AudioAficionado.org - MC 462 Stereophile Review -May '19

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- - MC 462 Stereophile Review -May '19 (https://www.audioaficionado.org/showthread.php?t=45609)

In the latest issue of Stereophile (Vol. 42 No. 12) the new MC462 has just been selected as a 2019 Editors' Choice component. I have now owned an MC462 for a half year and its sound and performance continue to be stellar. I believe that you will be very pleased with your new 462, Wised.

Bob

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Sources: Koetsu Onyx/Sumiko MCD800 "The Arm"/SOTA Star Sapphire with vacuum platter, electronic flywheel,and some update mods; MCT500 CD/SACD transport; OPPO 205; NAD C446 Internet Tuner; Nakamichi 670ZX cassette deck. Electronics: MacIntosh C2700 preamp w/DA2 and MC462 power amp. Speakers: Wilson Yvettes Headphones: MacIntosh MHP 1000 Interconnects: Transparent G5 balanced and speaker cables; MCT - MCT500 -> C2700. Power cords: Transparent (on preamp, power amp and transport). Surge protected. Record cleaner: Kirmuss KA-RC-1 ultrasonic.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wised (Post 985417)

Hi guys, new guy here
I just installed my new MC462, Im using my previous MAC 6700 as a pre. I had recently purchased a pair of B&W 803d3, and had noticed that while the 200w receiver could drive them appropriately it lacked the headroom to them justice at high volume levels. The 462 has completely resolved that issue and now I can drive the BW's to live music levels without ever having to worry about overdriving the amp. The resolution is amazing at any listening level. My 803's are partnered with a pair of DB'1s that I had as part of the previous 805d centered system. The new 803's work brilliantly and seamlessly with the DB1's set to the the old 802D preset.
Literally love the MC462, its is completely neutral without sounding sterile and has essentially bottomless reserves of power that make the B&W 803d3 "sing". Anyone that has ever hinted that BW's can't rock or handle "party material" with gusto needs to listen to the D800 series with a decent amp.:thumbsup:

Absolute congrats! It's a great amp and an even better value. Mac provides more value for the money IMO than any other manufacturer. The new Mac's represent a significant improvement in the already superb Mac sound. :thumbsup:

This post has me rethinking things....oh boy...not good

Quote:

Originally Posted by LarsT (Post 985525)

This post has me rethinking things....oh boy...not good

Thats baaaaad😁

If you are considering upgrading from a lesser powered amp it might definitely looking into. If you have a 452 or similar maybe its overkill for a slight difference at only extreme situations.

Does the autoformer on the MC462 change the characteristics of a speaker that dips into 4 or 2 ohms?

WOW, reading this review makes me want to upgrade my MC402 to the MC462!