Used Nuova Simonelli MAC Cup V Single Group - Good Buy?

by **wasabipeas** on Tue Nov 01, 2011 2:42 pm

I have a chance to buy a Nuova Simonelli MAC Cup V single group machine with a water softener for $190. The MAC needs a new steam wand but otherwise is in good working condition according to the seller (I haven't seen it in person yet). It will be for home use and I know I need to install a water line but that's not a problem, also installing a new steam wand should be easy-peasy and not too expensive. I cannot find much info about this machine as it doesn't seem to be that popular. Should I buy this? What's a good resale value for one of these machines and are these machines any good? Thanks!

by **Jeff** on Tue Nov 01, 2011 11:48 pm

If you've got a running machine for under $500, you're a lot better off than buying a Silvia. I'd make sure that the "brain" is working, as that is an expensive part to replace. Similarly the motor/pump and flowmeter can be expensive.

It's a 120 V machine so you won't have to run dedicated 220 V power.

http://nuovasimonelliusa.com/older_models.html
http://nuovasimonelliusa.com/part_kits.html

Resale prices on commercial equipment sort of falls into a few categories:

Daily drivers -- 1997 Toyota Camry; Runs great, bottom of the depreciation curve, they work (I'd put the MAC here)
Just off lease -- 2008 BMW; Steepest depreciation is over, generally well-cared for but driven hard, still in high demand (A recent La Marzocco Linea comes to mind)
Classic -- 1964 1/2 Mustang; High appeal to a wide group, moderate availability, cost driven by a large number of collectors (Faema levers, E61s, Cremina, La Pavoni)
Unique -- Lotus Super Seven; Only a few know they exist, fewer have even seen one, they seldom sell, and when they do, who knows what they will go for (Faema Marte)

Oh yeah, then there's "Junk" -- either non-restorable or not worth the time because it won't even be a decent daily driver.

http://users.rcn.com/erics/ · by **erics** on Wed Nov 02, 2011 12:11 am

This might come in handy should you take the plunge - http://www.espresso-restorations.com/NSMAC.html

by **Jeff** on Wed Nov 02, 2011 12:50 am

When Paul Pratt, a highly respected restorer, says

This may sound sad, but today is a sad day. My beloved NS Mac has moved on so that he can be used in a very
upmarket restaurant in HK. Sad in two ways. The first being it is such an amazing machine and when you have
taken something that was basically wrecked to being brand new again you feel something for it. So it was a sad
moment when I had to leave him in his new home.

The second sad reason is that he is OHF - "other half friendly" because he is a good compact size and can fit in
small HK apartments without annoying 'er indoors too much.

However the bright side is that the proceeds from the sale will bring in a few more projects to restore!

I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this machine to anyone, even a small coffee shop doing <300 drinks a day. Bye
bye NS MAC and thanks for the fun we had together!

I'd take his opinion over mine in an instant.

by **wasabipeas** on Wed Nov 02, 2011 11:11 am

Thanks for the replies guys...it's been very helpful. One thing I noticed is that the portafilter handle looks to be moved over too far to the right in the picture. Is that just a sign that the group gasket is bad and needs to be replaced or is it something else?

by **Randy G.** on Wed Nov 02, 2011 11:22 am

DUDE! The water softener sells for about that price. If the Mac works, GET IT!

by **Jeff** on Wed Nov 02, 2011 11:31 am

Could be no basket in the handle, a bad, wrong, or no gasket in the head,... Likely an easily resolvable problem.


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