MC 126 or MC 162 or two MC 7106

[ChicagoDog]

I need 3 channels to complete my 5.1 setup and I'm itching since the MAC3 will arrive from Audio Classics tomorrow. I need 3 more channels of power. I own MC 501 as my front mains. Since 3 more 501's are out of the $$$ question for right now, my 3 choices of amps I have narrowed down are mc126the mc162 or the mc7106. I think the mc126 is currently in a pretty distant 3rd place in the running since it's older and only 80W per channel, even though I'll use it in bridged for center and left/right rear. The 7106 is a newer and more powerful at 100W and is also a one box solution (But I'm not short on rack space at all though so not much of a consideration) The MC 162 can be bridged mono for 500W, therefore matching my front channel MC 501's for power and a second MC 162 could then be added to drive the rear in stereo (plus meters... lots more meters with the mc162 right, the other 2 choices have none) LOL Anyone have experience with these amps? Thoughts??

[JWJW]

The 7106 is a fantastic amp and gets my vote.

[Vmax]

+1 on 7106. No autoformers so it will make great power with bridged channels and lighter weight. As long as you don’t need balanced inputs hard to beat dollars per watt in Mcintosh choices. SNR is great. Real quiet at idle and with lots of gain. They run cool too!

[crwilli]

+1 on the MC7106.

Mine has been running pretty steady in a theater / TV room since 1997 and made two round trips across the Pacific Ocean with no issues.