MC501 or MC452?

[djwhog]

KM good ??, what speakers driven etc.

[Intamin]

Originally Posted by jdandy

Chad.......A pair of pre-owned MC501's will run you about the same as you would pay for a new MC452. You did not mention whether there are budget restrictions.

I have owned the MC501's and enjoyed them for several years. I now own a MC452, a pair of MC601's and a pair of MC2301 amplifiers, so you can clearly see the direction I have headed.

I made direct A/B comparisons between the MC501's and the MC452. My MC452 review is here: http://www.audioaficionado.org/mcint...52-review.html . Both power amplifiers are tremendous performers, and both are totally satisfying to hear, but there are differences. You must ask yourself whether the newer voicing available in the MC452, MC2301, and MC601 might serve your interest, or whether the more traditional McIntosh voice is your target. Both are exciting and enticing, so there are no losers in the group. If you have not auditioned the MC452 I suggest you do that with familiar music to determine how it compares to the MC501.

If you decide to stay with mono block amps and wish to consider the MC601's, you might want to read my MC601 review here: http://www.audioaficionado.org/mcint...01-review.html . A pair of the MC601's will require deeper pockets than the MC452 or a pair of MC501's, so if this becomes your goal be prepared to make a larger offering.

Honestly, there is no wrong decision to be made here. Any one of these three amplifiers will rock you home with all the premium amplifier power McIntosh is so famous for delivering. Keep us posted.

Dan, thanks for the links to the reviews. I'm in a similar predicament, although I won't be making a decision any time soon, and it was nice to read your perspective on the 501 and 452.

[jdandy]

Intamin.......My pleasure.

[Chad.Wagner]

Originally Posted by KMC45

Chad,

What are you going to use the new amp(s) for?

My new house has a great room and a family room on the second level. I need to build a theater room in the basement. I plan to move most of my current home theater equipment into the new room in the basement once I get it finished.

Initially I plan to put my 60" Kuro in the great room and will need speakers and amps to go with it.

I plan to pick up a pair of Monitor Audio PL100's, but I may use these in my office and may still require different speakers for the great room. I have been thinking about the Monitor Audio PL200's.

If Ivan gets the Wilson speakers soon I may consider Sasha's with a Mezzo (if the price can be low enough) and keep my PL300's upstairs. It is fun to dream!