MC501's double down

[Ron-C]

Depends on how many channels are running on the 207/205. A single channel will be over 300 watts.
The important feature of the autoformer amps like MC501 is they do not half-up like those other amps.

Thanks,
Ron-C

[rpcoins]

Ron,

Please excuse my ignorance, but what does half-up refer to?

I dont know exactly how many watts my 501s put in the my Maggies, but they are magic together and that is enough for me, although everyone always wants to know the "real" number.

[Ron-C]

Half-Up is when an amp makes say 200 watts into 2 ohms, 100 watts into 4 ohms and 50 watts into 8 ohms. With an autoformer coupled amp like say the MA6600, you will always have 200 watts regardless of which speaker you use. This is why McIntosh amps work well with every speaker impedance, type and brand.

Thanks,
Ron-C

[Beans]

Originally Posted by Ron-C

Half-Up is when an amp makes say 200 watts into 2 ohms, 100 watts into 4 ohms and 50 watts into 8 ohms. With an autoformer coupled amp like say the MA6600, you will always have 200 watts regardless of which speaker you use. This is why McIntosh amps work well with every speaker impedance, type and brand.

Thanks,
Ron-C

Isn't the Autoformer also there to protect the output transistors and for cool operation always?

[Beans]

Originally Posted by 1KW

... for short peaks anyway so as not to trigger the power guard which I assume is set go off if 1 kw is sustained ?

The way Power Guard works is by comparing the input waveform to the output and limiting the gain if there is significant distortion (I think 2%) to keep the output stage from ever going into clipping. I like it because it let's you safely milk the amp for all it's worth. I sometimes run my MC752 cranked to the point where the limit lights flash every so often and the change is not noticeable.

[magnmac]

Originally Posted by rpcoins

Ron,

Please excuse my ignorance, but what does half-up refer to?

I dont know exactly how many watts my 501s put in the my Maggies, but they are magic together and that is enough for me, although everyone always wants to know the "real" number.

Your meters show true output; so whatever they read is the wattage being soaked up by the Maggies.

[jdandy]

rpcoins.......Those Maggies can get thirsty for power. What is the typical wattage you see on the meters at a comfortable listening level? Will the Maggies handle the MC501's full rated output?

Found this information on how the Maggies operate, for those intersted: Magnepan > Speakers > Magneplanar Technology

[Ron-C]

Power Guard is dynamic so it only compares input and output waveform shape. This allows the amp to deliver full dynamics into complex loads or short term high power bursts.
The autoformer will protect the speakers from receiving any DC if the amp shorts any output transistors. The output transistors can be run at maximum efficiency with the autoformer since their output is not tied to some predetermined impedance. They can be arranged for best performance and the autoformer wound to match this to the various speaker impedances.

Thanks,
Ron-C

[rpcoins]

My Maggies love the 501s and can take all the clean power they give. I do get frisky upon occasion and crank it up to where the meters are in the 500 range, but comfortable listening (depending upon the source) typically runs in the 5 to 50 watt range, trending more towards the 5.

When people say Maggies don't have decent bass, I put on Dark Side of the Moon, turn it up and watch their faces. It took a while to find the right amp and all I can say is that I am done switching gear and now I am more into the music.