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Amp/Preamp Asylum: REVIEW: McIntosh 2100 Amplifier (SS) by Ross

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REVIEW: McIntosh 2100 Amplifier (SS)

74.230.247.153


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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
IP Address: 74.230.247.153
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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)