2x MC-402 vs. Monoblocks

[mgbaron]

Too be clear, one of the things that I had hoped to accomplish with this thread was to learn more about the capabilities and limitations of my current gear, to help inform what my future "roadmap" might be. As always, all of your responses have been very informative.

[GaryProtein]

DAN, can the MC602 be run in bridged or parallel mode?

One source told me it could not be run in bridged mode, but parallel mode was never discussed and I am not sure if they were correct.

[jdandy]

Originally Posted by GaryProtein

DAN, can the MC602 be run in bridged or parallel mode?

One source told me it could not be run in bridged mode, but parallel mode was never discussed and I am not sure if they were correct.

Gary.......The MC602 owner's manual does not make any mention of being able to wire it in bridged or parallel mode, not does the specifications show any output power specs other than in two channel mode. To me this indicates it cannot be operated in any mode except two channel stereo.

[GaryProtein]

Thank you Dan, that's what I thought and was lead to believe.

So the MC402 can be run in parallel, but the MC602 cannot?

[Grasshopper]

Matt,

I've had the exact same thought. It's tempting to think about the 800wpc on tap. I'm curious if it would wake my signature 800's (although as power hungry as these are, I'm barely above 40 watts on the mc402 in most cases. The 402 is PLENTY of power for most speakers.

I'd be curious if anyone here on AA has tried it (and what they noticed).

I've heard strong opinions about bridging amps leads to distortion.

I'd be curious what you hear from McIntosh on this.

Originally Posted by mgbaron

Too be clear, one of the things that I had hoped to accomplish with this thread was to learn more about the capabilities and limitations of my current gear, to help inform what my future "roadmap" might be. As always, all of your responses have been very informative.

[Masterlu]

Gary... I have owned the MC602's stereo only.

[jdandy]

Originally Posted by Grasshopper

Matt,

I've had the exact same thought. It's tempting to think about the 800wpc on tap. I'm curious if it would wake my signature 800's (although as power hungry as these are, I'm barely above 40 watts on the mc402 in most cases. The 402 is PLENTY of power for most speakers.

Grasshopper.......Before you get too excited about 800 watts in bridged mode from the MC402 you may want to stare at my MC601 power meter for a second. On peak hold my MC601's were knocking on the door of 1.2kw output without a hint of the Power Guard lamps flickering, with more power still on tap. The MC601's exceed 800 watts without any problem. A pair of them would make those B&W 800 Signatures stand up and take notice. .

[Grasshopper]

That meter sure looks amazing!!!


Good point jdandy.

I had no idea the 601's had that kind of headroom.


Any idea how an A/B comparison would sound around 700watts?

Originally Posted by jdandy

Grasshopper.......Before you get too excited about 800 watts in bridged mode from the MC402 you may want to stare at my MC601 power meter for a second. On peak hold my MC601's were knocking on the door of 1.2kw output without a hint of the Power Guard lamps flickering with even more power still on tap. The MC601's exceed 800 watts without any problem. A pair of them would make those B&W 800 Signatures stand up and take notice. .

[djwhog]

And the 601s were tested in the real world at 800watts plus pure clean power at 8 ohms too.

I have a report that list the test results. 600 is a very low rating for the 601s

[jdandy]

Grasshopper.......I have never auditioned an MC402 or heard one in someone's system. I have heard people say that the MC402 sounds like the MC501. Considering this to be true, I would say that the MC601 will sound better because they have been voiced toward a faster pace in dynamics and a more open sounding midrange, exactly like the new MC452's sound. If my choice were between a pair of MC402's bridged or a pair of MC601's, the MC601's would be coming home. Of course this is ignoring the price differences and the fact that a person with an existing MC402 would only need one additional MC402 to be able to have 800 watts per channel.