Thoughts on SF Strads with McIntosh MC1.2KW's?

**joeinid** · May 29, 2017, 12:04 PM

Since I've come to my senses and decided to keep my Strads, I've been thinking.

I know, big trouble again.

I fell in love with them listening through McIntosh MC2301's, a C500T and other high end gear. It was magical.

I know the logical choice might be to recreate that combo but I don't always do what's logical.

I've always had a desire for and loved the MC1.2KW amps. I've heard them several times but on totally different speakers, never Sonus Faber or even Strads for that matter and loved the presentation. I realize the MC452 and MC601's are typical/natural choices too.

Any thoughts on MC1.2KW's? There's a bunch of videos on YouTube with them, and funny enough, Kendrick Sound shows an unboxing video and uses them a lot on some of his JBL creations. Another win for me and the MC1.2KW's

Soooooo? waddya think?

**Mike** · May 29, 2017, 12:19 PM

Those big blue meters are calling your name!

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**still-one** · May 29, 2017, 12:25 PM

Joe
They are fine amps but over the years I think you have tried better in your system.

**joeinid** · May 29, 2017, 12:27 PM

True, and I have it now with the Ayre combo. I could just be asking for trouble.

Originally Posted by still-one

Joe
They are fine amps but over the years I think you have tried better in your system.

**joeinid** · May 29, 2017, 12:30 PM

Originally Posted by Mike

Those big blue meters are calling your name!

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**a.wayne** · May 29, 2017, 02:43 PM

Get them Joe , you have the space and look at those meters ..

**joeinid** · May 29, 2017, 03:14 PM

Originally Posted by a.wayne

Get them Joe , you have the space and look at those meters ..

**still-one** · May 29, 2017, 03:45 PM

DSC_0413.JPG

Yep. They were always nice looking amps.

**joeinid** · May 29, 2017, 04:03 PM

Wow! Looks awesome.

I always loved the flow, ease of bass, smooth delivery of power and sweet (some say veiled) sound. They have a torquey smoothness that I just love, like a big V10 or V12.

Originally Posted by still-one

[ATTACH=CONFIG]19650[/ATTACH

]Yep. They were always nice looking amps.

**sharkmouth** · May 29, 2017, 06:24 PM

You'll love them!

**joeinid** · May 29, 2017, 06:52 PM

I do believe you

I realize at this point, all gear is a personal choice for flavor. I know that McIntosh has its proponents and its detractors, like anything else. I've had plenty of great gear, even McIntosh several times.

It's the McIntosh gear I miss, probably the most. As I get a little "older", maybe my tastes are changing. My Ayre gear, at this point, is going nowhere, like my Strads. I'm thinking Ayre and McIntosh for the different flavors going forward. My plans for other brands has changed and I am not interested in them like I used to be.

Originally Posted by sharkmouth

You'll love them!

**j3brow** · May 29, 2017, 10:35 PM

Joe, grab a C1100 pre too!

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**Mr Peabody** · May 29, 2017, 10:46 PM

I heard the 1kw's one time driving the top B&W Nautilus. It was the audition that changed my opinion on B&W, I've heard those speakers with Classe and ARC but with the Mac it lit them up like I've never heard before. The sound was as you describe, especially using the particular tube Mac preamp, the sound was sweet though and a wall of bass, I kept looking for a hidden sub somewhere. If you are a Mac fan, the 1kw's are the ultimate. With the new Reference preamp that would be killer. The preamp sounded great with Sonus Faber but I can't remember which power amp was being used.

Originally Posted by joeinid

Wow! Looks awesome.

I always loved the flow, ease of bass, smooth delivery of power and sweet (some say veiled) sound. They have a torquey smoothness that I just love, like a big V10 or V12.

**Jack** · May 29, 2017, 11:08 PM

I suspect the new preamp he just bought will be more than sufficient with the Mac amp plus no firmware issues to worry about.

**joeinid** · May 29, 2017, 11:54 PM

Originally Posted by j3brow

Joe, grab a C1100 pre too!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Now that could be fun. You guys certainly know to get me in more trouble.

Originally Posted by Mr Peabody

I heard the 1kw's one time driving the top B&W Nautilus. It was the audition that changed my opinion on B&W, I've heard those speakers with Classe and ARC but with the Mac it lit them up like I've never heard before. The sound was as you describe, especially using the particular tube Mac preamp, the sound was sweet though and a wall of bass, I kept looking for a hidden sub somewhere. If you are a Mac fan, the 1kw's are the ultimate. With the new Reference preamp that would be killer. The preamp sounded great with Sonus Faber but I can't remember which power amp was being used.

The several times that I heard the MC1.2KW's, I did not want to leave the couch. It was great.

Originally Posted by Jack

I suspect the new preamp he just bought will be more than sufficient with the Mac amp plus no firmware issues to worry about.

I think the BHK or Ayre will both be great. Eventually a C1100 would be awesome.

**Elberoth** · May 30, 2017, 07:22 AM

I have tried the 1.2kW in my system. As much as I like the looks, the sound quality was a big let down (compared to my MSB M202 monos and Dagostino Momentum Integrated). The later literally obliterated the 1.2kW.

They sounded thin and lifeless in comparison. The lack of grunt and bass slam was especially surprising, considering the huge power rating. But it was not only the bass. They lacked the midrange presence and palpability, 3D soundstaging and HF extension.

With 1.2kW in the chain, the system sounded like broken.

**still-one** · May 30, 2017, 07:37 AM

Originally Posted by Elberoth

I have tried the 1.2kW in my system. As much as I like the looks, the sound quality was a big let down (compared to my MSB M202 monos and Dagostino Momentum Integrated). The later literally obliterated the 1.2kW.

They sounded thin and lifeless in comparison. The lack of grunt and bass slam was especially surprising, considering the huge power rating. But it was not only the bass. They lacked the midrange presence and palpability, 3D soundstaging and HF extension.

With 1.2kW in the chain, the system sounded like broken.

I made the mistake of comparing them too.

momentum1.JPG

**a.wayne** · May 30, 2017, 11:18 AM

Originally Posted by Elberoth

I have tried the 1.2kW in my system. As much as I like the looks, the sound quality was a big let down (compared to my MSB M202 monos and Dagostino Momentum Integrated). The later literally obliterated the 1.2kW.

They sounded thin and lifeless in comparison. The lack of grunt and bass slam was especially surprising, considering the huge power rating. But it was not only the bass. They lacked the midrange presence and palpability, 3D soundstaging and HF extension.

With 1.2kW in the chain, the system sounded like broken.

Driving what speakers Adam..? What impedance Tap were you using ..?

**KeithR** · May 30, 2017, 11:49 AM

Originally Posted by Elberoth

I have tried the 1.2kW in my system. As much as I like the looks, the sound quality was a big let down (compared to my MSB M202 monos and Dagostino Momentum Integrated). The later literally obliterated the 1.2kW.

They sounded thin and lifeless in comparison. The lack of grunt and bass slam was especially surprising, considering the huge power rating. But it was not only the bass. They lacked the midrange presence and palpability, 3D soundstaging and HF extension.

With 1.2kW in the chain, the system sounded like broken.

I've never heard a Mac amp that sounded thin and lifeless. Clearly there was an impedance issue.

**Elberoth** · May 30, 2017, 01:24 PM

4 Ohm taps, driving Magico S5 mk 2 speakers. Not a difficoult load.

**PMCH** · May 30, 2017, 01:27 PM

I am a fan of my MC601's and C1100 with my Strads. I would think the MC1.2's would only be better.

**Elberoth** · May 30, 2017, 01:36 PM

Originally Posted by PMCH

I am a fan of my MC601's and C1100 with my Strads. I would think the MC1.2's would only be better.

A friend of mine who is a dealer and has experience with both models, prefers the 601 to 1.2kW.

**the professor** · May 30, 2017, 02:27 PM

Just go for the MC2KWs.

**joeinid** · May 30, 2017, 03:20 PM

Originally Posted by PMCH

I am a fan of my MC601's and C1100 with my Strads. I would think the MC1.2's would only be better.

That's my thought too, but sometimes you want something so much that once you get it, disappointment sets in. I don't really expect that, but it may take until this time next year until all this settles out.

In the meantime, sell the gear I am not needing or wanting, regroup and get ready to pull the trigger once I finally decide.

My Ayre combo is truly outstanding on the Strads. Might be time to experiment with the MC452 and see where that gets me.

Originally Posted by Elberoth

A friend of mine who is a dealer and has experience with both models, prefers the 601 to 1.2kW.

Plus they are weigh (

) easier to move around and place over the MC1.2KW's.

Originally Posted by the professor

Just go for the MC2KWs.

Now you're talking.

**crwilli** · May 30, 2017, 04:43 PM

Joe,

The MC2301s killed my MC452 in my system with equal low end but a much meatier midrange and killer separation. I would not recommend you go that direction unless you can demo for free. Even then, I think it will be a short demo.

Craig

**joeinid** · May 30, 2017, 04:48 PM

Craig,

It was the C500T and MC2301 combo that literally gave me goosebumps and made me fall in love with my Strads and that combo INSTANTLY. Since thinking about all this stuff again, the MC2301's are on the front burner again.

Originally Posted by crwilli

Joe,

The MC2301s killed my MC452 in my system with equal low end but a much meatier midrange and killer separation. I would not recommend you go that direction unless you can demo for free. Even then, I think it will be a short demo.

Craig

**KeithR** · May 30, 2017, 06:22 PM

Joe, probably my biggest sales regret was my McIntosh system as well (C2300/MC601). I personally think the meters on the 1.2kw are too big, but that's me. On the positive side, I have heard they are "wetter" sounding than my former 601s.

That said, I would probably go in a different direction with your speakers.

**jdandy** · May 30, 2017, 06:27 PM

Originally Posted by joeinid

Craig,

It was the C500T and MC2301 combo that literally gave me goosebumps and made me fall in love with my Strads and that combo INSTANTLY. Since thinking about all this stuff again, the MC2301's are on the front burner again.

Joe.......Now you're making sense.

**Audiophon** · May 30, 2017, 06:44 PM

Originally Posted by Elberoth

A friend of mine who is a dealer and has experience with both models, prefers the 601 to 1.2kW.

My friend just swapped his 601 with a pair of Grandinote Demone driving his WA Sasha.

According to him the sound is now more dynamic and natural. Despite the huge difference in power rating. He still uses the C500T as a pre which works fine with the Demone as well.

Inviato dal mio iPhone utilizzando Tapatalk

**joeinid** · May 30, 2017, 08:37 PM

Originally Posted by jdandy

Joe.......Now you're making sense.

**crwilli** · May 30, 2017, 08:47 PM

Originally Posted by joeinid

Craig,

It was the C500T and MC2301 combo that literally gave me goosebumps and made me fall in love with my Strads and that combo INSTANTLY. Since thinking about all this stuff again, the MC2301's are on the front burner again.

i will say it again. Welcome home, we forgive you! ��

**joeinid** · May 30, 2017, 09:15 PM

It may take me a while, but I eventually learn. Now to figure out how to get enough cash up

Originally Posted by crwilli

i will say it again. Welcome home, we forgive you! ��

**crwilli** · May 30, 2017, 09:53 PM

**sharkmouth** · May 31, 2017, 08:32 PM

Originally Posted by still-one

I made the mistake of comparing them too.

Lovely placemats, would be a great picture for D'Ag's study wall

**still-one** · June 1, 2017, 01:35 PM

Originally Posted by joeinid

It may take me a while, but I eventually learn. Now to figure out how to get enough cash up

Joe
Your timing is impeccable!!

http://www.mcintoshlabs.com/us/Brand...ID=236&Block=1

**joeinid** · June 1, 2017, 02:04 PM

Originally Posted by still-one

Joe
Your timing is impeccable!!

http://www.mcintoshlabs.com/us/Brand...ID=236&Block=1

**Penthouse-D** · June 6, 2017, 05:45 PM

It will certainly look great. I think a pair of 601's would do the job nicely. Put the savings towards the C500-T. I had the combo. Very nice...

**joeinid** · June 6, 2017, 07:03 PM

Thanks Jim,

I am still thinking this through. Since using the RCA inputs of my Triode 845 amps, I am not sure I can get ANY better from any combo on any speaker. I have a few more gear combos and experiments to do with gear that I already have before I make another purchase. Stay tuned.

**jdandy** · June 6, 2017, 08:30 PM

Joe.......Stop wasting your precious time. .

**joeinid** · June 6, 2017, 09:31 PM

Ha!

Seeing them again at World of McIntosh brought back wonderful memories.

**Devg** · June 6, 2017, 11:30 PM

I heard the Sonus Faber with full Mcintosh gear in the LA audio show and thought it sounded excellent. There is some synergy between the two.

**kkfan** · June 7, 2017, 01:08 AM

Originally Posted by Devg

I heard the Sonus Faber with full Mcintosh gear in the LA audio show and thought it sounded excellent. There is some synergy between the two.

Which SF did you hear?

**Devg** · June 7, 2017, 02:01 AM

Originally Posted by kkfan

Which SF did you hear?

Amati Tradition

Thread: Thoughts on SF Strads with McIntosh MC1.2KW's?

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