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In my ongoing experimentation with amplifiers, I've had extended trials with both SET tube amps (Art Audio carissa currently in residence), digital (Kharma matrix 150s), solid state (SimAudio) and others.I would like to try a McIntosh 402 (400 solid state watts). Partly because they sound great at the dealer's shop, and partly because they look so darned cool with the glowing lights and big meters etc.
However, my dealer has never really talked up the Mac amps, suggesting that they are more lifestyle type products easily sold to boomers without audition rather than true audiophile quality amps.
For those who have lived with big Mac amps, what is your impression? Are they a bit soft, or are they really high fidelity amps that grab hold of the speakers make them perform?
Follow Ups:
My two cents.I have owned Levinson, Rowland, ARC, CJ, and others over twenty years. And to my ear the MC402 beat them hands down and no questions asked. It does not sound like tubes or S.S. it sounds like music.
The same can also be said of the C200 preamp, I have owned this gear now for close to three years and I have no plans what so ever to replace it.
I just added the Marantz SA-7S1 CD/SACD player and my system went to another level, the best system I have ever owned in my life including my LP system using a Sota Cosmos turntable. I am now just sitting back and enjoying cd after cd.
Forget what the dealer said, this is not baby boomers gear, in fact McIntosh is the one brand I never thought I never try, no less buy and thank god I was lucky enough to hear it one day.
I sold my Levinson 333.6 (upgraded 333) amp and 380S preamp, purchased the McIntosh gear and never looked back, and the Levinson gear was really great, so it not like I was stepping up, in fact the McIntosh gear was cheaper as a total buy if you go by price.
I cannot say enough good things about it, others who have heard my system have said the same and a few went out and purchased McIntosh gear after hearing my system.
Some brought all tubes systems, some brought all soild state, some mixed and matched, but all are very happy.
For what it is worth.
Mac has a House Sound. The new stuff sounds excellent. An independent Mac tech/restorer thinks the new 275 sounds better than the vintage. Go to www.audiokarma.com and look at the Mac forum.
"For those who have lived with big Mac amps, what is your impression? Are they a bit soft, or are they really high fidelity amps that grab hold of the speakers make them perform?"
McIntosh has been a part of my audio system for years and I’ve found with a little effort you can get some really amasing results using them. For the longest time I used two MC7270 as mono blocks (540watts in mono) driving a 3 way, time alined, pair of Duntech Marques. If you closed your eyes you were at the concert…. I’ve since sold one MC7270 and move te other to a secondary setup.
I’m now using a MC402 to drive a pair of Dynaudio Special 25’s. The combo (with Harmonic Tech Pro11 speaker wire) just does evrything right. I won’t be changing a thing for many years… (and I love that I can turn the meter lights off… wish I could do that on the 7270.)
Try a New Mac, or a classic and I’m sure you won’t be disappointed. If you are the weakness is elsewhere in your setup.
Tony
Vpi Ares --\
Wadia 830 --> AI Mod3a --> MC402--> Dynaudio S25
Mac MR77 --/
Depends. If you think it sounds good, have a try in your home. Several inmates post that the new stuff is "top" in performance.
Same opinion as my local dealer who sells VTL as well. Their newer stuff is really quite good having gone through some bland sounding models from the 70s through the 80s.Great build quality, love-it-or-hate-it-cosmetics, but not top tier performance. Depends what you're looking for.
My MC402 replaced my 21 year-old MC2255. The 402 will be my last since it will outlive me...
...what speakers do you use with the Macs, if I may inquire? And yes, it is a nice room, btw!
a/d/s L980's that I bought new in 1984.Here's my 2-channel stuff in the den:
MCD205
MR85
C46
MC402a/d/s L-980's
(Denon DP52F TT w/SignetTK10-ML)
Yep, it is truly high fidelity sound that you found superior to the competitors? Or, yes it isn't the best that is out there but it's well built, looks great and you like it well enough?And I agree, you do have a great looking room. Very inviting.
..well I do think it is high fidelity and I like it better than a lot of other amps I've heard including Krell, etc.I think you would be quite pleased with the 402 but I'm not a dealer for sure.
You have a good sense of style. Looks like a comfortable place to lie on the couch with a good book and some music playing.
Regards,
Geoff
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