My McIntosh system is complete at this point. I added vinyl about two years ago. I had kept all of my CDs from my previous audio setup. I decided to get back into McIntosh. I had a Mc system many years ago.
The rack is something I built myself while in lock down. It is 1" butcher block and 3/4" metal pipe. I basically replicated a VPI rack I had for a year. I really like how it came out. I saw another Audiogon member build one similar so I decided to give it a try. The materials were around $500 and about 12 hours of labor. Most everything I had delivered to the door but had to go and pick up the 6' lengths of butcher block. Let me know what you think.
I initially had the MT2 turntable. While it is a nice turntable, I had an issue with the belt drive and inconsistent speed. I now have a VPI HW-40. The comparison is like night and day. The MT2 is like a toy. FWIW
Thank you for sharing your heart dream system. I too am beginning to design
a listening room just for me using McIntosh equipment. Your setup is very neat and you did a great job building the stands for best presentation, simple but refine.
Very nice looking system and clean room. I'll bet it gives you a lot of enjoyment. Great job on the rack! Cool photos too. Don't rule out streaming. Like you, I gave up vinyl years ago and while I still have my CD collection, I no longer play them other than occasionally in my vehicle. Not sure how to best accomplish streaming within a full McIntosh system, but they do have the highly regarded MS500 and McIntosh is listed as a Roon "partner". Maybe look at Tidal and Qobuz. For me streaming has been a good way to introduce artists that wouldn't have otherwise been on my radar.
Someone asked about ventilation and that is not a problem since all sides are open and there is space below and above each component. Thanks for all of the positive comments. I did add a turntable as the last thing on the top shelf.
Very nice system. Enjoy it lots of thought went into it. I still collect CD's and I plan to continue, I have some much good music that sounds great that I see no need to go back to my old days of vinyl and start over, be no point in it and very expensive to boot. Been buying CD's from England and Japan lately so much good stuff and at a good price with sonics to match. Enjoy!
You've have a great system. I've built McIntosh synergy into my system too by using a C49, MC352 and the XR100's. Can't say enough about how great the XR100's sound. Their height and nearly full range capability are truly impressive. Even though the XR100's are nearly flat to 25 or 30 hz I would suggest a good subwoofer or two. It is amazing how it makes the treble and mid's even sweeter. I have mine in between the speakers. Sounds better than in the corners for 2 channel. Check out Robert Harley's article in the absolute sound (available online) about the JL Audio E110 and E112. Or Neil Gader writing about the REL 212's. Also, GIK acoustic panels are a real benefit. Happy listening.
Nice rack and impressive McIntosh stack. Just wondering — as the spaces between shelves are tight, do you have any problem with ventilation for the amp?
You built a very nice shelf system which I assume is adjustable as well.
I bought a pair of Michael Green Justaracks (deluxe) many years ago for about $450 each. The MDF shelves are two inches thick, and easy to adjust- something I've had to do several times as needed for different components.
It's not very pretty to look at (all black), but is extremely solid, even if you want a turntable. The thing is, except for Mapleshade (which is very expensive for two racks of four shelves, each), no one makes anything like this anymore. I'm not
deriding high-end rack systems, but I certainly got a good return on my investment, and spent the money I saved on a preamp or a CD player.
