MC501 Club

[Yamaki]

Using the 4 ohm tap did the same for me. It was a real change to how the music sounded and how the large 10" woofers in my Aerial Acoustic 8's responded.

Enjoy the music!

[prepress]

I upgraded the power cords on my 501s back in October but never updated this thread. I went from Transparent HPPC to Premium cords, and though they still don’t have a ton of time on them I will say that there is improvement in the sound, namely more detail in the low frequencies; I like it!

It’s episodes like this that let me know how good my modest equipment (by high-end standards) is. I can hear better what the 501s as well as the rest of my setup can do. Low frequencies filled in more and are more refined-sounding than before. Now and then some bit of detail emerges that I don’t recall hearing before. Always fun. Even less reason to kick the 501s to the curb for something else.

[Yamaki]

Thanks for the update!

I experienced much of the same things when I upgraded from OEM to WW power cables. The 501s manage bass very well, however, when I upgraded those cables the bass response improved as well as the mid-range. The music just seemed more precise.

I'm thinking the next upgrade, with the intent of garnering an improvement to the SQ and allow the 501s to really shine, will be to add a tube pre-amp to my system, bypassing the MX135 for two channel listening.

[prepress]

Originally Posted by Yamaki

Thanks for the update!

I experienced much of the same things when I upgraded from OEM to WW power cables. The 501s manage bass very well, however, when I upgraded those cables the bass response improved as well as the mid-range. The music just seemed more precise.

I'm thinking the next upgrade, with the intent of garnering an improvement to the SQ and allow the 501s to really shine, will be to add a tube pre-amp to my system, bypassing the MX135 for two channel listening.

A lot of people tout the combination of tubes and solid-state. You can add me to the list that thinks it's a good combo. I would never go the other way, however, as I don't want the hassle of dealing with tube amps which seem, to my limited understanding, more finicky with regard to potential tube failure and shorter tube life. Someone may correct that if not accurate. But I think tube preamp/solid-state amp is a better choice than the other way around due to the often better low-frequency grip SS amps can have on the low end.

[prepress]

Another reason to be satisfied with my 501s. According to Mac's latest e-mailing, the 501s are a previous Stereo Sound Grand Prix award winner—a high honor apparently. The 611s won last year's award.

[Drem]

Hello all! I am new to the forum but had my MC-501s for more than 10 years and they served me well. However I have two issues. One issue is on both units and the other is on one unit.

So the issue on both units is that when I turn the left knob to LIGHTS OFF, the display often flickers on and off. This does not bother me so much though, as it turns out the problem seemed to go away when I turn the knob many times back and forth. I guess there is dust or smudge in there somewhere?

The issue that does bother me is that the VU meter on one unit has begun to behave strangely. In the lower position, it seems to "get stuck" on a certain position. This is an area of maybe 1cm. Everything above that and the needle works fine. Also it does not go to 0 position, but stays at -50 mark. I have disconnected everything, switched power cables and signal cables between the units. The cables are not the problem. I also tried adjusting meter screw inside the unit. It did no make any difference to the problem. If I gently tap the glass o front of the meter a couple of times , I can make the meter go down to the zero position.

I have got several suggestions on how to fix this. One service partner says it does need a new meter. Another say it can be fixed as is, but no reply as to what the mean exactly. Is there anything I can try myself to fix this? A new meter cost 600$ with freight and that is serious money.

Here is a video clip: https://www.dropbox.com/s/t1w4a3ws9k...94433.mp4?dl=0

Thanks for any suggestions

[miner]

Ask Ryan at Audio Classics in NY. He has alway been very helpful each time I have reached out to him.

[Masterlu]

Drem... Welcome to AA!

[Drem]

Originally Posted by Masterlu

Drem... Welcome to AA!

Thank you [emoji106]

[Drem]

Originally Posted by miner

Ask Ryan at Audio Classics in NY. He has alway been very helpful each time I have reached out to him.

I'm in Sweden, Europe so unfortunately service centers are few and far apart.

I was wondering if there is a disassembly instruction on how to get to the meter?