This is one of a few different systems I own which I had set up in my bedroom years ago when I lived in an appartment. Since I moved into my home it has been stored in my garage because the turntable died and one of the mono blocks was in need of repair. After I got the turntable fixed, I connected it to my digital Home Theater system so I could listen to records from time to time. Several years later, I got the tube amp fixed and set up all the vintage gear in the den (much to my wife's shagrin), as depicted in these pictures. It had been several years since I had listened to records on a vintage system and I was anxious to hear what it sounded like. I was amazed at the sound, so warm and full bodied. Overall, the music had a lot more punch, something that was missing when I listened to records through my Home Theater system. I have considered connecting a CD player to the Mac system but I want to keep that system completely vintage. Please see my latest system, 70's Vintage Audio, in the Ever Evolving section.
I purchased this Marantz 6300 turntable which did not work at a Pawn shop for $12.00. After changing the voltage selector setting from 220 to 110v, soldering some RCA cables and purchasing a cartridge, I was able to get the turntable up and running. I plan on upgrading the output cables to something more high end.
Empire 2000T
I plan on upgrading the Empire 2000T cartridge with something better at some point.
McIntosh MC-40
A good friend gave me two McIntosh MC40 mono block tube amps as gifts. I have not upgraded the tubes or anything else on these amps but plan on it. This amp services the left channel and works but will be getting checked out, get a chemical bath, biased and tested according to Mac specs.
McIntosh MC-40
This amp has been recently repaired, a cap replaced, chemical bath, biased and tested according to Mac specs. This amp services the right channel.
McIntosh C-24
I purchased this McIntosh C24 Solid State Pre Amp for about $100.00 and an MC40 mono block as trade. I am certain that the audio dealer got a better deal but I really wanted this Pre Amp. This Pre Amp works but the power switch is worn and does not click into place, but I can power the unit up and it will stay on. I plan on getting the switch replaced and getting the unit checked out by my local authorized Mac repair center.
Advent AS2
I got these Advent AS2 speakers as loners from another friend, until I find some speakers for this system. They sound much better than the BIC Venturi speakers I had with this system. The Advents sound cleaner and crisper and produces deep bass from smaller drivers. The Venturi's tended to have a somewhat muffled sound and lacked dynamics despite the larger bass driver and the horn mid range.
Monster Interlink 400
My friend (who loaned me the speakers), hooked me up with these to replace the generic interconnects I was using. I used these to connect the two mono blocks to the Pre Amp.
Monster M Series M.75
My friend, (who loaned me the speakers) hooked me up with these to replace the generic speaker cord that I was using.
Very nice indeed. I'd like to have a pair of MC25's or MC40's to mate with my Mac preamp. My current tube amp really makes my Altec's sing sweetly. You may want to consider Altec or JBL horn loudspeakers for your Mac system.
Y'know, I think that's the only C-24 I've actually seen in the wild. It had something of a low reputation amongst Mc fans compared both to the dean of the tube pres C-22 that preceded it and to the C-26 and C-28 that followed. I've always had a weakness for the aesthetics of the two-tone front panel. How's it holding up for you?
System edited: I relisted this system in the "Getting Started" category since this was one of a couple of vintage system I put together. This system was listed in the "Secondary Rig" section and I had it in my bedroom once upon a time.
Steve, First of all, I would like to thank you for checking out my system. I appreciate your compliments, comments, as well as your offer to help. Yes, the Advents do sound sweet with the tubes. Or should I say did sound sweet. Since then, I have already swapped some components out so the system is not longer the same. At this point, I am ready to list this system under the "Ever Evolving" category since it has evolved and will evolve again. I will let you know when I have posted my changes on the site. And I will contact you when I have questions. Between you and this friend that you mention, I am sure I can get the best out of what I have. Bernard.
I'll bet the tubes with the Advents sound sweet! Congrats on your new room too. It sounds ideal. I wouldn't worry too much about fixing up your room. I think the convenience of being able to listen when you want is very important, maybe even better than room treatments. If you want I might be able to give you some tips to help out with your room. Have fun! Steve
Thanks for checking out my system and thanks for the compliment. To answer your questions, the tubes are not matching at this point. For the larger tubes, one set are RCA made in the USA and the other set are National Electronics from Russia. As for the small tubes they are a mix of US, Dutch and West German tubes on both amps. Not sure exactly what at chemical bath is. The place that serviced one of the amps mentioned that term to me. I am assuming that is some some sort of way to clean the switches, dials and contacts on the front of the amp. When I get the other amp and preamp serviced I will ask.
