MC501 Initial Impressions...Finally

[eljr]

Originally Posted by prepress

Because my CD player is out for repair, I've had the urge to play some vinyl. Things sounded pretty darn good. Details I didn't recall hearing before. And these are not audiophile-approved recordings. This has more to do with the preamp or cartridge perhaps, but the 501s are nevertheless part of that sound.

It may be odd, but it occurred to me recently that even if I had the space and money to play with, the only part of my setup that probably wouldn't get replaced is the amps. I like them that much.

What CD player failed? The MCD301?

[prepress]

Originally Posted by eljr

What CD player failed? The MCD301?

Yes. The transport was having trouble closing. Eventually it had trouble opening also. The tray was off-center in the slot, though there may be other factors involved. The store probably sent it off to McIntosh by now. I'm waiting to hear from them.

I realize how much of a disincentive the CD player is to playing records because of its greater ease of operation. I hope I never have to deal with a 501 repair, that would be a nightmare. I'd have to pay the store to come get them! But they sound great.

[1KW]

Hard to believe its almost 6 years with the MC501's and still no desire at this point to trade them in for something else.

[427]

Originally Posted by 1KW

Hard to believe its almost 6 years with the MC501's and still no desire at this point to trade them in for something else.

This past summer I got a pair from another member that's local to me. I must say the sound and synergy within in my system they are keepers. I did a quick pull of my MC402 and in went the 501s. The bass and percussions was amazing to hear as was the piano thunder. The overall detaile is clear and sharp with a little over powering of my L250 head room is just right.

There is only one problem I have now. I have two speaker/power systems on my C100 Preamp. The 501s driving the JBL L250s, and two MC 275 Mk VI mono bridged that I had sansui SP-5000 on and now IMF Mk V. Well it really made the tube side of the system sound bad or should say not as good. Now I'm chasing speakers to go with the tubes and thats not going very good.

[Vintage Pete]

Originally Posted by 1KW

Hard to believe its almost 6 years with the MC501's and still no desire at this point to trade them in for something else.

David....I've had mine just a bit over 6 years now and I'm in the same camp as you. They are fabulous amps.

[1KW]

Ten years and the “honey moon” continues. Alberto was right after I purchased these amps. I would stop looking and he was right

[JBT]

I thought the McIntosh amplifiers sounded simply superb when I auditioned them in Paul Bolin's system in the spring. Nothing in the MC501's measured performance causes me to doubt what I heard.—John Atkinson



https://www.stereophile.com/content/...measurements-0

[Charles]

One of the finest amps ever made, period.