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Amp/Preamp Asylum: REVIEW: McIntosh 2100 Amplifier (SS) by Ross Looking for a new Amp or Preamp? If you're after tubes, post over here. |
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74.230.247.153
Model: 2100 Category: Amplifier (SS) Suggested Retail Price: unknown Description: 105wpc Manufacturer URL: McIntosh
Review by Ross on January 04, 2012 at 19:15:48
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for the 2100
I have owned this amp for at least 5yrs and have used it sporadically. This is the "basic" version of the 2105. The later has a nice walnut case, traditional Mac front glass and blue VU meters. The 2100 has a chrome chassis, several knobs and switches and a look reminiscent of Mac tube amps. In use is it totally silent, does not generate any heat and does not have a light or really anything to show that it is on or off. Even the power switch is unlabeled. At one point I left it on for at least a week before I realized it with no problems whatsoever. I would say my amp is probably 40yrs old but shows no signs of aging or distress. I state all of the above not to denigrate the amp, but to testify to the build quality of the amp.
I currently use it as a bass amp to drive a pair of AR3a speakers used as subs. The amp receives a signal from a Heathkit electronic crossover.
When used as a stereo basic amp, sound is powerful and clear. Deep tight bass and good treble extension. Great dynamic slam. However it sounds sterile. I never recalled hearing the soundstage extend beyond the speakers as I have with other amps. No depth to speak of. No sense of air around people or instruments. After I got past the dynamics, I was left with what I felt to be a sterile sounding amp. I don't know if I would be satisfied if this were my only amp.
Used as a bass amp however it is near perfect. Great dynamics and slam are exactly what is required. Quiet and stable operation is ideal. As a bass amp I have the feeling of unlimited power at my disposal.
Product Weakness: Sounds sterile, not much depth of width to the sound. Product Strengths: Silent background, dynamic, slam, sounds powerful
Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier: This one Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): Conrad Johnson PV5 Sources (CDP/Turntable): AR ES-1 Speakers: Triangle Titus 202 / AR3a (as subs) Cables/Interconnects: Monster Cable Music Used (Genre/Selections): Jazz and Rock Time Period/Length of Audition: Several years Other (Power Conditioner etc.): Heathkit Electronic Crossover Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner
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Topic - REVIEW: McIntosh 2100 Amplifier (SS) - Ross 19:15:48 01/4/12 ( 6)
- You mention that - Michael Samra 09:11:32 01/5/12 ( 4)
- RE: You mention that - Brian Levy 09:14:57 02/1/15 ( 0)
- RE: You mention that - djk 12:57:07 01/5/12 ( 2)
- RE: You mention that - Michael Samra 23:18:08 01/5/12 ( 1)
- RE: You mention that - djk 02:14:58 01/6/12 ( 0)
Nice amp, nice review. Question: - bystander 06:28:56 01/5/12 ( 0)