AudioAficionado.org  

Go Back   AudioAficionado.org > Audio & Video > Pre-Amps & Amplifiers

Pre-Amps & Amplifiers All Brands Welcome

Closed Thread
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #11  
Old 08-31-2022, 09:03 AM
crwilli's Avatar
crwilli crwilli is online now
Racing Hoopties

 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Bluffton SC
Posts: 9,768
Default

Charles,

I love McIntosh equipment but don’t share your blind faith that it is always better.

I know of two other AudioNuts who are very successfully using Ref 160m with Alex and Alex V speakers. Your McZeal seems to go into hyperdrive sometimes.
__________________
Main Equipment: Kharma Elegance dB11-S, JL Audio F113v2 X 2, Block Audio Line & Mono SE Amplification, Bricasti M21 DAC, Antipodes Kala K-50 Server
Power: Shunyata Everest 8000, Sigma XC v2, Sigma NR v2, Block Audio PCs, Defender, ADDPowr Wizard
Grounding: Shunyata Altaira CGS - 4 X Alpha CGS cables,
Network : Supra Cat 8+, Twin (Nenon) Modified Buffalo GS2016 Switches, Keces P3 LPSU,
Cables: Wireworld Platinum 8 USB, Wireworld Platinum Eclipse 8 Speaker cables, 6M & 1M Tubulus Concentus ICs,
Other: Multiple GIK products, Stillpoint Apertures, Stillpoint Minis and Ultra SS, Three 20 Amp lines, Furutech GTX - Gold outlets, Adona Rack
  #12  
Old 08-31-2022, 09:33 AM
Formerly YB-2's Avatar
Formerly YB-2 Formerly YB-2 is offline
Retired

 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: NJ Shore
Posts: 8,404
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by crwilli View Post
Charles,

I love McIntosh equipment but don’t share your blind faith that it is always better.

I know of two other AudioNuts who are very successfully using Ref 160m with Alex and Alex V speakers. Your McZeal seems to go into hyperdrive sometimes.
+1, Craig.
Having owned both McIntosh & ARC, I've been very pleased with both when in the 'right' system. However, I have owned a couple of "clunkers" from McIntosh that did not sound good to my ears with anything I tried (C39 & MA6900). Obviously, YMMV. We all have our own 'ears'.
__________________
Glenn...
Clearaudio SM Pro Focal Bathys JLA 10" Dominion Kuzma Stabi S w/MC & MM Magnepan 1,7i McIntosh MA8950 Oppo 203 Roon Nucleus Rose Hifi RS150B Shunyata Gemini-4 Sony ST-A6B, TA-F6B & PS-X75 Sorane SA1.2 & TA-1L Stillpoints LP1v2 WW Pt, Au & Ag
  #13  
Old 08-31-2022, 11:44 AM
Audio 1's Avatar
Audio 1 Audio 1 is offline
Senior Member

 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Naples, Florida
Posts: 1,551
Default

Having owned the ARC Reference 160 mono's and Wilson Alexia 2's I can say that without a doubt there is no issue with enough power output or clipping with this combination.
Wilson would not use this combination frequently at shows if it was not a synergistic pairing.
__________________
Buddy

Boulder 1160 Amp, 1110 Pre-Amp
Audio Research Ref. 3 Phono-Pre
Vivid Audio Giya G2S2 Speakers
MSB Reference DAC
Innuos Statement w/Next Gen. PS
B & W DB1D Subwoofer X2
Audioquest Niagara 5000 Power Conditioner
Kronos Pro Turntable w/Kronoscope RS tonearm + SCPS-1 PS + MSL Platinum Cart.
VPI HW-40 Turntable w/ Lyra Etna cartridge
Jay's Audio CDT3-MK3 CD Transport
Schiit Mjolnir 2 HPA + Audeze LCD X headphones
Adona Equipment Rack and Amp Stands
Furutech Outlets and Plates + NCF Booster
Shunyata Cables
Synergistic Research Galileo SX Ground Block, FEQ 4, Black Box + Room Acoustic treatments
  #14  
Old 08-31-2022, 02:14 PM
audioguy3107's Avatar
audioguy3107 audioguy3107 is offline
Go Dawgs
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Posts: 5,468
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by crwilli View Post
Charles,

Your McZeal seems to go into hyperdrive sometimes.
McZeal.......now that's funny, they should use that in an ad somehow.

- Buck
__________________
Library: Speakers: Avalon Acoustics Isis, Subwoofers: (2) REL Acoustics 212SE Amplification: D’agostino Momentum preamplifier, D’agostino S250 stereo amplifier Digital: dCS Rossini CD/SACD transport, dCS Rossini DAC/streamer/master clock. Analog: Brinkmann Taurus table, Lyra Etna Lambda, Audio Research Ref. Phono 3
  #15  
Old 08-31-2022, 06:23 PM
2fastdriving 2fastdriving is offline
Guest
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 5,772
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by crwilli View Post
Charles,

I love McIntosh equipment but don’t share your blind faith that it is always better.

I know of two other AudioNuts who are very successfully using Ref 160m with Alex and Alex V speakers. Your McZeal seems to go into hyperdrive sometimes.
I am one of those nuts. I am also another who used to own all Mac and switched to all ARC. Not bashing Mac, but I felt ARC was much more musical and engaging. Since then, I've doubled down on ARC with zero regrets. There were a few issues with getting the most bass out of my Alexx, but I now believe that is solved by repositioning them. It's a setup issue. These amps are capable of driving louder than I should ever listen!

At the end of the day, it's just personal preference.

Oh, and I don't use the fans on my ref160's, I have the covers off. If you have adequate ventilation, arc amps don't need fans.
  #16  
Old 09-02-2022, 10:41 AM
Charles Charles is offline
Senior Member

 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 3,230
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Porsche993TT View Post
well charles, sorry if i offended you and mcintosh, been in the business for 30 years, have a little knowledge and have my own opinion, have owned and sold mcintosh, i am quite familiar with them. am glad you like your mcintosh, i will stick to my burmester an i stand behind my thoughts/opinions, arc ref by a mile
Not trying to change your opinion. What is your system? Show some pics. Statements like "arc by a mile" are offensive and false. "been in the business for 30 years" simply meant to intimidate. I don't intimidate. I have been in the business longer than you. Frankly, I don't believe a word you say.
  #17  
Old 09-02-2022, 10:45 AM
Charles Charles is offline
Senior Member

 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 3,230
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by crwilli View Post
Charles,

I love McIntosh equipment but don’t share your blind faith that it is always better.

I know of two other AudioNuts who are very successfully using Ref 160m with Alex and Alex V speakers. Your McZeal seems to go into hyperdrive sometimes.
Not "blind faith". Again offensive. I have never ever said Mac was "always better". In fact I have always been highly complementary of ARC and been very careful not to offend except in threads like this one.
  #18  
Old 09-02-2022, 10:50 AM
Porsche993TT Porsche993TT is online now
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2022
Location: Memphis & Chicago
Posts: 193
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Charles View Post
Not trying to change your opinion. What is your system? Show some pics. Statements like "arc by a mile" are offensive and false. "been in the business for 30 years" simply meant to intimidate. I don't intimidate. I have been in the business longer than you. Frankly, I don't believe a word you say.
wth, IN MY OPINION, arc ref is better gear, if my OPINION offends you than i really don't know what to tell ya, and to say false, well, again, thats why its called an OPINION charles. not trying to intimidate you in the least, I've been in the business an have some knowledge, you are the one that said and i quote


"an off the cuff comment like yours says more about your knowledge of high end audio than it addresses Ed's question."

you questioned my knowledge, so look in the mirror about offending someone sport
  #19  
Old 09-02-2022, 10:51 AM
Charles Charles is offline
Senior Member

 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 3,230
Default

I have never with exception of my 3500 said Mac was the best amp on the market. In fact I have said the opposite many times. I happen to think the 3500 is special. As to theories why don't you play Liberty Fanfare on the "Wilson Winds of War and Peace" at a good level thru an Alexx or Alexia and discover what happens when the speaker needs 350 watts. ARC has loyal followers both in the magazines and on this website, who never hesitate, when someone asks which is better.

This notion that Mac is softer warmer and obscures detail is ridiculous, frankly ridculous.
  #20  
Old 09-02-2022, 10:59 AM
Charles Charles is offline
Senior Member

 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 3,230
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by 2fastdriving View Post
I am one of those nuts. I am also another who used to own all Mac and switched to all ARC. Not bashing Mac, but I felt ARC was much more musical and engaging. Since then, I've doubled down on ARC with zero regrets. There were a few issues with getting the most bass out of my Alexx, but I now believe that is solved by repositioning them. It's a setup issue. These amps are capable of driving louder than I should ever listen!

At the end of the day, it's just personal preference.

Oh, and I don't use the fans on my ref160's, I have the covers off. If you have adequate ventilation, arc amps don't need fans.
Marc, I started to respond to your comment. However, I respect you. Enjoy your system. You have a fine one.

Best

Charles
Closed Thread

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Audioaficionado.org tested by Norton Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 08:52 AM.



Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.10
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
©Copyright 2009-2023 AudioAficionado.org.Privately owned, All Rights Reserved.
Audio Aficionado Sponsors
AudioAficionado Subscriber
AudioAficionado Subscriber
Inspire By Dennis Had
Inspire By Dennis Had
Harmonic Resolution Systems
Harmonic Resolution Systems
Wyred4Sound
Wyred4Sound
Dragonfire Acoustics
Dragonfire Acoustics
GIK Acoustics
GIK Acoustics
Esoteric
Esoteric
AC Infinity
AC Infinity
JL Audio
JL Audio
Add Powr
Add Powr
Accuphase - Soulution
Accuphase - Soulution
Audio by E
Audio by E
Canton
Canton
Bryston
Bryston
WireWorld Cables
WireWorld Cables
Stillpoints
Stillpoints
Bricasti Design
Bricasti Design
Furutech
Furutech
Shunyata Research
Shunyata Research
Legend Audio & Video
Legend Audio & Video