(MA6600+TM2) vs MC501

[JSCC]

OK, here goes!

1. MCD500+MC501+Acapellas (2 hours)
2. MCD500+MA6600(TM2)+ Acapellas (2.5 hours)
3. 2 CDs used only - "The Soul Of Analog Is Back" By Mark Levinson (the man) recorded under the label "abc" in collaboration with Burwen Bobcat & Red Rose Music and the second piece being SACD version of Carpenters "Singles 1969-1981".
4. All cables Argento Audio Serenity Master Reference

For both audition, volume level set at "50" on both the MCD500 (when directly pushing the MC501) and MA6600.

Vocals seem to take on a more solid and "in the front" imaging with the MA6600 than the MC501's. To prove my ears are not playing tricks, I had the piece "Little Girls Blue" played like 10 times on each speaker and its very clear the MA6600 seem better at displaying a more solid and palpable image of the singer "Big Boy Henry". My friend who had came over to help (since 10 pm and just left like 2 am) had the same conclusion that the PREAMP must have played a big part in helping the MA6600 scored over the MCD500 driven directly the MC501's!

When volume level was at a low of "40" both amps display the SAME family virtues typical of McIntosh, smooth, sweet and clear delivery. Both brought out the clean clear highs which the Acapellas ion plasma tweeter is capable of (clearly, I have yet to hear another pair of speakers able to produce soaring highs with this kind of crystal clarity). However, when the volume goes to "50" level, control, slam, depth and clarity of bass seem to favor the MC501 over the MA6600 but not by a far margin. In fact, just listening to the MA6600 over a longer period of time, one tends to forget and forgive and able to accept the level of control and performance of the integrated amplifier.

Maybe its because of the speakers high efficiency, both amps never were stretched to their limits. The MC501's seldom cross beyond the 50w line while the cross slightly over the 20w line and nearer to half mark between the 20w/200w meter space. However, the MA6600 meters dances more rapidly than the MC501's.

It is really difficult to point out who is the clear winner in this case apart from the lower frequencies experience which I have stated. Clearly there are differences but in this case the "preamp" that the MA6600 possesses while the MC501 does not as its driven directly by the MC500 seem to be the suspect. And these differences seem to favor the MA6600 which had my heart a flutter thinking if I should give up the MC501's.

I have decided NOT to be conclusive about this shoot out as there is a need to compare "apples to apples". Seemingly a 200 watter per channel integrated amp vs a 500 watter mono blocks dont spell much difference to a speaker with 91db efficiency. Rather, the preamp seem to be the suspect in helping the MA6600 perform slightly better in vocal imaging and overall presentation.

I am very happy with what the MA6600 showed in its performance and its ability to hold the MC501's in bay. Its definitely going to stay with me for a long long time. I would like to have another shootout - this time with a preamp to partner the MC501's. I believe next weeks' audition will bring out more surprises as all along I thought an all digital system sans a preamp was the best for me. Now, something tells me I may have more surprises in store for me next week.

My apologies for not able to be conclusive which is the better amp. In normal circumstances, the MC501 should have been the outright winner. However, with a high efficiency speaker, power no longer seem to carry an outright advantage. The only thing is McIntosh still have the SAME performance characteristics at a reasonable price that I am willing and can afford to pay unlike the Wavac magic where its a lofty dream.

Round one, I would conclude as EVEN!

Cheers!

[PHC1]

Jerry, all I can say is that the Ayre KX-R preamp caught me by a big surprise so I don't doubt your findings. A preamp can make or break a system. The C500 was also a step up from the MDA1000 built in pre but it took a bit of break in time to appreciate the difference. If I had to describe the Ayre KX-R in one simple word, it would be..."Illuminating"

[Still-One]

Does anyone know what pre-amp the 6600 uses. Is it based off the C-46 or is in completely unique?

[gregswaim]

Originally Posted by Stillone

Does anyone know what pre-amp the 6600 uses. Is it based off the C-46 or is in completely unique?

When I auditioned the c46 in 2006, it out performed the c220 &c2200 sonically.
Sadly, the c46 was still guilty of taking away from the sound just as the c220 & c2200 did in my opinion. My main system remains without a preamp to this day.
I'm very content with the sound produced by my MC2102 & MCD500- very lifelike and 3-D in sound.