#1
|
||||
|
||||
Favorite big power Mac?
What is your favorite "big power" McIntosh amp/amps and why?
Suppose start with the 450 watt stereo MC452 & 462 on up. MC 2500, MC2600, MC500, MC602. Then you have the monos. MC501, MC601, MC611 MC1000, MC1201, MC1.2KW, MC1.25KW, MC2KW. The MC901 could be tossed in the mix, but I have yet to see a hands on review. I know it's easy to be drawn to the most expensive or the newest. But realistically if you could swing any of those listed above what would you choose and why? Any I am forgetting?
__________________
McIntosh Last edited by RaceCarDriver; 12-30-2019 at 12:02 AM. |
#2
|
|||
|
|||
I would keep my 501’s unless I get power crazy for the 1.25KW. although in audiophile terms sometimes incremental power means incremental enjoyment.
__________________
Main System Basis 2200 Signature/Vector 4/Transfiguration Proteus Ortofon Cadenza Black Allnic H3000/CJ ET5/Mcintosh 501's Thiel CS3.6 Thiel CS6 MIT EVO 2 IC Straightwire Maestro II SC Shunyata Denali SV2 Shunyata Sigma XC Wywires Juice PC’s Kubala Sosna PC’s Dedicated 20 amp lines Porter Ports Arcici Ref Suspense Stand Rives acoustically designed room Shore House Basis 1400 Signature/Hadcock 228/Ortofon Jubilee ARC PH 5/Meridian 200/Meridian 263 DAC CJ Premier 14/Classe CA200/Thiel 3.6 Wywires Silver IC/Stereolab Diablo SC/MIT Z cord II |
#3
|
|||
|
|||
Mc501’s x 10 years and no desire to trade them
|
#4
|
||||
|
||||
MC 602 - the highest power stereo McIntosh amplifier ever built.
__________________
Main System: Amati Futura Mains Amati Homage VOX Center, Proac Response 1sc Rears, Three MC2301's for L,C,R MC 602 for the rears C 1100, MX 151, MCD 1100, MR 80 Nottingham Dais with Wave Mechanic Sumiko Palo Santos Presentation SurfacePro 3, RPi 4, ROON, WW Starlight Platinum USB, Schiit Yggdrasil, Benchmark DAC3 HGC MX 151, OppO BDP-95, JVC RS-500 DILA projector, 106" diagonal Stewart Luxus Screenwall Deluxe with Studiotek 130 G3 material. Lake House: Ohm F, MC 275V, C2300, MR 77, Rega P3 OnDeck: McIntosh MAC 4300v |
#5
|
|||
|
|||
I’ve only had 3 models to really compare against in my own systems, listed in order of acquisition: the 205, 452 and mighty 1.2KW’s.
As I moved ‘up’ the chain I found that each added something more and as much as I loved the 452 for it’s convenient size, power and dynamics, the 1.2’s are my favourite McIntosh amps to-date. |
#6
|
|||
|
|||
On my own experience and after having successively the 207, 1201, 452, 601 and now the 1.25kw, these last are the winners and it is not just a question of power.
For me, the 1.2kw series (1201, 1.2kw and 1.25kw = mk3) is not just a 601 x 2; this is another design that offers more to any level and I listen between 1 and 12w to be at a level that I find realistic. Frank |
#7
|
|||
|
|||
I upgraded from a pair of mc2500's to a pair of mc1201's a couple years ago and I can't see myself ever moving on from them.
|
#8
|
|||
|
|||
I am very happy with my new-ish MC462 which is a great fit for my system and circumstances. Having listened to most of the current lineup, however, if I were to acquire what I feel is the ultimate Mac it would be the MC2301.
YMMV. Bob __________ Sources: Koetsu Onyx/Sumiko MCD800 "The Arm"/SOTA Star Sapphire with vacuum platter, electronic flywheel,and some update mods; MCT500 CD/SACD transport; OPPO 205; NAD C446 Internet Tuner; Nakamichi 670ZX cassette deck. Electronics: MacIntosh C2700 preamp w/DA2 and MC462 power amp. Speakers: Wilson Yvettes Headphones: MacIntosh MHP 1000 Interconnects: Transparent G5 balanced and speaker cables; MCT - MCT500 -> C2700.Power cords: Transparent (on preamp, power amp and transport). Surge protected. Record cleaner: Kirmuss KA-RC-1 ultrasonic |
#9
|
||||
|
||||
Having not heard the 2301, it is probably my favorite Mac. They are on my bucket list for sure. I love the looks and the praise if anyone lucky enough to enjoy them assure me they are wonderful!
__________________
McIntosh |
#10
|
||||
|
||||
I love my MC601, I don’t have one but I love the MC 2KW
__________________
McIntosh C2300 preamp, MC601 monoblocks (x2), Vandersteen 2CE Signature II Speakers, Marantz AV8802a preamp processor, Marantz MA500 monoblocks amps, Small Audio Manufacture (SAM) Turntable, Polk Audio Center, Rear Left and Rear Right speakers, SVS Front High Left and Front High Right speakers, Chrysalis Bass Matrix-12 Sub woofer. |
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|
Audio Aficionado Sponsors | |