McIntosh MC901 or MC3500 MkIi?

[LewL]

I have seen prices for demo models of the MC901 for less than the MC3500 MK II, but never seen them compared. Has anyone heard both? Is the MC3500 MkII a better perfuming sounding amp? Are either of them worth the premium over the MC611? Upstream would be a C2700 or possibly a C12000. Speakers as yet undetermined.

[Fbgbill]

I have had my 611's for a couple of years and cannot complain. If I were to "upgrade" it would be to the MC3500 MK II. FWIW the wife will NOT approve the upgrade....!

[FreddieFerric]

I would love to hear both side by side. Not going to happen though. Hopefully a member here with experience in each amp can offer their opinion of them.

If I was ever fortunate enough to be faced with making a purchasing decision between the two it would only be made after visiting a dealer who had both available for audition.

[JBT]

MC901 Review


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L1FXInoGF6E

[LewL]

Other than the brief review by Audio Excellence of the MC3500 MkII and the AE and Steve Gutenberg reviews of the MC901, I really haven’t seen any reviews on either of these amps. Though Audio Excellence in their reviews of each day that each is the best amp McIntosh has ever made. And they give high praise of the MC611.

[Charles]

I believe the 901 is made for speakers that can be bi-amped. I believe it has an electronic crossover, much different than a 3500. I don't understand how you could compare the two because some speakers inherently sound better bi-amped. For speakers like Wilsons that cannot be bi-amped, a 901 would not be appropriate, IMO.

I have made some cost effective purchases in the past. I was in a fun sort of way for saying (on the Wilson forum) that my XVX was a cost effective purchase (332K). But it truly was.

First I will never buy another speaker. If you think I will, you are mistaken. So speaker buying is over, forever. Next you can't put a price on the joy this speaker brings. It's immeasurable. It will be many years before there will be a change to the platform.

Second, I never thought I would encounter a piece of gear I would rate similar to an XVX. Until I heard and experienced my MC3500's. I have never experienced a gear like the 3500 (XVX excluded). It's indescribable. If you gave me 200K and said, alright Charles, give me your 3500's and you must go out and buy any amp tube or otherwise, with it, I would decline. I'm serious. That's how much I like my 3500's. It takes a speaker like an XVX to take its measure. I'm serious.

Best

Charles

[LewL]

Thanks Charles. That’s pretty strong on the satisfaction meter!

[FreddieFerric]

Charles brings up a good point. Any speaker that is not bi-wire/bi-amp capable is not an MC901 compatible speaker.

[JBT]

What's so unique about the new McIntosh Mc901 & should you bi-amp your speakers?



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXbuITw0nFo

[Charles]

Originally Posted by JBT

What's so unique about the new McIntosh Mc901 & should you bi-amp your speakers?



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXbuITw0nFo

JBT, I don't know your opinion of Audio Excellence, a Canadian high end dealership that is frequently on YouTube. When they reviewed the 3500 they did so with cheap stand speakers, no subs. I was disappointed. They have very expensive Wilsons (XVX and Alexx V) that they could have and should have used. I could go on about the quality of their reviews. Of course they gave it a nice review. I don't pay attention to them and never watch them anymore. They are not worth my time to go into more detail.

Best

Charles