Favorite big power Mac?

[damacman]

MC2600 is my all-time fave followed by the MC2300 - I have two of each. I had an MC500 for about two years (loved it) and an MC2500 briefly in '96 or so ...

MC602 was on my radar for a long time ...

MC2300 > still a legend after all these years. Most output taps of any Mc SS amplifier, heritage, bulletproof, and I've had 25 of 'em or so ...

MC2600 > when it appeared on the cover of Audio magazine, I just had to have one one day. That day came 20+ years later and the wait was well worth it. The 2nd came along shortly after - they're near impossible to find.

[SMC23]

For me it’s the MC601

First dipped into Mcintosh with MC205 (and at the time felt that it was “big power”) then upgraded to proper 2ch amp MC452, and finally landed on MC601 where I am very satisfied.

I have augmented the system with Mc152 as rear channels but have used it briefly as a main amp and felt it had a close sound signature to the MC601 (just not at higher volumes) so very pleased with that little brute of an amp as well.

I dont feel a need to change any of my amplification for now.

[RaceCarDriver]

Now what if it was down to a single chassis stereo amp. Would anyone take a new 462 over a used 2600 or 602 for example?

[urei]

Originally Posted by RaceCarDriver

Now what if it was down to a single chassis stereo amp. Would anyone take a new 462 over a used 2600 or 602 for example?

I am not sure about the MC462 but I had the MC602 and it was an excellent amp. Lots of finesse with massive power reserves.

[damacman]

The problem is finding folks who have experience with each. They're all great power amps. The MC2600 isn't quad balanced while the MC602 and MC452/462 are. The MC2600 is the only one suited for continuous output at any level from 1/3 power up to clipping. The MC602 has the highest current capability per ch of any stereo Mc amp to date - ideal for powering electrostatics, kappa 9s, etc. The MC500 is 2nd, the MC2600 third. Really, any of these is very capable in this regard.

[RaceCarDriver]

I wish McIntosh would make this easy and make a new MC612..

[W9TR]

Originally Posted by urei

I am not sure about the MC462 but I had the MC602 and it was an excellent amp. Lots of finesse with massive power reserves.

Loving my MC 602. Class A to 30 watts or so, then massive power on tap.

[Cohibaman]

Originally Posted by W9TR

Loving my MC 602. Class A to 30 watts or so, then massive power on tap.

I did not know this.

[urei]

Originally Posted by RaceCarDriver

I wish McIntosh would make this easy and make a new MC612..

I thought they would have had a replacement to the 602 by now. Heck, it used basically many of the parts from the 1201.

[W9TR]

Originally Posted by urei

I thought they would have had a replacement to the 602 by now. Heck, it used basically many of the parts from the 1201.

Me too. I was told by somebody at McIntosh, I think Ron Cornelius but I’m not 100% positive, that they discontinued the MC 602 because at 155 Lbs it exceeded the 2-person lift weight limit in Europe.
The new MC 901 at 180 Lbs is a cool 25 Lbs heavier so that probably wasn’t it.