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Thread: McIntosh 901

  1. #1
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    McIntosh 901

    Mcintosh MC901 Dual Mono Amp.

    The MC901 is a monoblock amplifier that drives a single speaker. But it is unlike any other monoblock amplifier. What makes the MC901 so unique is that it's two amplifiers combined into one. Adding to the uniqueness is that each amplifier is of differing design philosophies: the MC901 consists of a 300 Watt vacuum tube amplifier attached to a 600 Watt solid state amplifier on one unified chassis.

    Unit Dimensions (W x H x D):
    17-1/2" (44.5cm) x 13-1/4" (33.7cm) x 29-1/2" (74.9cm)

    Shipping Dimensions (W x H x D):
    24-13/16" (63cm) x 18-3/8" (46.7cm) x 36-1/4" (92.1cm)

    Unit Weight:
    170 lbs (77.1 kg)

    Shipping Weight:
    190 lbs (86.2 kg)

    My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481

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    Re: McIntosh 901

    Very interesting.


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  3. #3
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    Re: McIntosh 901

    Interesting, Mike. Are you taking on Mac components or is this just FYI?

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    Re: McIntosh 901

    Quote Originally Posted by bluegrassphile View Post
    Interesting, Mike. Are you taking on Mac components or is this just FYI?
    He wanted to give you another chance to change your mind in the next 2 weeks
    -----------------
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    Re: McIntosh 901

    Quote Originally Posted by bluegrassphile View Post
    Interesting, Mike. Are you taking on Mac components or is this just FYI?
    Nope. Just an FYI.


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    https://suncoastaudio.com/
    Phone: 941-932-0282
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/

  6. #6
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    Re: McIntosh 901

    Quote Originally Posted by Shadowfax View Post
    He wanted to give you another chance to change your mind in the next 2 weeks
    Noooooo! He’s all set with Pass!


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    My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481

    "We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."

    Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.

    https://suncoastaudio.com/
    Phone: 941-932-0282
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/

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    Re: McIntosh 901

    At least we know they aren’t sitting still.

    I just realized that they are two separate amps in one box, holy cr@p!
    Last edited by joeinid; December 10, 2019 at 11:48 AM.
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    Re: McIntosh 901

    Quote Originally Posted by Shadowfax View Post
    He wanted to give you another chance to change your mind in the next 2 weeks

    Now cut that out!! LOL!!

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    Re: McIntosh 901

    Quote Originally Posted by joeinid View Post
    At least we know they aren’t sitting still.

    I just realized that they are two separate amps in one box, holy cr@p!
    Joe.......That is correct, two separate amplifiers, two separate power supplies, and an electronic crossover all on one chassis. 170 lbs. of serious McIntosh amplification.
    Dan

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    Re: McIntosh 901

    Is the 901 a monblock or stereo amp? It certainly looks interesting, I wonder what tubes are used, if the signal is kept low until the solid state or a more high level tube.

    Woe, I missed something, I thought Bluegrass was lined up with Gryphon?
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    Re: McIntosh 901

    Quote Originally Posted by Mr Peabody View Post
    Is the 901 a monblock or stereo amp? It certainly looks interesting, I wonder what tubes are used, if the signal is kept low until the solid state or a more high level tube.

    Woe, I missed something, I thought Bluegrass was lined up with Gryphon?
    It is a mono block in function. You will require two to handle a pair of speakers. Unfortunately there are several brands of speakers that cannot be bi-amped (or bi-wired).

    I look forwarding to hearing this one.
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    Re: McIntosh 901

    Shouldn't it have two AC cords?
    Howard

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  13. #13
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    Re: McIntosh 901

    A light bulb comes on, I thought it was tubes feeding SS like a hybrid but it's actually two amps with tubes for mid/high and SS for bass and Dan mentioned the crossover. Now, this is even more interesting.

    Quote Originally Posted by still-one View Post
    It is a mono block in function. You will require two to handle a pair of speakers. Unfortunately there are several brands of speakers that cannot be bi-amped (or bi-wired).

    I look forwarding to hearing this one.
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    Re: McIntosh 901

    Quote Originally Posted by The Sandman View Post
    Shouldn't it have two AC cords?
    Or at least a 20 Amp IEC
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    Re: McIntosh 901

    Quote Originally Posted by jdandy View Post
    Joe.......That is correct, two separate amplifiers, two separate power supplies, and an electronic crossover all on one chassis. 170 lbs. of serious McIntosh amplification.
    Thank you Dan. Certainly an impressive feature set. I bet these are wonderful amps. SS for the bass and tubes for the treble, wow!
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    Re: McIntosh 901

    Quote Originally Posted by Mr Peabody View Post
    Is the 901 a monblock or stereo amp? It certainly looks interesting, I wonder what tubes are used, if the signal is kept low until the solid state or a more high level tube.

    Woe, I missed something, I thought Bluegrass was lined up with Gryphon?

    It's a long/short story. The short version is...I changed my mind. The long version is too long to discuss here. Could also run afoul of forum rules. Let's just say I really like the Pass sonic personality. It was all my decision. I auditioned the Pass int 60 and really liked it, especially with the MSB Discrete with optional second power supply. But I thought I might want just a little more headroom so I went with the int 250. Can't wait to hear it in my home listening room.

  17. #17
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    Re: McIntosh 901

    Quote Originally Posted by still-one View Post
    It is a mono block in function. You will require two to handle a pair of speakers. Unfortunately there are several brands of speakers that cannot be bi-amped (or bi-wired).

    I look forwarding to hearing this one.
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    Re: McIntosh 901

    This amp looks like a steam train ... kind of weird. I bet many will miss the gigantic meter present on the 611 / 1.25kW.
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  19. #19
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    Re: McIntosh 901

    Is this a one off prototype, something old or something brand new? And, no, I don't want to buy one...too big and heavy for my application. Plus, I've become a Pass fanboy.

  20. #20
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    Re: McIntosh 901

    Brand new, regular production amp. Think of it as a MC601 (for bass) and MC2301 (mids/tweeter) in one chassis with crossover or direct inputs and adjustable gain levels.

    Home run I’d say!
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  21. #21
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    Re: McIntosh 901

    Quote Originally Posted by joeinid View Post
    ...Home run I’d say!
    +1 ...another win for the mcIntosh folks up in the post-industrial river town of binghamton! ...with creativity and engineering prowess like this, binghamton is the new pittsburgh, right!?

    when i took the tour of the factory last year, they took us pretty much everywhere EXCEPT the separate building housing all their R&D.
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  22. #22
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    Re: McIntosh 901

    Sounds pricey. Twenty thousand+ maybe?? You need two for stereo? At 170 lbs a piece? And I thought the Pass int 250 was big.

    I like the old school influenced looks. It'll be interesting to see what audiophiles think of the SQ. Is this the new flagship of the McIntosh line?

  23. #23
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    Re: McIntosh 901

    Quote Originally Posted by bluegrassphile View Post
    Sounds pricey. $20,000+ maybe?? And you need two for stereo?
    $17,500 each or $35K per pair. A mere pittance
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  24. #24
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    Re: McIntosh 901

    Thirty five thousand a pair is less than I thought it would be. Still out of my budget range. But a very interesting concept. Plus, I prefer to make my purchases from Mike. I'll stick with the int 250.

  25. #25
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    Re: McIntosh 901

    I don't think any other company is doing anything close to this. Outstanding for McIntosh! If I needed the extra 899wpc, I'd love to get these babies.

    Quote Originally Posted by aKnyght View Post
    +1 ...another win for the mcIntosh folks up in the post-industrial river town of binghamton! ...with creativity and engineering prowess like this, binghamton is the new pittsburgh, right!?

    when i took the tour of the factory last year, they took us pretty much everywhere EXCEPT the separate building housing all their R&D.
    Fleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.

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    NAD C 658 streamer.

    First Watt SIT-3, Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)

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  26. #26
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    Re: McIntosh 901

    Quote Originally Posted by joeinid View Post
    I don't think any other company is doing anything close to this. Outstanding for McIntosh! If I needed the extra 899wpc, I'd love to get these babies.
    i am holding off until the stereo amp version is released!!
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  27. #27
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    Re: McIntosh 901

    I like everything about it, pictures, concept and specs.

    Without hearing it, I bet this will be a great addition to their line.



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    Re: McIntosh 901

    I think the new McIntosh MC901 dual mono amp is an absolute home run. It is a bold and unique departure from what is available from other manufacturers while still paying homage to some of the design cues that keep McIntosh aficionados happy and drawn to the products. It is good to see McIntosh bring forth another true statement audio component that is destined to be a genuine classic.
    Dan

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  29. #29
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    Re: McIntosh 901

    Quote Originally Posted by aKnyght View Post
    +1 ...another win for the mcIntosh folks up in the post-industrial river town of binghamton! ...with creativity and engineering prowess like this, binghamton is the new pittsburgh, right!?

    when i took the tour of the factory last year, they took us pretty much everywhere EXCEPT the separate building housing all their R&D.
    Binghamton area was always both backwards and cutting edge at the same time. When I grew up it was the home for McIntosh, Singer Link, IBM (sister city Endicott), GE was huge, many others.... but it was in many ways very backwards...
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  30. #30

    Re: McIntosh 901

    Quote Originally Posted by jdandy View Post
    I think the new McIntosh MC901 dual mono amp is an absolute home run. It is a bold and unique departure from what is available from other manufacturers while still paying homage to some of the design cues that keep McIntosh aficionados happy and drawn to the products. It is good to see McIntosh bring forth another true statement audio component that is destined to be a genuine classic.
    The true test will be if these amps sell well. If they do, other amp manufacturers will jump on the bandwagon.
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  31. #31
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    Re: McIntosh 901

    Quote Originally Posted by mep View Post
    The true test will be if these amps sell well. If they do, other amp manufacturers will jump on the bandwagon.
    Mark.......Yes, it will be interesting to see if another audio manufacturer follows with their version of a dual mono amplifier. McIntosh's concept of combining high power tube amplification along with solid state amplification on a single chassis that features fully independent power supplies for each amp, plus integrating an electronic crossover into the package, sets the MC901 apart from anything presently being offered. In my opinion, the total MC901 package in and of itself guarantees this amplifier will become a classic audio component despite sales volume. It represents a niche application for sure, so the actual sales numbers may not be that high. Time will tell.
    Dan

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  32. #32
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    Re: McIntosh 901

    It does appear to be a great Amp. Unfortunately, at $35,000 it is something I would have a very hard time justifying. Simply another case of something that looks wonderful that a hard working person with a real good job will never be able to afford.
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  33. #33

    Re: McIntosh 901

    Quote Originally Posted by Randy Myers View Post
    It does appear to be a great Amp. Unfortunately, at $35,000 it is something I would have a very hard time justifying. Simply another case of something that looks wonderful that a hard working person with a real good job will never be able to afford.
    I think it’s all relative with the perceived value to the customer.

    Many people that grovel about audio pricing are also driving luxury cars that cost as much or more than their audio gear.

    The opposite is also true ; I know many Audio people that aren’t car people etc..

    There is always the eventual stereo version; plus who pays MSRP?

  34. #34
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    Re: McIntosh 901

    I guess I can see your point, although I am still shocked at how out of whack pricing has gotten since returning to this crazy hobby a few years ago. Yes good equipment was always expensive, but it was never close to as high as it has become even keeping inflation, etc. in mind. My perspective may very well be influenced some what by the cost of living here also. Exactly why my wife and I are seriously considering moving out of here when we retire in a few years.

    I guess another good perspective is visiting up in the bay area. Tesla's are insanely expensive in a comparison to other what I would consider similar cars, but in the bay area it seems like every other car is a Tesla. I know they are built there, but still... Then again what would be a great income in 90% of the country is poverty levels there.

    So I guess the amount of disposable income versus amount that you make has to figure into the equation. Having a great salary here is not the same as having the same amount in most of the country .

    By the way, the auto point is somewhat valid, but not entirely. I drive cars for luxury, true, but also safety. I was blind sided a couple years back by some guy who bought a big old heavy SUV the night before; he had never driven before and had no license. My car protected me. The first responder said they would have been scrapping me off the pavement if I was driving a typical Japanese car... just saying.... my poor BMW was destroyed, but I walked away from it.
    McIntosh C49, MC152, MR85, R778 | T+A DAC 8 DSD | KEF LS50 Meta w/S2, KC62 (x2) | Rega RP8, Ania Pro, NEO PSU | Technics SL-1500C | Audio Technica VM750ML | Hexmat Eclipse, Yellow Bird, Molekula, Molekula Mini | Pro-Ject VC-E | Falcon NW PC Server (Roon Core & HQPlayer) | Microsoft Surface Pro 6 (Roon Controller) | Abyss Diana Phi | Schiit Jotunheim 2 | Astell&Kern SE200 | Oppo BDP105

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  35. #35
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    Re: McIntosh 901

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  36. #36
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    Re: McIntosh 901

    Wow. $35,000..... I guess one can dream.
    hikerneil

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