Dam-it you guys were right again

[jdandy]

Originally Posted by 1KW

The C220/501/mcd500 sound great, I just don't hear an improvement changing the switch on the MC501 going from unbalanced to balanced.

David.......What do you mean, changing the switch from unbalanced to balanced? Are you doing this without changing the cables? The switch on the MC501 amps should only be used in the balanced position with balanced cables, not unbalanced. The same thing is true if you are using unbalanced cables. The switch should be in the unbalanced position only.

[1KW]

Originally Posted by jdandy

David.......What do you mean, changing the switch from unbalanced to balanced? Are you doing this without changing the cables? The switch on the MC501 amps should only be used in the balanced position with balanced cables, not unbalanced. The same thing is true if you are using unbalanced cables. The switch should be in the unbalanced position only.

I agree ... but I forgot to move the switch on the back of my 501's initially when I changed over from RCA to XLR cables. This little mistake has allowed me to inadvertently compare unbalanced vs balanced with the same cable I hear no difference. The balanced cables will work with the 501's in either position but the RCA cables will only work in the unbalanced position.

[crytklmass]

Originally Posted by 1KW

I agree ... but I forgot to move the switch on the back of my 501's initially when I changed over from RCA to XLR cables. This little mistake has allowed me to inadvertently compare unbalanced vs balanced with the same cable I hear no difference. The balanced cables will work with the 501's in either position but the RCA cables will only work in the unbalanced position.

This brings forth an interesting question. I myself changed from RCA to XLR with my MC501's. I also moved the switch over. So I guess there balanced. BUT. when I plugged my XLR to my MC205 for my center and rear 4 channels. There is no switch to choose unbalanced or balanced. So how does the MC205 know its balanced with XLR cables. If someone replies it's in the circuits, why not have the same circuits in the better MC501. Im starting to wonder if there is a difference between RCA and XLR. Show me the techy stuff.
in comparison to the Denon 10ch amp. each balanced XLR has a switch for all 10 channels. hmmmmm Maybe Mc forgot the switch with the 205&207& what else.
curious

[jetblack]

Originally Posted by 1KW

I do not know if the difference is from the speaker cables alone or going to balanced from unbalanced IC but the sound is clearly better. The sound stage is wider with more space between instruments, everything seems to have more definition. On Patricia Barber's track, "She's a Lady" the finger snaps are much crisper, vocals have a more believable phantom like center channel presentation.

A listen is worth a thousand words. Enjoy your 'fresh' tunes.

[Still-One]

Originally Posted by crytklmass

This brings forth an interesting question. I myself changed from RCA to XLR with my MC501's. I also moved the switch over. So I guess there balanced. BUT. when I plugged my XLR to my MC205 for my center and rear 4 channels. There is no switch to choose unbalanced or balanced. So how does the MC205 know its balanced with XLR cables. If someone replies it's in the circuits, why not have the same circuits in the better MC501. Im starting to wonder if there is a difference between RCA and XLR. Show me the techy stuff.
in comparison to the Denon 10ch amp. each balanced XLR has a switch for all 10 channels. hmmmmm Maybe Mc forgot the switch with the 205&207& what else.
curious

MY guess is that the 205 and 207 are not balanced amps. They just offer a second output. That is why no switch is required. The Tech's here can expand on this.
Jim

[crytklmass]

Did some research Stillone. The MC205 is NOT balanced but the benefit to XLR IC is roughly +3db

[1KW]

I have had my MC501's for 2 months now and it is safe to say they have been the best component upgrade to my system so far. True since adding the MC501's my electronics are now off to the side so my speakers have nothing in between them to interfere with sound stage/imaging now, I also now have wireworld speaker cables and balanced IC, I now have dedicated 20 amp power going to both amps. but I attribute the major difference to be these monoamps. My Cremona's sounded good before with the MC252 however they sound superb now especially at low to moderate volumes (50 watts or below). The difference is like listening to your ipod with good headphones to listening to the same music through a powerful headphone amp at the same volume as the ipod. The sound is richer, bass is more impressive, midrange and high's feel less strained. I was away for 5 days and only had a ipod to listen to, it is great to be home again. Damn, if you guys were not right again

[Alberto]

Originally Posted by 1KW

I have had my MC501's for 2 months now and it is safe to say they have been the best component upgrade to my system so far. ... Damn, if you guys were not right again

See a trend? :-).

While every component - from source to speakers - plays an important role in the final sound, I'd say the power-amp is like the engine AND the brakes in the car. Much more essential than some people would make you think (i.e. I've heard the "all amps that measure OK on the bench will sound the same" many times.)

I am glad you are enjoying the 501s. I am lovin' mine every day and they played a key role (along with the MDA1000 and Guarneri Homage) in bringing me to the point where I am sooooo happy with the sound of my system that I lost interest in upgrades.

Alberto

[Masterlu]

Originally Posted by Alberto

I am lovin' mine every day and they played a key role (along with the MDA1000 and Guarneri Homage) in bringing me to the point where I am sooooo happy with the sound of my system that I lost interest in upgrades.

Alberto

You could be suffering from a hormone imbalance...

[magnmac]

Originally Posted by Alberto

See a trend? :-).

While every component - from source to speakers - plays an important role in the final sound, I'd say the power-amp is like the engine AND the brakes in the car. Much more essential than some people would make you think (i.e. I've heard the "all amps that measure OK on the bench will sound the same" many times.)

I am glad you are enjoying the 501s. I am lovin' mine every day and they played a key role (along with the MDA1000 and Guarneri Homage) in bringing me to the point where I am sooooo happy with the sound of my system that I lost interest in upgrades.

Alberto

Have you posted a pic of your room lately Alberto? I know you were working on some acoustic treatments... I am wondering where that ended up.