Should I Swap My Accuphase for McIntosh?
 

I recently purchased an Accuphase E-650, and I absolutely love the sound that it creates. I live the warmth. However, I also just purchased a pair of Sonus Faber Stradivari, and I think they could use more power. I find myself at the red line of the meters more often than not. So I am considering swapping the E-650 for a pair of McIntosh MC601s or 611s....and either a C52 or C47 preamp. I think a 2600 would create too much warmth. I have previously owned an MC452 and C2600....and C47 before that?
Am I crazy in considering this or does it makes sense?

Lars you can not go wrong with the MC601's or Mc611's with the Strads. .

This is all your fault David [emoji23]

What about an accuphase for a bigger accuphase (e.g., the a75 Ivan is selling). Truly, the sky is the limit. That said, the e650 is likely not enough juice for the strads.

Lars.......A C52 and a pair of MC2301's in front of those Strads will bring home the gold. . :yahoo:

I have not had the privilege of hearing the MC2301s, and I am afraid to. They are definitely one of the more popular amplifiers for the Strads.

What were you seeking when you moved to Accuphase? Do you like the sound and just need more power? Maybe a P-4500 or an A-75

As I already previously mentioned in another thread, to my ears the Gold, no make that "Platinum", was Stradivari with a neutral and ballsy amps. Of course much depends on your personal taste and preference as well as room acoustics. Take that with a grain of salt and let your own ears decide.

Here is just an example of the Strads with Pass Labs amps. The room acoustics of the first room are terrible (and that was the point of the video) but you can hear how much resolution and finely detailed nuances the Pass Labs are pulling from the Strads. Because the Strads are a bit darker sounding speakers, a neutral sounding amp typically hits the sweet spot. I've heard the Strads with Krell, Bryston and a few others. McIntosh will be similar but Pass Labs will typically give you more goosebumps from the extra resolution and finesse they can bring to the equation if the overall system and room allow for it.

https://youtu.be/6Up0JH_D6-Q

My say is dedicating a mono to each speaker will always prevail especially at 600 watts per assuming your room factor is not an issue.

Assimilate. Resistance is futile. :)

Lars you heard my Strads. with the MC501's. The MC2301's are wonderful tube amps. and a terrific option. If you don't want tubes a new pair of MC601's (if you can find any) or the new MC611's will keep you happy for years to come. Since I bought my MC501's everything else in my system has been changed and 9 years later I have no desire to replace them. Solid state Mcintosh amps. will give you slam bass of the two Strad. subwoofers, plenty of detail, full sound even at low volume levels , run cool and drive easily any speakers you end up with the next 10-20 years. If you don't plan on getting into vinyl just use the Directstream as your pre amp.

I would suggest going for a pair of Accuphase mono-blocks if you can work that into your budget.

Serge, I have not seen that video, but thanks for posting it. I believe the Strads in the second room, are the actual pair that I now own. I bought them from the owner of Resolution Acoustics! Pretty cool!

How big is your room? Do not go for the Accuphase Class A mono if your room is smallish. It will put out too much heat unless you have AC. My room is about 13.3 by 13.3 and the heat was unbearable.

Oh wow cool :thumbsup:

Yep Class A needs room to breathe it’s dragon breath :D Then again so do the Strads. :yes: They do ok in smaller rooms but they shine in big rooms

I’ll simply say Class A is magical and very intoxicating.

:yes:

Personally speaking, I would never replace my Accuphase Class A amplification with anything from McIntosh. That includes my MC2KW’s that I am also fortunate to own.

You would definitely want to listen first because the McIntosh equipment is going to sound very different from the Accuphase. Which you consider better will likely be a personal preference as they are both awesome product lines. Once you determine which you like the sound of you can size appropriately.

George

I would be on Ivan's side on this one.....all things equal, I would stay with Accuphase rather than switching in order to gain more power. As you already love the Accuphase sound, I would tend more toward saving $$$$ for higher priced/powered Accuphase amplification if needed.

- Buck

I sold the mc 2301s to get the accuphase a200s. They’re both awesome, but it depends on the sound you want. Strads undoubtedly go well with the 2301s, but I suspect some big accuphase would do well also. Really - just personal choice, system synergy and your own ears should make the decision. Any chance for a demo?

:yes:

Yes, the sky is the limit. However the budget does have a limit. I know I could use the E-650 as a preamp, but I would get the itch for an Accuphase preamp very quickly if history is any guide [emoji23]

I am very happy with the sound...just need more power

I feel the tractor beam pulling me in.....faster and faster

I am with Jim, Jim, Buck and Ivan.

You could start with an Accuphase power amp (or a pair) and use your current amp as pre.
After a couple of years, you'll have saved enough (especially when also selling the E-650) to buy the matching Accuphase preamp.

The 2301s are a very, very fine option - I heard the combo at Ivan's - but the Accuphase amps do add that last bit of refinement...

Yes, that’s definitely a possibility. I just don’t have the same amount of experience with Accuphase that I do with McIntosh so I don’t know how the preamp section of the E-650 rates by itself. Although, I think it’s safe to say that it’s no slouch.

:thumbsup:

I think we have a solution in the works... :whistle:

It's just a question of time before Lars orders the pre-amp! :D

Lars

Ivan can put any amps. with the Strads that he wants ....this says something :yes: Obviously he is happy :D. Accuphase class A is fantastic too, know wrong decisions here

:64714-slap:

So I bought the A75. That should solve my power problem. I enjoy the Accuphase sound too much to veer away from at this point. I may keep the E-650 for the preamp. More likely though, I will sell it to help pay for the amp and then either use my Ayre QX-5 Twenty as an interim preamp or swap that for a KX-5 Twenty. Then I will save for an Accuphase preamp.

Good move. If that’s the sound you like, it was definitely the way to go.

Not to mention, he just about stole it! :D

https://thumbs.gfycat.com/DelayedFri...restricted.gif

Congratulations, should be a nice combo :thumbsup:

A-75 in bound. :ok:

http://www.accuphase.com/model/photo/a-75.jpg

Can’t wait to hear the reports on this combo.