Amp/Preamp Asylum: REVIEW: McIntosh MC162 Amplifier (SS) by navman

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: 24.117.139.148

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for the MC162

Firstly, 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

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.