Your favorite Mac amplifiers?

[70sMac]

First, thanks for all of the input regarding the Mac MC452 vs the MC462.

When I contacted Audio Classics about this comparison, I was told that the MC462 has an improved "beefier" power supply that's responsible for a dynamic headroom improvement from 1.8 dB to 3.0 dB. Needless to say, a 3.0 db change represents half of peak power, so this is a substantial improvement (of about 60 percent). Other than that, the changes from one amp to the other are chiefly cosmetic in nature...and, obviously, the word "cosmetic" is highly subjective.

Thanks again for your time.

[Logan Nolag]

Originally Posted by 70sMac

First, thanks for all of the input regarding the Mac MC452 vs the MC462.

When I contacted Audio Classics about this comparison, I was told that the MC462 has an improved "beefier" power supply that's responsible for a dynamic headroom improvement from 1.8 dB to 3.0 dB. Needless to say, a 3.0 db change represents half of peak power, so this is a substantial improvement (of about 60 percent). Other than that, the changes from one amp to the other are chiefly cosmetic in nature...and, obviously, the word "cosmetic" is highly subjective.

Thanks again for your time.

The thing is that 1.8dB of headroom on a 450w amp is already pretty awesome 3.0dB is crazy. For example on my MC302 which is "only" 300w with 1.8db headroom I never really go above .3w on the meters and by the time I get to 3w it's starting to get a bit too loud at 30w its crazy painfully loud and at 300w I can't even be in the same room. 450w is more power than you will ever need other than if you have a huge room with gigantic speakers.

[Yamaki]

I agree with what ^^^He^^^ said but headroom is also nice.

I sort of equate it with the old hot rod saying, "There's no replacement for displacement."

[70sMac]

I believe that Dan (AAF member jdandy) put it best...

[SAM992]

I want to know what the hell kind of speakers Dan had...??

(on a more serious note, how much over rated can most speakers go anyway?)

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by SAM992

I want to know what the hell kind of speakers Dan had...??

(on a more serious note, how much over rated can most speakers go anyway?)

Quite a bit. Musical signals are not test tone signals. There are transients as the music peaks and crescendos but the voice coils heat up and cool down. Obviously there are no guarantees something will not let go if the ratings are often grossly exceeded. With McIntosh, clipping is usually not a problem but amps that clip can destroy speakers in a blink.



Check this out! How much power do I need??? https://youtu.be/Y3WpRY-EtX8

[Logan Nolag]

Originally Posted by SAM992

I want to know what the hell kind of speakers Dan had...??

(on a more serious note, how much over rated can most speakers go anyway?)

From what I understand it's usually distortion that kills a speaker more than power. For what it's worth I have tested my MC302 to full power guard which is more than 300w into my Dynaudio Focus 160s which are rated rather ambiguously for >200w without a problem.

[SAM992]

Originally Posted by Logan Nolag

From what I understand it's usually distortion that kills a speaker more than power. For what it's worth I have tested my MC302 to full power guard which is more than 300w into my Dynaudio Focus 160s which are rated rather ambiguously for >200w without a problem.

I've definitely seen the needle approach the 450 tick with my 300W rated speakers.... pretty sure transients (even if intentional) aren't going to blow a speaker... the question is "what will?

My guess is a sustained load of 150% or more of the rated might likely lead to a blown speaker...

[Logan Nolag]

Originally Posted by SAM992

I've definitely seen the needle approach the 450 tick with my 300W rated speakers.... pretty sure transients (even if intentional) aren't going to blow a speaker... the question is "what will?

My guess is a sustained load of 150% or more of the rated might likely lead to a blown speaker...

Yeah. I have no idea. I wonder if someone would be willing to sacrifice their speakers in the name of science.

[SAM992]

Originally Posted by Logan Nolag

Yeah. I have no idea. I wonder if someone would be willing to sacrifice their speakers in the name of science.

haha... thing is I'll bet all the manufacturers have this data somewhere but don't want to share it ... just incase it gets out that a pair of 150W speakers can handle 300w... people will start running them at 298w and seek warranty repairs when they blow.