McIntosh MEN220 Review

[MisterBritt]

Originally Posted by Still-One

Are you saying that you would move the MEN-220 each time you want to listen in a different room? If so it would take about 30 minutes to generate the curves each time you move it.
Jim

Well, no, I'm not suggesting that. As I have written, a moot point is a moot point, in that the Focus 2 idea wouldn't work.

But what I was suggesting is that if he plans to use the same preamp and sources that are downstairs ... let me just stop right there and get a clarification on that from him.

My understanding is that the second pair of speakers (and amps) would key off the main system downstairs. That it is not two completely different systems. But one main system with remote speakers upstairs.

Moreover, you wouldn't re-calibrate the curves every time you listen. You would just select Focus 1 or Focus 2. But as I repeat, that seems to be a moot point.

[Haurock]

whoa.. hang on.

One sound system.. 2 sets of speakers....

[MisterBritt]

Originally Posted by Haurock

whoa.. hang on.

One sound system.. 2 sets of speakers....

Just curious, as I'm trying to visualize this, how are the two sets of speakers (going to be) hooked up to the amp(s), please?

[Haurock]

Easy..

1) One two channel amp for sound reproduction downstairs

2) One two channel amp for sound reproduction upstairs with long speaker cables from downstairs.. .. thus the need for one Pre-amp with two outputs..

So I just switch between outputs depending on where I want to listen to music..

follow?

[MisterBritt]

Originally Posted by Haurock

Easy..

1) One two channel amp for sound reproduction downstairs

2) One two channel amp for sound reproduction upstairs with long speaker cables from downstairs.. .. thus the need for one Pre-amp with two outputs..

So I just switch between outputs depending on where I want to listen to music..

follow?

Pardon me if this is a dumb question, but am I to understand the:

1) One two channel amp for sound reproduction downstairs

2) One two channel amp for sound reproduction upstairs with long speaker cables from downstairs.. .. thus the need for one Pre-amp with two outputs..

are one and the same stereo amplifier? In other words, the only amplifier for both alternating sets of speakers would be the single MC352 stereo amplifier?

[Still-One]

Originally Posted by MisterBritt

Pardon me if this is a dumb question, but am I to understand the:

1) One two channel amp for sound reproduction downstairs

2) One two channel amp for sound reproduction upstairs with long speaker cables from downstairs.. .. thus the need for one Pre-amp with two outputs..

are one and the same stereo amplifier? In other words, the only amplifier for both alternating sets of speakers would be the single MC352 stereo amplifier?

I think he is saying two amps, set sets of speakers, one pre-amp.

[thughes]

I think he is saying two amps,

... but then wouldn't it be better to run balanced cables upstairs to one of the amps placed upstairs for a shorter speaker wire run to the speakers?

[jdandy]

Originally Posted by thughes

... but then wouldn't it be better to run balanced cables upstairs to one of the amps placed upstairs for a shorter speaker wire run to the speakers?

Terry.......That's what I was thinking.

[Haurock]

MisterBritt,

Exactly, my thinking is to get a second power amp maybe an MC252.

Dan, if I understand correctly, it would be more appropriate (sonically) to have long interconnects rather than long speaker wires? If so, I may have to rethink my idea. My goal was to have all the electronics downstairs and just a pair of speakers upstairs. Upstairs is for easy listening and background music.

I will be remodelling my basement this fall and I thought it would an opportune to time to run cables through the walls and upstairs to the living room. Thus, I am contemplating buying a second power amp, upgrade my pre-amp and possibly add a MEN220.

[jdandy]

Rock.......Long speaker cable runs, typically in excess of 50 feet will impact the sound far more than long runs of shielded balanced line level cables, which can be run that distance and more without signal loss, or the introduction of noise. Note that I said balanced line level cables, not unbalanced. Installing your amplifier upstairs close to where your second set of speakers will be placed is the best way to achieve the best sound. When installing the left and right channel runs of balanced cable don't forget to add the power control trigger cable at the same time. This way your amplifier upstairs will not be on unless you select the second output.