AudioAficionado.org - For Those Who Upgraded From MC452 to MC601

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For Those Who Upgraded From MC452 to MC601

So I have to ask!

I have recently acquired the McIntosh MC452 and it's just about broken in. Maybe 130 hours or so. I simply love the amp and I don't have any intention (at least at the moment) to upgrade. :D

I would like to know for those who had the MC452 and upgraded to the MC 601 monoblocks what the differences are between the two amps.

I almost replied, but I luckily recalled this excellent post by Dan (jdandy) regarding the MC452 vs MC601s.....

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdandy (Post 808056)

Christoph.......The MC452 and the MC601's sound quite similar, perhaps even closer to nearly identical. What separates the two is primarily the output power capabilities and the dynamic headroom. The MC601's use an independent power supply that isn't required to be shared between two channels. Because they are mono ampifiers the 601's share nothing with the opposite channel, nor give up anything due to what is happening in the other channel. The MC452 shares it's power supply between both of the stereo channels and in some respects this can impact performance at the extremes. Under normal operation it is doubtful that you would ever tax the MC452's power supply to the limit.

Other considerations that may impact your decision to own an MC452 over a pair of MC601's might be due to space restrictions. Of course your speaker efficiency and the sound pressure levels you typically enjoy will also impact your amplifier decision. Then there is the price, $8500 for the MC452 versus $14,000 for a pair of MC601's. And ultimately, some folks just like seeing a big pair of mono block amps sitting between their speakers.

I own both the MC452 and a pair of MC601's. Both are stellar performers that do not disappoint me in any way. I am confident it will be the same for you no matter what your final decision may be.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cohibaman (Post 824428)

I almost replied, but I luckily recalled this excellent post by Dan (jdandy) regarding the MC452 vs MC601s.....

Thanks so much for the response. I should have known better to just do a search under Dan! :king:

Gentlemen.......Thank you. . :redface:

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdandy (Post 824476)

Gentlemen.......Thank you. . :redface:

Your very welcome Dan!

I know I speak for many on AA that we look forward to your posts and reviews. :thumbsup:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Audiophilehi (Post 824505)

Your very welcome Dan!

I know I speak for many on AA that we look forward to your posts and reviews. :thumbsup:

++1

I compared the 2 in great detail one after another, side by side.

The 601 are better in terms of wholeness to the sonic picture. The bass is better and it has more meat to the bones. Warmer sounding as well. I would say it's a good 15-20% improvement over the 452 to my ears.

Quote:

Originally Posted by joey_v (Post 824818)

Thanks Joey!:thumbsup:

I just upgraded from the MC452 to the MC601's. I was very content with the 452 but I've always wanted 601's since the first time I saw them. Considering the cost and everything I've read, I was a little concerned they would not be that much better than the 452. I have no way of auditioning these before purchasing. As soon as I turned on the 601's for the first time, those worries faded away.
My experience is similar to what Joey described as I'm hearing an overall improvement. I think we both have B&W's which could explain some of the similarities.
The 601's share a very similar, almost identical, sound signature to the 452. The 601's have more authority and control over the speakers which improves the bass, speed, and low extension along with giving it a more relaxed and effortless sound. Also, I'm hearing a bit bigger soundstage and more precise imaging. I'm guessing this due to the nature of mono amps with independent power supplies and extra channel separation.
These are not drastic differences from the 452 but enough to make me satisfied with the extra coin spent on the 601's. The 452 hangs very close to the 601's which makes it a great value.
As Dan mentioned in his 601 review, it's now harder to turn off the system at the end of the night. I don't see myself ever letting go of these amps.