McIntosh MC2301 Power Amp Review

[jdandy]

Here's a bit of an update on the MC2301 amplifiers. I now have 263 hours on the amps. I believe they are fully broken in and have arrived at their permenant voice. The entire studio sound system is a moving experience to behold. I look forward to listening to the studio system. There has yet to be a single moment as the music begins that I am not taken aback when the sound flows into the room. I still stand in awe of the sound this system delivers. It's almost like being totally surprised each and every time. No matter what I choose to listen to, when the music begins my first thought is always, "Wow!" The MC2301 amplifiers are the heart of a well toned musical soul. They are true audio jewels. I still have to pinch myself to make sure I am not dreaming.

[Still-One]

Dan
Thanks for the update. I can imagine how happy you are with both your Studio and LR systems. Very different set-ups that I am sure both deliver incredible sounds.

Jim

[keysersoze311]

Originally Posted by jdandy

Jake.......I usually do most of my listening with the lights dimmed or completely off. When the lights are very low or off the MC2301 meter light is dominant, and in a darkened room is seems quite bright. The tubes can still be faintly seen, but my iris' are adjusted to the meter light. When I want to enjoy the tube glow I turn the meter lighting off, which I often do. This is a photo with the studio lighting dimmed but not completely dark.







This is a photo with the room lighting turned up slightly, but not full bright, and with the MC2301 meter light turned on. The camera's automatic aperture closes to some degree, similar to how your iris works when brighter light is present, and the tube glow becomes less apparent but can still be seen.

Wow Dan, thanks for the photos, stunning! In daylight, when the blue meter is lit up, are the tubes fairly visible (even if you can't see the glow) through the glass?

Best,

[Masterlu]

Here is a pick of my 2301's being installed, the tubes are easily visible in normal lighting.

[jdandy]

Originally Posted by keysersoze311

Wow Dan, thanks for the photos, stunning! In daylight, when the blue meter is lit up, are the tubes fairly visible (even if you can't see the glow) through the glass?

Jake.......Yes, the KT-88's are clearly visible, and you can see a faint orange glow even in normal lighting. The MC2301's are beautiful any way you look at them.

[trponhunter]

they may be the most beautiful amplifiers I have ever seen.

[KeithR]

Think we get a stereo version soon?

[jdandy]

Originally Posted by KeithR

Think we get a stereo version soon?

Keith.......In my opinion, not likely.

[Jerome W]

Originally Posted by jdandy

Here's a bit of an update on the MC2301 amplifiers. I now have 263 hours on the amps. I believe they are fully broken in and have arrived at their permenant voice. The entire studio sound system is a moving experience to behold. I look forward to listening to the studio system. There has yet to be a single moment as the music begins that I am not taken aback when the sound flows into the room. I still stand in awe of the sound this system delivers. It's almost like being totally surprised each and every time. No matter what I choose to listen to, when the music begins my first thought is always, "Wow!" The MC2301 amplifiers are the heart of a well toned musical soul. They are true audio jewels. I still have to pinch myself to make sure I am not dreaming.

Dan....
I know this feeling very well ! It is for that reason ( "Do I really own the best amps for my ears ???") that I tried many various amps during the last years. The 2301's performance is out of this world.
I'm glad that you enjoy them so much.

Sent from my iPad using A.Aficionado

[jdandy]

Originally Posted by C220MC275

Dan....
I know this feeling very well ! It is for that reason ( "Do I really own the best amps for my ears ???") that I tried many various amps during the last years. The 2301's performance is out of this world.
I'm glad that you enjoy them so much.

Jérôme.......Your experience with the McIntosh MC2301 amplifiers was a major influence on my decision to purchase them. Everything you described about the amps has proven to be true. The MC2301's do not disappoint in any way. I don't see myself parting with these amplifiers. They are so musical, so organic, and so truthful.