McIntosh System -

Quick post — my main system from 1991 until about 2003: McIntosh MC-2300 powering the mains, MC-2105 on the family-room speakers, C-29 preamp, MR-78 tuner, Linn Sondek LP-12, ReVox B-77 half-track, Nakamichi 600 cassette and a Rotel 955 AX CD player. It sounded wonderful. The MC-2300 had more power than any sane person needs and remains my favorite Mac amp — more on that in another post. This was the rig you were supposed to have: well made, reliable, and sonically pleasing.

Yet none of it survived my music journey. I convinced myself I’d bought the best system I could afford and was content — until a move changed things. My wife asked, “Can we have music tonight?” Everything was boxed, so we pulled out the small stuff from the basement: my first receiver, a Sansui 551, my first speakers, EPI 100Ws, and an old Dual 1219 turntable. We put on a record, poured wine and packed boxes.

Two hours later we were on the living-room floor, mesmerized. The little Sansui delivered nuance, texture, depth, space, sparkle and emotion in a way I hadn’t heard in years. We played records all night. That night marked the beginning of the end for the McIntosh stack. Mac gear is exceptional — built to last and great sounding — but there’s more to the story. Yes, that's the same stereo stand.. Stay tuned.