MC462?Or save some $ and go MC452?

[Bob Bubeck]

The discussion above includes a number of very fine amplifiers. As for the choice between an MC452 and an MC462, what might concern one's listening with electrostats more than dynamic range is the quality of the upper midrange which is another area of recent improvement for the MC462. As suggested, comparative listening would be the best guide to see if McIntosh's latest thinking gains one something appreciable over an MC452 (or an MC601, for that matter) for your situation. On the face of it, I can vouch for the 462 being a super acquisition, but any of the amps suggested will likely give pleasing results.

Happy listening.

Bob

[j3brow]

Hi Muriel,


I wasn’t able to private message you. Apologies for off topic/sideways question.

You are first person I’ve seen who owns both the C1100 and MP1100. I also own the C1100. Do you have an opinion on the differences between the built in phono stage in the C1100 and the dedicated MP1100. I have been wondering for a long time if it is a worthwhile upgrade. I have an MT10 turntable as well as a rega RP10 so with the MP1100 I could have both moving carts on the 2 TT hooked up at the same time to the preamp but it’s a lot to pay if sonically the C1100 phono and MP1100 are similar.

Thanks for your input.


Jason

[For The Love of Music]

Saving money means going for the Mono blocks.

[kamiraa]

Originally Posted by gadawg

I had 601's with a pair of the ML Ethos and worked wonderful together. If you consider going used ... a pair of 601's are pretty affordable right now and plus if you sell them later to go bigger or newer then you won't lose much.

George

Originally Posted by Muriel Heslop

Thanks for the welcome and for all your helpful replies!



Interesting...I did consider going the mono block route but thought it might be a wee bit of overkill for my speakers?Perhaps I should reconsider.

Decisions,decisions!!

Which speakers , how big is the room, where is your sitting location, how loud do you listen ?

We can calculate the power needed from that but the simple answer is go to mono locks and future proof it .

[Muriel Heslop]

Originally Posted by j3brow

Hi Muriel,


I wasn’t able to private message you. Apologies for off topic/sideways question.

You are first person I’ve seen who owns both the C1100 and MP1100. I also own the C1100. Do you have an opinion on the differences between the built in phono stage in the C1100 and the dedicated MP1100. I have been wondering for a long time if it is a worthwhile upgrade. I have an MT10 turntable as well as a rega RP10 so with the MP1100 I could have both moving carts on the 2 TT hooked up at the same time to the preamp but it’s a lot to pay if sonically the C1100 phono and MP1100 are similar.

Thanks for your input.


Jason

I am probably too new to receive PM's.

I wish I could give you an opinion but alas,I don't have one yet as I just ordered the C1100 before I departed on holiday.I will be picking it up upon my return.Like you,I am also VERY curious to see how the MP1100 will compare to the one built into the C1100.It better be signifigantly superior or I may have one up for sale soon!

I will certainly keep you posted as to my results once I am back home.

[jdandy]

Originally Posted by Muriel Heslop

I am probably too new to receive PM's.

Muriel Heslop.......Private Messaging is a benefit available only to Subscribers. If you would like to become a Subscriber and help support this great audio forum follow this link:

http://www.audioaficionado.org/payments.php

[Cajunpepe]

As a C1100 ownwer, I say get rid of the MP1100 and use the phono stage in the c1100...then use that money for MC611 monos.

I believe the phono stage in the C1100 is top notch, and probably eerily similar to that in the MP1100–maybe even exact...the MP just adds more features, curves, inputs, an A—>D converter, and another set of meters.

Just like, my opinion man...


Cheers!

[Vintage Pete]

I was reading the Stereophile review of the MC462 today. Not surprisingly, the amp got a stellar review. Looking at the pictures of it, the MC462 is one seriously beautiful amplifier.

https://www.stereophile.com/content/...ower-amplifier

[IM3CPO]

I own both a MC-452 and a MC-462 (as well as several other amps.. ). How close in price are the amps? In my experience, the cost savings on the older model doesn't warrant choosing it over the latest but if it were ~$1,000 or more, then a valid argument could be made to get the MC-452.

The good news is you cant go wrong with either! The real decision point is should you skip both and just go for mono blocks.

[brownbear]

Originally Posted by IM3CPO

I own both a MC-452 and a MC-462 (as well as several other amps.. ). How close in price are the amps? In my experience, the cost savings on the older model doesn't warrant choosing it over the latest but if it were ~$1,000 or more, then a valid argument could be made to get the MC-452.

The good news is you cant go wrong with either! The real decision point is should you skip both and just go for mono blocks.

Can you comment on the differences that you hear?