Favorite big power Mac?

[damacman]

I think it's simply a function of practicality. An MC2600 pushes the envelope of what a single 20A circuit is capable of with the PG lamps flashing 20% of the time (that's when you know you're having fun). As the MC602 is capable of 50% more output current per channel (150A/ch vs 100A/ch), it's likely not even possible with a difficult load.

Sure, most folks that buy these amps run them at maybe 6wpc on peaks so that's not really an issue. But for the guy that wants to run a pair of difficult to drive speakers at reference levels, it's simply not practical to have a Class A/B stereo amplifier of such size and capability for residential use. Splitting the channels on two different chassis with power cords makes a lot of sense.

But, that's not me. If I want more power, I'll just double up on amps (that's what I do actually). So, I'm with the OP - bring on the MC802! I'm OK if it's got two AC cords.

[Yamaki]

I'm in the same camp as a lot of MC501 owners.

I've listened to some of the other amps mentioned here but after I heard the 501s in my system I was pretty sure they wouldn't be leaving m house. That was over 5 years ago and I haven't changed my mind.

[markatherton]

Surprised the MC1000 was not mentioned....

[jimimac]

The vintage McIntosh was also great for pro audio. They were industrial power. They used some of the best parts available back in the Day.

[kurt1970]

I've a couple of MC611s driving KEF Blades. Although I've a quite large iiving room (according to European standards), I've never been in shortage of power.
When playing loud, the needle is mostly less or around 60W.

[Charles]

Originally Posted by jimimac

The vintage McIntosh was also great for pro audio. They were industrial power. They used some of the best parts available back in the Day.

I have heard that Mac has a parts inventory of over 20,000. So much of the cost of the gear is in the design. I find the Mac meters so very useful, especially the peak hold feature, which I understand is very accurate.

It is a fact that hearing is quite variable throughout the day. It is very helpful to be able to associate subjective loudness with peak watts. The meters don't lie. Your hearing does, all the time.

No company has been remotely able to duplicate the Mac meters on their amps. Yet this engineering design is paid for as is the design for the autoformer, powerguard, and so many other Mac features like their tuned circuits (tone controls). Also their basic amplification circuits (tube and SS) which I think are very good and hasn't changed for many years but it has been refined.

Where else can you find a 300 watt/ch mono tube amp exquisitely made for 15,000.00?

If you had to engineer all the designs from a clean sheet of paper all the Mac designs into a new amp it would quadruple the cost of the amp and I can tell you it couldn't even be done, because these designs have been tested and refined for 50 years.

And now you get all the benefit at virtually the cost of the parts.

[jimimac]

Agree. There are way more expensive amplifiers that make A lot of claims as to why there amps are the best in the Business. They are usually very Tweaked and there technology is the best and you know the drill. Let your ears be your guide. not some review or salespersons opinion.You think if you go into A Brick and mortar store that doesn't sell the McIntosh line they are going to tell you nope our lines cost more but I think you should go down the street and buy McIntosh equipment. It sounds wayyy better than anything we sell. I think maybe not???

[sandbites]

Originally Posted by Macuser

I upgraded from a pair of mc2500's to a pair of mc1201's a couple years ago and I can't see myself ever moving on from them.

Hi I might get a MC2500. I want a newer model but budget does not permit. Am I missing so much in terms of sound quality with the older 2500 than say one that’s made in the late 90s and early 2000

[Charles]

Originally Posted by sandbites

Hi I might get a MC2500. I want a newer model but budget does not permit. Am I missing so much in terms of sound quality with the older 2500 than say one that’s made in the late 90s and early 2000

If you have found one in excellent working order for a reasonable price I would buy it. It will only increase in value. As for sonics, I well remember as a young man becoming frustrated with my Mac 275 tube. I was working hard and worried about turning it off and on so much. I bought a Mac 2100 (105/per ch). I was surprised how similar the sonics were to the 275. I had a Dahlquist DQ10 and DQ1W's for subs with Dahlquist electronic crossover, a decent system for its day. The 2500 is far superior to a 2100.

Best

Charles

[urei]

Mine is obviously my avatar.