Favorite big power Mac?

[RaceCarDriver]

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?

[keef]

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.

[1KW]

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

[Vintage Pete]

Originally Posted by 1KW

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

I'm pretty much with David....I've had my trio of MC501's since 2008 and love them. Nary a hiccup or issue of any kind, just fabulous sound going on 12 years now.

Of course it's hard not to fantasize about the really big boys...the 901's conjure up wild fantasies, but these require special accommodations and of course a fat wallet.

If I did move up, it would likely be to the MC611's. But like David, I really don't see a reason to, even if I had the cash laying around.

[W9TR]

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

[Levitator]

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.

[Franklmu]

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

[Macuser]

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.

[sandbites]

Originally Posted by Macuser

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.

Hi I might get a MC2500. I want a newer model but budget does not permit. Am I missing so much in terms of sound quality with the older 2500 than say one that’s made in the late 90s and early 2000

[Charles]

Originally Posted by sandbites

Hi I might get a MC2500. I want a newer model but budget does not permit. Am I missing so much in terms of sound quality with the older 2500 than say one that’s made in the late 90s and early 2000

If you have found one in excellent working order for a reasonable price I would buy it. It will only increase in value. As for sonics, I well remember as a young man becoming frustrated with my Mac 275 tube. I was working hard and worried about turning it off and on so much. I bought a Mac 2100 (105/per ch). I was surprised how similar the sonics were to the 275. I had a Dahlquist DQ10 and DQ1W's for subs with Dahlquist electronic crossover, a decent system for its day. The 2500 is far superior to a 2100.

Best

Charles