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  #41  
Old 03-18-2018, 08:30 AM
Charles Charles is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by piolaxo View Post
Very interesting. How about the quality or the characteristics of the sound?
How do they compare (1.2KW vs 1.25KW)?
The major change in the amp is the output transistor which is now the same as the one used in the 601 and the 611. This "new" transistor has been around for many years (at least 12 since it is used in the 2KW). The capacitance has been increased etc. In other words the 1.2KW has been given a face lift but it is still the exact same amp. That's why there's only a 500 dollar difference. The 601 is a much smaller amp. It would drive my Alexxes I feel but simply would be too stressed to provide superb sound. The 611's would probably do a better job because of their increased current capacity and capacitance.

If you compare the spec's between the 1.2KW and 1.25KW they are identical. 35 amps continuous current 600 (1.2KW) vs 450 (1.25 KW) joules of storage, same power transformer (12.06 kg) and exactly same design..

I use the 1.25 as a subwoofer amp and it is greatly superior to my old 601 which would noticeably clip on certain heavy bass passages requiring great power. The 1.25 doesn't even come close. Also the quality of the bass produced is so much superior. I use a Wilson Thor.

The main difference in the two amps will not be in my opinion the sound. It's the looks and feel. I significantly prefer the look of the 1.25. It is a beautiful amp and well worth the 500 dollars.

Let me say one thing about Mac amps. Certainly, you can buy better amps, if you want to pay 50-100 thousand dollars apiece on an unlimited budget. However, I can't imagine the speaker that a 1.25KW couldn't drive to 99.5% performance, easily, or for that matter a 1.2KW. I just finished a major upgrade to my system and if I felt I needed better amps to maximize the performance of my Alexxes I would have bought them. Rather I went with Wel Signature solid silver speaker cables and IC's which cost significantly more than most amps. My Alexxes don't even cause my 1.2's to run even slightly warm even when played at ear splitting levels for 1-2 hours. The 1.2 is a great amp. It's just that given the choice between the two I'd definitely buy the 1.25 which I highly recommend.

Last edited by Charles; 03-18-2018 at 10:08 PM.
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  #42  
Old 03-18-2018, 08:45 AM
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audio bill audio bill is offline
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I'm not a Mac guy myself, but have heard from several major fans that the new MC1.25KW amps have made a significant shift from their typical tonal balance. In particular they're much brighter even described as being a bit strident in their high frequency reproduction, and the mids are not as warm as expected. Some stated that they much preferred the 1.2KW amps. Anyone considering these new amps would be well advised to try them in their system before committing to their purchase, but of course YMMV applies.
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  #43  
Old 03-18-2018, 05:16 PM
Timobi Timobi is offline
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If I remember Ivan said he's not giving away his 1.2KW for the new ones. Granted he has about 47 of them But still....
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  #44  
Old 03-18-2018, 10:11 PM
Charles Charles is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by audio bill View Post
I'm not a Mac guy myself, but have heard from several major fans that the new MC1.25KW amps have made a significant shift from their typical tonal balance. In particular they're much brighter even described as being a bit strident in their high frequency reproduction, and the mids are not as warm as expected. Some stated that they much preferred the 1.2KW amps. Anyone considering these new amps would be well advised to try them in their system before committing to their purchase, but of course YMMV applies.
With all due respect why don't don't you order a pair to audition in your system. Perhaps you are a weight lifter. As I said the main difference in the two amps is the output transistor which is definitely superior in the 1.25.

Last edited by Charles; 03-18-2018 at 10:13 PM.
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  #45  
Old 03-18-2018, 10:19 PM
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audio bill audio bill is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Charles View Post
With all due respect why don't don't you order a pair to audition in your system. Perhaps you are a weight lifter. As I said the main difference in the two amps is the output transistor which is definitely superior in the 1.25.
Charles, thanks for the words of encouragement but I think I'll pass. I see that you're using yours as a subwoofer amp which I'm sure sounds exceptional, use it in the best of health!
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  #46  
Old 03-19-2018, 12:22 AM
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I did have an opportunity to listen to a pair of MC1.25KW’s w/ Stradivari’s. They are clearly voiced differently, and it isn’t due to the use of Thermal Trak Output Transistors.

My MC2KW’s have Thermal Trak Output Transistors, and still sound pleasing with the McIntosh “house sound”.

IMHO, there were other changes made that resulted in the 1.25K’s sounding on the bright, almost shrill side. My friend, who’s system I heard these with decided these Amps were not for him, and ultimately sold them. He now has MC2301’s and couldn’t be more pleased.
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  #47  
Old 03-19-2018, 08:00 AM
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Thanks Ivan for confirming exactly what I've been told from other sources who either purchased or auditioned the new 1.25K amps.
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  #48  
Old 03-20-2018, 02:22 AM
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Joe who used to be a member here bought a pair. he sold them as they were too bright for him.
He now has the Dag M400's and is in heaven.
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  #49  
Old 03-20-2018, 12:11 PM
Charles Charles is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Masterlu View Post
I did have an opportunity to listen to a pair of MC1.25KW’s w/ Stradivari’s. They are clearly voiced differently, and it isn’t due to the use of Thermal Trak Output Transistors.

My MC2KW’s have Thermal Trak Output Transistors, and still sound pleasing with the McIntosh “house sound”.

IMHO, there were other changes made that resulted in the 1.25K’s sounding on the bright, almost shrill side. My friend, who’s system I heard these with decided these Amps were not for him, and ultimately sold them. He now has MC2301’s and couldn’t be more pleased.
Very sad. I will not be trading in my 1.2KW's anytime soon.

If used to drive a full range speaker, I hope that as the new 1.25 breaks in its sound will mellow out. I personally would not hesitate to buy a pair if I really needed them but I am glad now that I resisted the temptation to do so based on this information. I almost relegated a 1.2KW to the Thor traded the other one in and purchase a pair of 1.25's. Instead I decided to purchase one 1.25KW to replace my 601. It does a great job on my Thor.

Last edited by Charles; 03-20-2018 at 12:29 PM.
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