libertycaps
Analogue "AAA" vinyl.
Give +/-$100 on price. So which one gets the nod on performance?
I'm primarily interested in the phono stage(s).
I'm primarily interested in the phono stage(s).
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HH Scott 299c/LK-72 vs. McIntosh MAC1700
- Thread starter libertycaps
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jwalker
Well-Known Member
The MAC series has very good phono stages. The problem is you need to deal with the less than spectacular solid state stuff outside the phono preamp. If you can somehow modify a MAC1700 to bypass the SS stuff, that would be pretty cool thing to have.
But McIntosh gear is considered sacred by some and mods are pretty much frowned upon by a lot of "purists".
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libertycaps
Analogue "AAA" vinyl.
FYI: This will be my first time tooob purchase. Leaning toward the HH Scott thus far....
jwalker
Well-Known Member
The MAC1700 if I remember correctly only has a tube tuner. The rest is solid state.
libertycaps
Analogue "AAA" vinyl.
Figures. I still don't really know what i'm talking about.
Is the McIntosh MA230 all tube staged? Restored, that's prolly out of my price range anyways. :tears:
Is the McIntosh MA230 all tube staged? Restored, that's prolly out of my price range anyways. :tears:
Bluelobster
Well-Known Member
A goofle search will yield much info on what you are looking for.
In my opinion if the price is right go McIntosh. The cost of entry and maintenance will be higher but the results will be worth it.
http://www.roger-russell.com/amppre.htm
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&...8mMBw&ved=0CEcQBSgA&q=mcintosh+ma+230&spell=1
sheltie dave
Addicted Member
The MA230 is one of the worst integrateds I have ever owned, and the phono section is only decent. When it comes to tube phono sections, the 299/LK 72 is superb. I wouldn't consider much else. :thmbsp:
spartanmanor
Lunatic Member
FWIW at this moment I am using a 299D as my primary setup with turntable as my only source. I could not be more happy. The phono section is excellent and you cannot beat the tube sound IMO.
Don't buy tubes
I made the mistake about 10 years ago buying a beat up Dynaco ST70. Had to restore it, then bought more tube amps, built my own tube amps, now have 12 tube amps, a closet full of tubes, tube testers, pile of vintage transformers waiting to built into more amps. Integrateds, power amps, pre-amps, mono-blocs, push pull, SET's. It's a disease and a very slippery slope.
Oh, I have a Scott 299A and think it's awesome. I vote for a nice Scott amp of your choice.
Good luck.
I made the mistake about 10 years ago buying a beat up Dynaco ST70. Had to restore it, then bought more tube amps, built my own tube amps, now have 12 tube amps, a closet full of tubes, tube testers, pile of vintage transformers waiting to built into more amps. Integrateds, power amps, pre-amps, mono-blocs, push pull, SET's. It's a disease and a very slippery slope.
Oh, I have a Scott 299A and think it's awesome. I vote for a nice Scott amp of your choice.
Good luck.
ducati_EL34
Addicted Member
I don't see any mistake made on your part
Having owned a Scott 340 receiver, I would choose the Scott. I also am not a fan of SS.
Just to answer your question the phono stage on the MAC1700 is very nice. It's not tube but if the price is right the MAC1700 is a very nice receiver.
I have no experience owning the Scott stuff but if you are looking for tubes I'd heed the advice of the folks who have posted here and get that Scott rig.
I have no experience owning the Scott stuff but if you are looking for tubes I'd heed the advice of the folks who have posted here and get that Scott rig.
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chicks
Lunatic Member
Hmmm.... :scratch2: I'm perfectly happy with the performance of my MAC-1700, love it to death. I also have an LK-48 that functions, but badly needs a re-cap. Need to get off my butt and get 'er done, from the sound of it. Problem is, I don't have any high efficiency speakers for it...
libertycaps
Analogue "AAA" vinyl.
Getting a local stock LK-72 tomorrow. According to the owner, it's serviceable as is, but recaps/new silicon bridge at minimum are surely way past due, i.e. more $$$. Yay, tooobes! 
libertycaps
Analogue "AAA" vinyl.
Just got the Scott LK-72 home and set-up. It was a lil scary at first, but the pay off is incredible. The vox and mids just scream and the bass guitar has a more present rumble than i've ever heard before. (AC/DC-Powerage, baby!) And that's just paired with my Tangent 40's and a cheapo 1988 Magnavox CD player. Why did i wait soooooo long? Thanks again to the AK Tube community for pointing me in the right direction. Vintage toooob is just like sex the first time. 
Destructor
Super Member
Scott integrateds are nice, the MA 230 is held back by the early SS pre section but it still blows away most mass marketed junk. It sounds superb as a stand alone tube amp. I modified mine to bypass the SS pre. I use it with my MX110. I will be restoring it soon and may revert it back to it's original configuration.
