There are at least two different designs of the Generator model. This model of Generator delivers 150 watts per channel in triode according to the manual.
McIntosh MR-55A
AM/FM mono tube tuner
Amish wood craftsman/Jeff Meyer - Artist Custom Rack
The rack is made of calico hickory wood slabs 1.75" thick of several boards glued together for added strength. The end posts are welded together out of 1x2" hollow steel tubing. The ends of the posts are welded closed on the top and bottom. There are steel feet adjustors on each foot but I didn't need to adjust them for level. The empty rack exceeds 300 lbs. I also have three matching blocks for the two mono blocks and an extra one. I designed it to accommodate three components per shelf with 3-4 inches between them. Jeff Meyer - Artist, owner at ana seer, had the metal parts built. He delivered and assembled the rack.
The system has evolved since posting pictures of it.
Both turntables are out of the rig. I replaced them with a TriangleArt Maestro TT with a 12" Horus tonearm. I'll be putting the Zeus MC cartridge on as well.
I've moved the speakers to a different wall and soon will be removing the rack from the listening room. I've been experimenting with speaker and rack placement and have determined that removing the rack yields incredible 3-D imaging and magical center imaging.
The NAT Generators are the third power amps since getting the A3's. If there is a drawback to Magicos, it is that they're very fussy when it comes to power. It has to be the right power and enough of it. I decided to build the system around the A3's, not the amp or other components. It's a commitment to getting them to sound up to their potential but it's worth it! Jay's Audio Lab has a video about his Magico S7 speakers which describes all of the issues I experienced with the A3's.
I've had the speakers on three different walls in the listening room. I prefer this set up. Now the ceiling and room setup is similar to an auditorium space. It sounds really great! I have the speakers about three feet from the back wall, the sound stage and center image make it seem like the sound is coming from a wall of speakers. I may play with adding a diffuser to the wall behind the listening position at some point but I'm very satisfied with the sonics.
The weak link now is my turntables and cartridges. I do have some great pressings that beat the digital setup but, 70% of the time the digital sounds superior. I'll also upgrade my DAC down the road but I don't foresee doing anything else in the short term.
Amazing system with the NAT equipment and I am sure its sublime with Magico speakers. I own NAT se2se mono amps and they are driving Soundlab Ultimate IIs. My Soundlabs never sounded so phenomenal and alive until I found the NAT se2se amps. My system is down and in storage due to Hurricane Ida last summer which was thankfully spared from destruction in my home. I haven't listened to my system since August of 2021.
Very nice! I do like your system. Good idea to place the framework in front of the window. Are you happy with the SQ? (LS under the slope ceiling). I had to change my speakers to the long side of the room in order to get a decent sound.
@jond, thanks, the Generator mono blocks are the third amps and, the Symmetrical is the second preamp since getting the A3's. To get the best sound out of Magico speakers, there is much trial and error needed to obtain the best synergistic match. I believe I'm finally there. The Generators put out 150watt per channel in triode. They run the A3's very smoothly now.
I assume you're referring to the NAT gear as uncommon? The MR-55A tuner is very old, in fact its a mono tuner. Perhaps you though that was uncommon too? It sounds wonderful. I use it to warm up the tubes, It's tuned to the NPR classical station.
