Looking for thoughts on Mac multichannel amps

[Grasshopper]

I just picked up a nice, used mc205 to run center and surround channels.

Haven’t set it up yet, but seems like the MC303, or the 205/207 is what you should be looking for.

205/207 could add more channels or even power additional zones if you wanted.

[70sMac]

Originally Posted by Grasshopper

I just picked up a nice, used mc205 to run center and surround channels.

Haven’t set it up yet, but seems like the MC303, or the 205/207 is what you should be looking for.

205/207 could add more channels or even power additional zones if you wanted.

Yeah, we would love to get our mitts on an MC303, but, as I was just informed, Mac still makes that amp -- so the prices, even used, are very dear. It would make a fantastic match for our MC-300, though, so it remains on my personal Power Amp Wish List.

Given that you're running your center and your surrounds with three MC205 channels, what are you running your fronts with in this setup?

[Kal Rubinson]

Originally Posted by 70sMac

Hi, Kal. How many years did you own your MC303?

I am guessing about 6 years, from 2009 to about 2015.

What did you replace it with?

Monoblocs from Benchmark and Classé.

[Vintage Pete]

Bill...I'm not trying to influence your decision at all, but I cast my vote for the MC303...

[70sMac]

Originally Posted by Vintage Pete

Bill...I'm not trying to influence your decision at all, but I cast my vote for the MC303...

Got it, Pete. One order of Mc303 - no cheese!

[Grasshopper]

Originally Posted by 70sMac

Yeah, we would love to get our mits on an MC303, but, as I was just informed, Mac still makes that amp -- so the prices, even used, are very dear. It would make a fantastic match for our MC-300, though, so it remains on my personal Power Amp Wish List.

Given that you're running your center and your surrounds with three MC205 channels, what are you running your fronts with in this setup?

I have the MC402 which powers my fronts.

Some day I’d like to upgrade to monoblocks, but the 402s get the job done for now.

[70sMac]

Originally Posted by Grasshopper

I have the MC402 which powers my fronts.

Some day I’d like to upgrade to monoblocks, but the 402s get the job done for now.

Grasshopper..... I'm looking at your signature...are you using your B&W 800s as your fronts? If so, I can understand why you would want to move up to...say...a pair of MC601s...am I getting warmer?

Sometimes a stranger known to us for moments can spark our souls to kinship for eternity - Master Kan

[SuperD]

Originally Posted by 70sMac

Hi, Kal. How many years did you own your MC303? What did you replace it with?

Based on what I've dug up, it looks like a very nice multichannel power amp, indeed...and those autoformers are a nice match to our MC303...

Hi Bill,
In my experience, Mac amps are built to last. I have had both the MC303 for and MC601s for almost a decade. I haven't had an issue with any of them and they have been used daily since installation. They last forever and hold there value well in the used market, not something I can say about a lot of products out there.

Dave

[70sMac]

Originally Posted by SuperDave

Hi Bill,
In my experience, Mac amps are built to last. I have had both the MC303 for and MC601s for almost a decade. I haven't had an issue with any of them and they have been used daily since installation. They last forever and hold there value well in the used market, not something I can say about a lot of products out there.

Dave

First things first, SuperDave, I want to apologize for anything misleading in an earlier post. It must've been the dreamer in me, but I meant to write "...our MC300" -- not "...our MC303." Although I've had dreams about finding one we can afford, we do not presently own a Mac MC303. We did, however, just put down a deposit on a lovely MC205. No it's not a match for our beloved MC300, but it should fill the hole in our 5.1 lineup rather nicely. It's more than enough for our B&W N805s (rears) and not too far below what our new B&W 800 HTM3S can tolerate.

[Vintage Pete]

Originally Posted by 70sMac

First things first, SuperDave, I want to apologize for anything misleading in an earlier post. It must've been the dreamer in me, but I meant to write "...our MC300" -- not "...our MC303." Although I've had dreams about finding one we can afford, we do not presently own a Mac MC303. We dd, however, just put down a deposit on a lovely MC205. No it's not a match for our beloved MC300, but it should fill the hole in our 5.1 lineup rather nicely. It's more than enough for our B&W N805s (rears) and not too far below what our new B&W 800 HTM3S can tolerate.

Bill....I have a feeling you're going to like the MC205!