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Original Message
REVIEW: McIntosh MC162 Amplifier (SS)
Posted by navman on December 25, 2002 at 15:05:42:
Model: MC162 Category: Amplifier (SS) Suggested Retail Price: $2200 Description: 160 wattsX2 into 4 Ohms and 100 wattsX2 into 8 Ohms Manufacturer URL: McIntosh Manufacturer URL: McIntosh
Review by navman (A) on December 25, 2002 at 15:05:42
IP Address: 24.117.139.148Add Your Review
for the MC162Firstly, I am not good with audiophile terminology. I will try and get my impressions across in "bumble speak!"After hearing tube equipment, particularly a Dynaco 70 that I restored, the Yamaha Home Theatre receiver, had to be replaced. I always had problems trying to enjoy music I had on account of no detail at lower volumes but a hard metallic compression like sound at higher volumes. The Dynaco 70 allowed me to enjoy music once again after many years.
My quest for a good 2 channel system lead me to the McIntosh MC162. I do believe that 2 ch is dead (or dying) but when its long gone I could look at Mch and have no urge to be a pioneer. In my town high end audio is sparse store wise. Mostly there were surround receivers. I auditioned the McIntosh and took it home.
It powers my B&Ws very nicely. There is no hint of strain at any volume even when pushed. It seems to be sensitive to cables and pre-amps that are swapped in the rest of the system, and this leads me to believe it is revealing. Different albums sound very different, and I feel I am hearing what the producer recording engineer wants me to hear as opposed to the amp forcing its own tone on the proceedings.
But what I like most is that the Mac sounds "smooth" and musical. Most of the time I forget I am listening to my stereo and am involved in the music.
When listening to it I really dont care if its ss or tube. Its just music. I say this because my second system (Sony 775, ARC LS7 McIntosh MC40 monos) has a bit of the tube character, but the distinction between it and the Mc162 is not that great.
After owning the amp I really have no urge to replace it or try anything else, a feeling I seldom have had with other equipment. In fact the idea of adding a second to bi-amp my speakers might be an attractive option.
At least I still have things to tweak. Cables. I think the Mac will age well in my home.
Product Weakness: None so far. Product Strengths: Solid build. Solid convincing sound. Smooth, and lacks hardness and sounds almost tube like. The blue meters on front.
Associated Equipment for this Review: Amplifier: McIntosh MC162 Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): Marsh p2000 Sources (CDP/Turntable): Sony SCD333ES Speakers: B&W603 S2 Cables/Interconnects: Monster Ref II, Z1 Music Used (Genre/Selections): Blues, rock, classical Room Comments/Treatments: None Time Period/Length of Audition: 6 months Other (Power Conditioner etc.): Monster HTS 1000 Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner
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