Old Mac vs: New Mac

[jdandy]

Since I decided to power the new Amati Anniversario's with a new pair of McIntosh MC601 amplifiers instead of moving the 601's in my main system down to the studio, I have been preparing for their arrival. I built amplifier stands and rearranged the setup in my studio between the two channel rack and the home theater rack. The MC352 that drove the left and right front speakers in my home theater system is going to be traded, and the MC452 that I recently purchased will now drive the left and right front speakers in the home theater system. Yesterday I pulled the MC352 out of the home theater rack and installed the MC452 in its place. I moved the MC352 to the floor for now, and connected it to the C2300 and the Amati Anniversario speakers.

I have been enjoying the MC452 for a number of months, both on the SF Guarneri Memento's and on the Amati Anniversario's. I have become quite familiar with the new McIntosh voicing and pace, so putting the MC352 in place on the Amati's has provided some insight into the differences I am hearing with the MC352 in place of the MC452 on the Amati's.

I expected to hear a difference between the MC452 and the MC352, but I wasn't prepared to discover how much slower paced and darker the MC352 sounds when compared to the MC452. I was reminded of Jérôme's comment during his visit here when he said he thought my MC501's sounded dark in comparison to his MC2301's. At the time I was not able to appreciate what he was telling me, although I came to understand his comment once I had the MC452 in place. I guess I had forgotten about the difference as the months past, but returning to the MC352 on the Amati Anniversario's after driving them with the MC452 has reacquainted me with the importance of what Jérôme said.

There is no doubt about the MC352's darker presentation and slower pace when delivering dynamics. I noticed the differences immediately upon listening to the very first album and CD after making the connections. It's not like the MC352 isn't enjoyable to listen to, it certainly is, and presents what many refer to as the traditional McIntosh sound. What is apparent is I have grown to prefer the more present sound and quicker pace that are delivered by the MC452 and MC601's. By comparison, I find the MC352 slightly less engaging, and not as exciting to listen to as the newer design McIntosh amplifiers. I guess I have been converted to the new McIntosh voicing, because the more traditional McIntosh house sound now seems slightly less interesting. Several times today I thought about spinning some vinyl in the studio, and decided against it because I am missing the MC452 driving the Amati's. I know, poor me. I just wanted everything in place and ready to go when the amps arrive. This way, all I have to do is pack the MC352, and unpack the two new MC601's. That will be a good thing, but in the mean time I have the MC352 holding me over in the studio system. I'll be fine......I think.

[Dj_AmTraX]

That is interesting. A more modern sound maybe?

[Face]

Want to hear the definition of dark, check out the 2105, 250, etc...

[jdandy]

Originally Posted by Face

Want to hear the definition of dark, check out the 2105, 250, etc...

Mike.......I hear you. I am sure that the McIntosh sound has been a continuing evolution, although there is a stark contrast with the newest amps.

[Still-One]

Dan
I think you are correct in your observations. I noticed the differences when listening to both the 452 and 601's as compared to the 402, 501's and the 1.2ks.

Jim

[djwhog]

Good read Dan!

Yet I really am going to get my old 7270 on the block too and get another 452, I love the sound qualities of the 452. I have done many A-B and B-to A testing on all 6 pairs of speakers I own + 2 subs. Thew amp is a faster more as you put it Engaging sound. .

[djwhog]

Well are not the 1.2ks similar to the 452 & 601? Or am I reading this incorrectly?

[MC352]

As the sound evolves, I wonder if diehard McIntosh fans will stay or leave the brand over time? Will it improve older used equipment sales, or limit it? Bring more first time buyers, or less? Being a fly on the wall at a McIntosh marketing meeting might be interesting.

I'll have to get back to the local McIntosh dealer and see if he has a MC452 I can listen to for a while with some familiar music to see if I can hear the differences compared to the MC352.

[Face]

Originally Posted by djwhog

Good read Dan!

Yet I really am going to get my old 7270 on the block too and get another 452, I love the sound qualities of the 452. I have done many A-B and B-to A testing on all 6 pairs of speakers I own + 2 subs. Thew amp is a faster more as you put it Engaging sound. .

There won't be much of a comparison.

If you haven't already, recap your 7270 with modern electros in the signal path and PS, you'll thank me later.

[jdandy]

Originally Posted by MC352

As the sound evolves, I wonder if diehard McIntosh fans will stay or leave the brand over time? Will it improve older used equipment sales, or limit it? Bring more first time buyers, or less? Being a fly on the wall at a McIntosh marketing meeting might be interesting.

I'll have to get back to the local McIntosh dealer and see if he has a MC452 I can listen to for a while with some familiar music to see if I can hear the differences compared to the MC352.

Chuck.......No idea how the market will support the course McIntosh is presently headed. Only time will tell.

I am confident you will notice the performace differences I described when you audition the MC452. It would be great if you could get an MC452 to audition in your own system where you could make a head to head comparison. I think you will be surprised and impressed with the MC452's performance, not to mention its gorgeous looks.