McIntosh MC452 Review

[f1 fan]

Dan...great review as always.

Dave

[jdandy]

Originally Posted by Vintage Pete

Great review, Dan, on what I am quite sure is a great amplifier from McIntosh. I'm relieved (as I think others may be) that there is no need to rush right out and replace our MC501's with this amp. If one wants to save rack space or real estate, that may be another matter....

Great review Dan, and very enjoyable to read, as always.

Pete.......Thank you. I think you're safe with your three 501's.......for now.

[MisterBritt]

Just wanted to check-in and let you know I am soaking up these reviews. Very informative and eloquent and interesting. I just love this stuff. Thanks for taking the time to really put your thoughts together and share them with us.

It's quite interesting to me that the MC452 has a more forward presentation than the MC501. I made a point to mention the change in the soundstage on the MC2301 versus the MC501. Specifically, that I believe the MC2301 moved the sound stage in the opposite direction -- to my mind, substantially farther back -- from the MC501. So this is an interesting area of observation to me.

It will be interesting to see how the MC452 mates up with your new MCD1100. I'm really looking forward to your review of the new player at the appropriate time. Thanks!

[jwhite613]

Excellent review Dan. Sounds like you have a keeper (for now).

[SMC23]

Thanks Dan for taking the time in writing this review!

Your review has definitely swayed my decision towards the MC452 as my main amp. I initially had reservations that the 450w was not going to cut it for 802 Diamonds as overpowering the speakers is the preferred way and a better fit would be MC501s, but based on your impression that it perceptibly more powerful than the 450w implies, then i am sold on one!

[Lightyears]

Originally Posted by SMC23

Thanks Dan for taking the time in writing this review!

Your review has definitely swayed my decision towards the MC452 as my main amp. I initially had reservations that the 450w was not going to cut it for 802 Diamonds as overpowering the speakers is the preferred way and a better fit would be MC501s, but based on your impression that it perceptibly more powerful than the 450w implies, then i am sold on one!

I have heard the MC452/802 Diamonds combination, and it rocks.

[David]

Dan, thank you for a useful and well written review. This is exactly what readers want to know: how does it sound compared to another Mac product. I would love to read a similar review on the 601 and the MCD1100 as well as the new Mac pre-amps.

[jdandy]

David.......There are several MC601 owners on AA. Hopefully some more indepth comments will come out. For an amplifier that seems to be finding its way into a number of sound systems, I am surprised no one has stepped up yet with a solid review.

[chessman]

Dan, as a guy who makes his living with words, I will certify you as having real talent. Congrats!!

[wakkz]

Great review as always Dan! Pleasure reading it. Its interesting to hear that the new gear seems to have a more inyourface voicing. As long as it doesnt cause listening fatigue in that unique Mcintosh-way, its fine by me