Feeling lost what to do with new upgrade to stereo

[miatadan]

I been offered what I paid for my McIntosh MC312 if trade in for different McIntosh amplifier

So I have 3 options:

1/. Most affordable MC830 mono blocks , may work better with panel speakers because there is no autoformer. But concerned if build quality same as rest of amplifier lineup. Maybe silly but do not want smaller power meters than on MC312. But do not know size of meter on MC830.

2/. McIntosh MC611, most expensive option, love the larger meters and style of amplifier

3/ McIntosh MC1502 , like the style reminds me of bigger MC275 but not sure if good match to MG 0.7 speakers as most forums state tubes can not work with Magnepan

Concerned as do not want to make expensive mistake, opinions /thoughts appreciated

Dan

[W9TR]

MC 830 = a step backwards.
MC 1502 = a nice option - but you would want to listen to one to make sure it meets your needs.
MC 611 - an easy choice

What about the MC 462? You get a bit more power and the industry-leading quad balanced circuitry similar to the MC 611.

What is lacking about the MC 312 that is causing you to look elsewhere in the line?

The $$ could be used to upgrade other parts of your chain. Just sayin’.

Tom

[Formerly YB-2]

Originally Posted by W9TR

What is lacking about the MC 312 that is causing you to look elsewhere in the line?
Tom

Really. Can't imagine what might be lacking with your MC312 with a pair of 0.7s. Magnepans like currrent and the MC312 should be able to supply it in spades, as would an MC462 or MC452.
Have you tried the 2ohm & 8ohm outputs to see if there is a noticeable difference?

[jayvis1]

I agree. Most would be more than happy with the MC312. We're all tempted at times in this hobby, and disappointment has become very expensive.

[brownbear]

I'd be interested to know why you want to move on from the 312. I love mine and it has all the power I'll ever need. It sounds great too, identical to the 462 to my ears. The 312 flys under the radar in Mc's amp lineup, in my opinion.

[miatadan]

Thanks for the replies.

There is nothing lacking in the MC312 at all.

That is why I am having second thoughts to trading in the MC312.

Not sure what would be next best upgrade would be. Only preamp that I feel be a upgrade is the C1100 but used to using the bass and treble controls on the C70. Actually was not happy there is no loudness switch on the C70 like earlier versions of the C22.

Only other thing possible to upgrade is going to McIntosh MT5 turntable over the current Technics SL1500C but prefer direct drive and auto off feature.
For whatever reason no decent fully automatic turntables like we had in the 1970's 80's and 90's .

Yes for some it is heresy that I use tone controls, loudness button and desire fully automatic turntables.....

[W9TR]

Originally Posted by miatadan

.........Yes for some it is heresy that I use tone controls, loudness button and desire fully automatic turntables.....

Shocking breach of audiophile protocol! The C 1100 is a super piece. Love mine. I still use tone controls for my digital stuff, but they are all DSP based now and live in JRiver and Roon.

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by miatadan

Yes for some it is heresy that I use tone controls, loudness button and desire fully automatic turntables.....

Somewhere along the road, the "audiophile'' has lost touch with reality that he is neither recording, nor mastering the music but simply enjoying it on his end. There is nothing wrong with adding a bit of spice, salt or peppa to the music, just like there is nothing wrong with adding them to your favorite dish from your favorite restaurant and chef.

The argument of staying faithful to the source is pointless and meaningless because ALL audio gear, starting from the speakers and different acoustics in various rooms will sound different than what the music sounded like in the studio, that's not to mention that the sound engineer will have mastered with salt and peppa to his taste to sound different further still.

Enjoy the music any which way you like.

[W9TR]

Dan......Here's a thought - upgrade your Sonos Connect with the Wyred 4 Sound mod. It made a significant difference in my system.

[miatadan]

Originally Posted by W9TR

Shocking breach of audiophile protocol! The C 1100 is a super piece. Love mine. I still use tone controls for my digital stuff, but they are all DSP based now and live in JRiver and Roon.

I am using Roon, did not realize there was DSP tone control?

Dan