Old or new Mcintosh sound to Amati futura

[n_brio]

Is the old (like mc501) or newer (like mc452) Mcintosh sound a better match to Amata futura?

The same goes for Focal sopra 2 is the old or newer sound a better match?

[urei]

Originally Posted by n_brio

Is the old (like mc501) or newer (like mc452) Mcintosh sound a better match to Amata futura?

The same goes for Focal sopra 2 is the old or newer sound a better match?

One benefit of the MC452 would be that it is Quad balanced. However, the MC501 being really good mono's, I would listen to both if you can and let your ears make the decision.

[KMC45]

New.

[GSOphile]

I am a McIntosh admirer but not a user. I read a discussion last week about the 'new' McIntosh 'house sound' some have been noticing in McIntosh's latest products (e.g., the 462 amp). If these comments are accurate (?), the 452, which was in production for quite a few years, would not fall into the 'new house sound' category.

[W9TR]

I own the Amati Futuras. They have a laid back presentation that lends itself to electronics that are more forward than neutral. I guess I have heard old vs new McInosh in that I own an MC 602 (old) and had a pair of MC 601’s (new) at the same time. I think the new stuff is a better match. But the difference is not huge.

I use MC 2301’s and they are a great pairing with the Futuras.

BTW the MC 501 is quad balanced.

[urei]

Originally Posted by W9TR

BTW the MC 501 is quad balanced.

Yes, I should have clarified that.

[n_brio]

Thanks for the inputs.

[trponhunter]

it's not often that the newer stuff is not better.

[Formerly YB-2]

Better? The definition of that will be in the ear of the beholder. To my ears, the 'old' McIntosh sound pretty much ended with the MC300. The MC352 was sort of a 'bridge amp' between old and new sound. Starting with the MC500 everything became faster and more detailed. Whether that is better is up to you. The 'new' sound is better to me.

[Msegal]

With McIntosh new almost always sounds better then old. Although with vintage tubes there are some special situations.

The good news is yesterday’s new it today’s bargain.

Mike S.