MC1.25W vs MC2301 vs MC601
 

Driving B&W 802D3 with C1100 pre.

I would prefer to get the newest model for various reasons so the vote goes for the MC1.25KW.

My heart wants the MC2301 since I love tubes. The big drawback is that it is an old model so probably a replacement is coning. I will still have a pair of MC275 to satisfy the tube need.

The MC601 will save money and might still be excellent for these speakers. On the other hand probably a replacement is coming this is almost 7 years “old” now.

Reading the above it is clearer now that the MC1.25KW is the logical choice. Thoughts?

I can only speak to the MC 601 vs. MC 2301 since I have owned both.

I sold the MC 601's and kept the MC 2301's.

The MC 2301's are very special amplifiers. If you don't need kilowatt level power, they are a great choice.

Tom

Tom

I am not sure which speakers you are driving but if a MC275 does the job do you think a MC1.25 is necessary?

I would be very hesitant to go away from tubes. I tried going from my Cary SA280 V12 monoblocks to an Inpol class A integrated. The Inpol had wonderful bass, warm mid bass, extended smooth treble and ended up being totally unengaging to me. The weakness with all SS I have experienced is a lack of midrange micro dynamics. Without all that detail going on with voices, instruments and special cues I lose interest.

I willingly sacrifice bass taughtness and treble extension for a moment of a living breathing guitar, piano, trumpet or singer in my living room.

Tubes, there are no substitute.

Although McIntosh vocalizes to the contrary it is interesting the C1100 is only available with tubes and there is no longer a solid stage halo preamp for McIntosh.

Unless you waiting for the yet to be released MC2601’s. [emoji56]

You could possibly wait for, yet to be released state of the art ARC 160 MONO or 260 SE amps.

Many years ago I had the same dilemma, to purchase MC 2301 T vs 1.2 KW;I ended up purchasing 1.2 KW and regretted it ,as sound was not that warm,mellow , inviting or engaging. I was using BW 8oo N and MC 2200 at that time.
Moving forward I am using same Amp with ARC ref 6 Preamp and Focal Scala V2 and I think i have found the system synergy,Now I have nothing to complain about.

MC 275x 2 are no match for Mc 2301 for driving bigger BW speakers.
Hope, My perspective helps you in choosing the wright amp, Go and listen for yourself.

Sami

As a current owner of both the 1.2Kw and the 2301, as others have alluded to, I can tell you that the 2301 is special...once you hear what it can do in a revealing system such as yours...it will be hard to go back to any solid state amplifier. I love my 1.2Kws, but the 2301 is in a different league.

Wonder if the 1.25kw raises the bar and begins to close the gap with the 2301? Anyone hear the 1.25kw yet?

I wonder if we might expect MC 2302 to surface in 2018 since MC 1.25KW is supposed to be an upgraded 1.2Kw with latest updates.
Some one told me ARC is working on New Monoblocks to get it ready for 2018 release.

Decided to go for the 1.25KW except if I find out in time that a new 2301 (2302?) is coming out.

Ivan, do you have any inside information?

A stradivarius violin sounds better than the new violins being made. Something new is not always better. Manufacturers come out with new products because parts sometimes become unavailable, planned obsolescence which gives them an excuse and opportunity to raise prices and lastly because it is a true upgrade. I am still using my MC501's amplifiers and could not be happier, if I wanted to I could but newer amps. and not think twice about it . The MC2301's may be the least powerful amplifier's in the group you are looking at but I can tell you from personal listening they sound amazing. Of course so do the Mc601's and the 1.2kw ( the 1.25kw are just announced). By all means get what you like but don't think because something new comes out that these other amps. i.e. MC2301's or Mc601's are obsolete or don't sound amazing. Congratulations and cheers to whatever you decide on.