The 300 watt tube amp in the 901 is not quad balanced. The solid state amp is. In addition, in the 901 as well as the 2301 the dynamic headroom (1.2 dB) is very limited. The damping factor (>18), distortion (.5%), S/N ratio (112 dB) are also much inferior to a 3500. However, according to my Mac friend, the main difference is power. He said Mac got roped into the marketing ploy of calling it a "3500", meaning 350 continuous watts, when actually it will do a minimum continuous of 500 watts. Comparing a 3500 to a 901 or 2301 is not a fair comparison.
It doesn't surprise me that the 901 tube section sounds better than a 2301. I think that the tube section is simpler and employs significantly less solid state components than a 2301. There is a 15 year separation in the two designs and Mac has not stood still during this time. I think, just my opinion, that you get more vintage Mac tube sound with a 901, 3500, or 1502.
Remember, with Mac published specifications are a minimum, unlike all other tube amps, virtually none of which will make all their specs, if they even come with any. We are supposed to trust the manufacturer. So, compare the specs of these amps, 2301, 3500, 901, and 1502. It's illuminating to do so.
Best
Charles
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