IIC+ "upgrade" vs IIC+ "original" - value?

[CJG]

Hello IIC+ experts!

I'd like to ask if anyone has a clue regarding the value of a IIC that has been upgraded to IIC+ as compared to an original IIC+?
Is there a big difference between the two, value-wise, or are they about the same?

The amp in question is a IIC>IIC+ upgrade with reverb, EQ and SimulClass.

I figure there is no difference to the "real" thing except that the 105 transformer used later on is said to be the most desirable one, right?

Thanks!

 

[SpongeRob]

Hi CJG,

i think the best person to join this thread is DaveP.

As i remember right the IIC's uses 100 Transformer and not 105 as the IIC+ does. Also the Preamp Board is a different one if i'm not mistaken. The IIC+ Reverb Models uses RP11 Preamp boards. The IIC uses RP10.

Value wise upgraded run lower than original IIC+. Sound wise you should ask someone who compared both. And Dave should get a better knowledge than me on this one. Original IIC+ DRG Heads sell for $3200-$4000. Depending on, if it has Hardwood/Long Head/Short Head. Prices nowadays are jumping a bit. Upgraded IIC->IIC+ DRG should run somewhere between $2000-2500. But this information is not valid as i personally rarely see some of these around.
Several weeks ago, someone was selling a IIC->IIC+ Head with 2 Thiele Cabs in Flame Maple for $5500. Looks like the IIC+ market is crazy at the moment. Personally the stack looks amazing! So i wasn't really suprised. But i think both versions won't become cheaper in the next time.
And reading old post 3 years ago on this forum there were people saying $5000 in a few years. The economy broke the prices a bit. But they are back again.

 

[DaveP]

I will toss out my 2 cents worth, (thanks Rob, haha)
The upgraded C to C+'s have the 100 power transformer which are similar to the X101 export transformers They output is similar, about 460-470v.
The difference between the 105 and the 100 (x101) is in the overall feel. The best way I can describe the difference is the 100 is a little softer feeling and the 105.
The 105 is more aggressive. I actually prefer the 100 to the 105. So it's a matter of taste as appose to one being more desirable then the other.
As far as differences between the C upgraded and the C+ factory. No difference. Mike B will tell you himself. They are the same after the upgrade.
The fact that a factory brings more money is just some people are will to pay more. The preamp board is the key here, the C used the RP10 board and the C+ the RP11 as Rob pointed out.
Basically the same board just wired differently. Since those board are currently unavailable is the reason you cannot upgrade a Mark IIB to a C+ for instance.
Condition of the amp will determine the value. There are some pretty ratty looking C's out there and not in the best mechanical shape either.
I agree with Rob's pricing that is pretty much how I see it too.

 

[CJG]

Thanks guys for valuable info! Much appreciated!
Yeah, the price asked is quiet a bit over the "upgrade" estimates
but I guess that's normal for Europe when it comes to Mesa

But, we'll see if the seller is willing to let it go at the price I'm willing
and able to pay.

Take care
CJ