Mcintosh 1.25KW

[keef]

It is difficult to buy one unseen and unheard. I wonder why Mac and their dealer network do not bring one in for display/audition purposes. I know some manufacturers require it. It shouldn't be merely the size of the amp, I just listened to a Boulder amp the size of a generator.

Pictures and testimonials are great and helpful but personal experience is best especially at 20K+ price points. Maybe some BM do but not around me and I am in a major metro area with several Mac dealers. Does Mac not have the high end cache?

[John Jordan]

Keef-

Depending on where on the East Coast you are, Audio Classics in Upstate NY has these on display. Very often you can compare most anything McIntosh to most anything McIntosh there.

[keef]

Thanks John, good to know. I'm in the Baltimore/DC area. Lots of B/M between Virginia, MD, and Philly but I've never seen the 1.25's live.

Jerry

[Charles]

Keef, I have owned a 1.2KW for about 5 years, 3 of them. It was an excellent amp. But when the 1.25 came out I knew it was the amp for me. It is more liquid than the 1.2, less etched. I like it a lot better than my 1.2. It's very smooth and detailed in the mid and treble. Compared to the 1.2 it looks much more compact and "together" than the 1.2 when you actually see one in person. The binding posts and socket for power cord are much superior. It runs significantly hotter than a 1.2 (surprisingly). I noticed this right away. There has been criticism of the "cupholder". While everyone certainly has the right to their opinion, I disagree. I think Ivan's admonition: Is it kind, Is it edifying, Is it necessary, is a policy that we all should consider and try to follow.

Most older Mac amps are built around a Mac 1201 including your 501's. The 1.25 is a new design and uses the new output transistor. If Mac ever upgrades the 2KW I might consider it. I don't know.

[keef]

Thanks Charles, I have read your posts regarding the 1.25KW and greatly value your input, especially since you have lived with both Mac's. It is almost as good as hearing them myself...

I really like the sound of the 501's with my Thiel's. They shine with my components upstream and do a good job of controlling the Thiel's in a large room. I can only imagine the additional control the 1.25's would present. Not only dynamically, but subtle details that us audiophiles crave - that last 5% we pay so much for!

Jerry

[Vintage Pete]

Originally Posted by keef

....subtle details that us audiophiles crave - that last 5% we pay so much for!

Jerry

Jerry....Isn't that a fact!!

[Bob Bubeck]

Originally Posted by keef

Thanks John, good to know. I'm in the Baltimore/DC area. Lots of B/M between Virginia, MD, and Philly but I've never seen the 1.25's live.

Jerry

Have you contacted Overture in Wilmington, DE.? I have read mixed comments about them, so YMMV, but just a thought.

Bob

_________
Sources: Koetsu Onyx/Sumiko MCD800 "The Arm"/SOTA Star Sapphire with vacuum platter, electronic flywheel,and some update mods; MCT500 CD/SACD transport; OPPO 205; NAD C446 Internet Tuner; Nakamichi 670ZX cassette deck. Electronics: MacIntosh C2700 preamp w/DA2 and MC462 power amp. Speakers: Wilson Yvettes Headphones: MacIntosh MHP 1000 Interconnects: Transparent G5 balanced and speaker cables; MCT - MCT500 -> C2700. Power cords: Transparent (on preamp, power amp and transport). Surge protected. Record cleaner: Kirmuss KA-RC-1 ultrasonic

[keef]

Thanks Bob, I have done quite a bit of business in the past with them, Terry and Tim, but not lately. Not sure about the new management.

Jerry