.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewBids&item=5767821484

Notice the bid retraction from the guy who is no longer a registered user of eBay. He had 19 bid retractions in the last 6 months.

Weird Deal. Seller ended the auction. Your guess is as good as mine.

Murray

Now it's back again...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=73382&item=5769406849&rd=1

I em'd the seller and asked about the early end to the auction and didn't get a clear answer although he did respond rite away. I didn't nag him for details as I wasn't bidding and it wasn't really any of my business.

Go for it - looks like a nice unit.

Murray

Sorry to say but I'll "pass" on this Mac 1500 on eBay because of the previous auction the seller had what appears to be a rogue bidder (now, no longer a member) discovering the reserve was nearly $1,000. :lmao: AND because I've asked the seller TWICE if clearer close up pictures are available & provided the seller with an 800 number to call me about the description "mint", as well as making arrangements to pick up the unit IF I were high bidder (since he states he's from the SF Bay Area where I grew up) and have NOT gotten a reply from either inquiry. Oh well. :no: The next one will be better. :yes: