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Old 09-04-2021, 08:11 PM
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Default Contrasting two McIntosh amplifiers

I am in the process of upgrading my audio system, with the likely intent of purchasing either Magico S5 MkII or Rockport Avior II loudspeakers and McIntosh power amplifiers to drive them. I was intending to buy McIntosh MC611s, but a friend of mine suggested I should consider MC1.25ks as well.

Given the overall shortage of McIntosh amplifiers overall, there is no realistic way I am going to be able to A/B those two amps, and so I am seeking feedback from those who have. Also, I should mention that I don't have money to burn, but at the same time I don't want to shortchange myself either.
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Main System: Theta Casablanca V preamp/processor; Wadia 8 CD transport and Digimaster DDC 2000 DAC (w/all updates); Theta Compli CD transport; Oppo UDP-203 disc player; Lumin T2 music server/DAC; Roon Nucleus+ core (w/Teddy Pardo LPS); SOTA Sapphire turntable (w/ Premier FT3 arm and Hana SL cartridge); SugarCube SC-2 non-destructive "click and pop" removal device; PS Audio Stellar phono preamp; Magnum Dynalab MD-102 FM tuner (w/MD-205 Signal Sleuth FM antenna amplifier and ST-2 FM antenna); McIntosh MC 611 (3), Krell FPB 200C, and KAV-250a power amplifiers; Revel Ultima Studio (2 - L&R), Voice (1 - center), and Embrace (2 sides and 2 surrounds) speakers; SVS PB-16 Ultra (2) and 3000 Micro (2) powered subwoofers; WireWorld Silver Eclipse 8 speaker cables; various Kimber Kable, MIT, Shunyata, and WireWorld interconnects; Shunyata Denali 2000/T (2), Denali 6000/S, Hydra [original], Hydra 2, and Venom PS10 power conditioners; various Shunyata Delta, Venom, PowerSnake, and Sidewinder power cords, and Venom Defenders (2); Richard Gray's Power Company Substation and 400 Pro; Luxul AGS-1024 Ethernet switch; Sound Anchor amplifier stand; VTI (2) and Billy Bags (4) equipment racks.
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Old 09-04-2021, 08:17 PM
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Speaking from experience buy what you want initially. If you settle for a lesser model early on you will be upgrading before you plan to. Also keep in mind with either of those choices you should have dedicated circuits for your amps.
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Old 09-04-2021, 08:24 PM
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I have 611's and can say they are superb. I have a c2600 preamp with them. Cannot advise on the 1.25's and have never heard them. You can see by my info what my system consist of. I think either will serve you well. FWIW
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My System: Amp-McIntosh MC611(2) :Pre-McIntosh C2700, MP1100 :CD/SACD-McIntosh MCD600 :Speakers-McIntosh XR100 :Power Controller-McIntosh MPC1500 :Turntable-VPI HW40 Ortofon Cadenza Black :Cables-Morrow PH5,MA5 and Elite Speaker Cables :Headphones-McIntosh MPH1000 :Record Cleaner Klaudio KD-CLN-LP200T
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Old 09-04-2021, 08:33 PM
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MC1.25K’s buy them once, and done; just be prepared for a long wait for new ones.
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Old 09-05-2021, 12:15 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Masterlu View Post
MC1.25K’s buy them once, and done; just be prepared for a long wait for new ones.
Grab a pair of New Old Stock 1.2kw’s from Audio Classics.
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