Overview

Awarded "The Absolute Sound" Editor's Choice Award for 2005

When McIntosh created the MC2000 tube amplifier to commemorate their 50th Anniversary, even they were surprised by the firestorm of critical acclaim and demand which it engendered. Now they have designed another amplifier for what has become their 2000 Series of Limited Edition Components.

The MC2102 Vacuum Tube Amplifier shares key characteristics with the MC2000, including the fact that they were both designed and engineered by McIntosh co-founder Sidney Corderman. Rated at 100 watts x 2 or 200 watts x 1, the MC2102 uses eight tubes in each channel. Balanced Input and inversion is handled by a pair of 12AX7's. Twin 12AT7's provide voltage amplification and driver functions, feeding two pair of either KT-88s or 6550's. Configured for stereo, the MC2102 can power 2, 4, or 8-ohm loads. In parallel mono configuration it pushes 1,2,or 4-ohm loads and as a bridged mono device it drives 4, 8, or 16-ohm loads.

If you've been fortunate enough to spend time with a classic McIntosh amp, you know that in addition to having their own distinct look - the famous Blue Eyes power meters - they also have their own distinct sound. Mac amps have their own way of doing things, and the sound they create presents a powerful argument in favor of their approach. Their legendary Unity Coupled Output Transformer is a classic example of this. This output design uses two bifilar wound primaries - one for the plates, as is normal, and a second for the cathodes. Instead of drawing all the output power from the plates, as other tube design are wont to do, the Unity Coupled design draws from both the plates and the cathodes. This greatly reduces the output distortion - always a problem in tube designs. By mixing the secondary windings in amongst the primaries, coupling is improved -flattening the output frequency response and improving the power bandwidth.

Balanced inputs provide a low-noise input path and can be selected by a rear panel switch. Gold plated 5-way binding posts are available for 2, 4, and 8-ohm speakers on each channel, plus one extra common pair. With a signal-to-noise ratio of better than 100 dB, .8v input sensitivity, and wideband damping of greater than 18, the MC2101 is both the perfect introduction to the world of glorious tube sound and the perfect step-up for someone who already knows what the fuss is all about. If you think all amplifiers sound the same, you just haven't heard this one.

"Blue Eyes" Power Meters highlight the beautiful design that uses eight tubes per Channel: 12AX7 (2), 12AT7 (2), KT-88 (4) or 6550 (4). Patented Unity Coupled Output Transformer with bifilar-wound output transformers deliver ultra-low distortion output. Ceramic tube sockets have gold-plated contacts for longevity. Gold-plated 200A multi-way binding posts make connecting your speakers a breeze. Remote power control connection to McIntosh Control Centers and Preamplifiers allows easy system turn on and turn off. Black drawn-aluminum transformer enclosures and a polished stainless-steel chassis add to the timeless good looks. Of course, the backlit glass front panel has illuminated nomenclature.

Specification

About the brand

History of Innovation.
Distinctive styling and meticulously high manufacturing standards ensure components perform and look new for decades. The product itself is timeless in its design. McIntosh products are part of the emotional bond between listeners and their music.

Research is what makes McIntosh unique, McIntosh has developed and earned several patents for circuitry used today such as Power Guard, LD/HP and the Autoformer, all proprietary to McIntosh and differentiates us from the rest.

Excellence is the common goal shared by the dedicated staff at McIntosh. From Engineering through production to the warehouse, this tightly knit group of co-workers working side-by-side, and whose skills have been honed through years of experience, provide the foundation of McIntosh's continued success.

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