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?

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.

Mc501’s x 10 years and no desire to trade them

MC 602 - the highest power stereo McIntosh amplifier ever built.

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.

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

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.

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
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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

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!

I love my MC601, I don’t have one but I love the MC 2KW