MPC1500 - Load Capacity

[jfray]

All,

I am completely redoing my audio room but using mostly the same components. The question how will the MPC 1500 handle two 601’s, C53, MCD1100, MEN220, MT5, Silenzo and JL Fathom (in wall dual subs) amplifier. I ordered the MPC 1500 but was reading thru the manual online and it says do not use with high powered amplifiers. What are your thoughts.

Will post pictures soon…..

[Charles]

Probably 4-5 years ago I completely updated my cabling and power conditioners. While the MPC 1500 might work with power amps, it is not designed to.

As all know I am a Mac aficionado, but it did not take me long to rule out the MPC 1500. This issue goes way back in Mac lore. Every Om that has ever been written for power amps state to use the wall outlet, i.e., no power conditioner and as a corollary, the supplied power cord. In addition, if you read the Om's Mac does not believe in expensive I.C's or speaker cables.

Mac would not be Mac if they changed their position on these beliefs, which I strongly disagree with. Mac is, for these reasons, not a company from which I would recommend purchasing cables, I.C.'s, or power conditioners from.

It is ironic that the reasonable price of most Mac gear when compared to the really high end ultra expensive gear, allows the addition of very expensive cords, cables, power conditioners, racks, and isolation devices that significantly improve the sound of their gear. For example I use all Wel Signature and Niagra 5000's (3, one per amp) and a 7000 for all sources, and Dragon power cords, also Wilson Pedestals.

Now I'm not panning the 1500, but I would, if it were me, look elsewhere.

Best

Charles

__________________________________________________ _
Charles Updated System: Wilson McIntosh Audioquest
New gear on order:
Most recent updates: Latest is the last one posted: AQ Diamond USB replaces AQ Coffee; Wilson Audio Specialties Alexx replaced by Wilson Audio Specialties XVX Chronosonic; new subwoofer crossover; new Galaxy Grey Thors Hammer; Wilson Pedestals; heating and cooling completely reworked and reinsulated resulting in a much quieter, cooler, and more efficient room (cost about 10,000.00). McIntosh MCT 500 SACD/CD transport; Wilson Audio Acoustic Diode for XVX Chronosonic; WEL Signature digital Coaxial cable for MVP 881/D1100 digital connection replacing the optical connection; New plinth for Thor subwoofer made of X material with the Wilson Acoustic Diodes; Thor is now off my floor; MC3500MKII mono block amps (2) and two custom granite slabs; Wilson ActivXO Stereo Electronic Crossover; new 75-ohm multi-directional FM antenna for tuner
Amps: McIntosh MC3500MKII mono blocks (2), McIntosh MC1.25KW’s (3). All amps set on floor on custom made granite slabs
Preamp and DAC: McIntosh D1100
Sources: McIntosh MCT500 SACD/CD Transport, MVP881 BR player, MVP851 DVD player, MR87 tuner, Marantz 510LV Laser Disc player, ASUS laptop USB (JRiver Media Center 23)
Speakers: Wilson Audio Specialties XVX Chronosonic; custom made Wilson Acoustic Diodes
Sub-woofer: Wilson Audio Specialties Thor’s Hammer (1) horizontal lie; custom plinth of X material with Wilson Acoustic Diode feet; Wilson ActivXO Stereo Electronic Crossover
Cables main system: Audioquest WEL Signature speaker cables and balanced IC (preamp to amps); WEL Signature AES/EBU balanced digital IC for CD playback; WEL Signature digital coaxial cable for MVP 881/D1100 digital connection; Audioquest Diamond optical (1) for tuner, (1) for MVP 851 DVD player, and (1) for LD player for total of (3); Audioquest Diamond USB cable; McIntosh MCT cable for SACD playback; Dragon power cords (5 HC cords and 3 source cords for total of 8); Thunder HC power cord for MR87 tuner
Cables subwoofer system: Audioquest Redwood speaker cable (1); Wolf balanced subwoofer IC from ActivXO crossover to amp; Wind balanced IC from preamp to ActivXO; Hurricane HC (2) and Dragon HC (1) power cords
Power conditioners: Audioquest Niagara 7000 (1) and Niagara 5000 (3); (4) dedicated 20-amp lines with no. 10 wire straight out of fuse box
Isolation: Wilson Pedestals for D1100; MVP881 BR player; MCT500 transport; MR87 tuner; plinth for Thor subwoofer made of X material with the Wilson Acoustic Diodes
Cabinet: Double Custom Woodwork & Design (CWD) solid walnut cabinet on large casters; holds all sources and preamp; also, Niagara 7000; 11 feet minimum distance from speakers
Acoustic Treatments: Room and Echo Tunes
AC: Dedicated to this room only, an ultra-high efficiency and quiet recently installed Ruud split system 3-ton heat pump.

[jfray]

Thanks Charles! I currently have a Richard Gray conditioner I bought used from Ivan yrs ago but do you have any recommendations? Maybe what I currently have is better than what I thought was an “upgrade”

[Charles]

Originally Posted by jfray

Thanks Charles! I currently have a Richard Gray conditioner I bought used from Ivan yrs ago but do you have any recommendations? Maybe what I currently have is better than what I thought was an “upgrade”

I know of no one better to consult than Ivan on these matters.

Best

Charles

[jfray]

HAHA good point! Thanks for your input you confirmed my guy feeling concern

[tdelahanty]

A recommendation must take into account how loud you listen. If you listen at moderate volume your amps are not close to max current used, very loud levels are another story. I would forget the MPC 1500 and choose the Torus RM20 (additional 5a of current) for the amps and a RM15 for the front-end equip. If memory serves me correctly Mac uses Torus transformers and you'll save the expense of the Mac name.

[jfray]

Actually this is a really good point and I listen at moderate levels. Honestly price isn’t my top concern and I actually would prefer to have the McIntosh MCP1500. It would match the rest of my gear but don’t want to sacrifice sound quality. The system is on a dedicated 20 amp circuit and like the idea of the the built in triggering capability. I need to think thru this more….. Thanks!!

[Masterlu]

Ok, first; the MPC1500 won’t handle all the gear you have listed. I own (3) MPC1500’s, I don’t use a single one for Amplifiers. Personally, I wouldn’t even run my subs through it.

[Masterlu]

You would want a non-current limiting power conditioner for everything (ie: Shunyata Denali/Everest)

[Masterlu]

If I may also be so bold, to speak my mind. Although, I do use my MPC1500’s for preamps, sources, and other low current draw components; I never heard an audible improvement when comparing it to other brands.

On the other hand, the MPC1500 does look very cool, and matches all my other Mac gear perfectly.