452 or 601's

stanly.joseph

stanly.joseph

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May 31, 2015
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178
Hi guys

Just a few weeks ago, I purchased uhhhmmm I might say invested in a pair of 803D's. Ever since than I've been looking for the perfect amp to pair them with so my stereo 2 channel listening pleasure could be elevated to maximum bliss.

I ordered the emotiva XPR 5, they are fine for HT use but definitely not the perfect 2 channel driver. Plenty of power and finesse but not quite dead silent for me. They hiss and buzz.

So I've been seriously looking into the mac's especially the mc452. I'm also thinking 601's but unsure if I really need all that power in addition to my space constraints.

Any advice? Thanks much.




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What do the 601's retail for? The 452's are $7500 right?


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Welcome!

The MC452 retails for $8500 and the MC601's retail at $14K for the pair. I had the MC601's and they are wonderful amps. I am thinking of getting the MC452 as a replacement. You'd be surprised how quickly you can eat up the power. Both models have a similar sound signature. If you are even thinking about the MC601's, you may have already made that decision. :D
 
stanly.joseph said:
So I've been seriously looking into the mac's especially the mc452. I'm also thinking 601's but unsure if I really need all that power in addition to my space constraints.

Any advice? Thanks much.
Click to expand...

stanly.joseph.......You will be happy with either amplifier choice. The MC452 is a powerhouse in its own right and has no problem outperforming its output power specs. The same can be said about the MC601 mono block amps. I own both the MC452 and a pair of MC601's and love them. Joe was correct when he stated both amplifiers are similarly voiced. With the introduction of the MC2301's, the MC601's, and the MC452, McIntosh delivered an improvement in the amplifiers' dynamic speed and an improvement in the resolution. They still have that great McIntosh sound but are quicker and more resolved. Neither amplifier will leave you wanting for more power.

Here is a photo on one of my MC601's driving my PMC EB1i's. No Power Guard lights were flickering and the music was sweet and clean.


8568383819_744aa6d061_c.jpg
 
Double-D said:
stanly.joseph.......You will be happy with either amplifier choice. The MC452 is a powerhouse in its own right and has no problem outperforming its output power specs. The same can be said about the MC601 mono block amps. I own both the MC452 and a pair of MC601's and love them. Joe was correct when he stated both amplifiers are similarly voiced. With the introduction of the MC2301's, the MC601's, and the MC452 McIntosh delivered an improvement in the amplifiers' dynamic speed and an improvement in the resolution. They still have that great McIntosh sound but are quicker and more resolved. Neither amplifier will leave you wanting for more power.

Here is a photo on one of my MC601's driving my PMC EB1i's. No Power Guard lights were flickering and the music was sweet and clean.


8568383819_744aa6d061_c.jpg
Click to expand...


Hey double D

What do you mean by " The MC452 is a powerhouse in its own right and has no problem outperforming its output power specs"

Does it mean that the 450 WPC rating is conservatively rated? Actual power output could be higher?


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stanly.joseph said:
Hey double D

What do you mean by " The MC452 is a powerhouse in its own right and has no problem outperforming its output power specs"

Does it mean that the 450 WPC rating is conservatively rated? Actual power output could be higher?
Click to expand...

stanly.joseph.......That is exactly what I meant. McIntosh specifications have always been the published minimum performance standards, not the maximum. Their amplifiers have always outperformed publish specifications, often by a wide margin. A look at the MC601 meter I posted clearly presents the MC601's ability to deliver a 1000 watts without having the Power Guard circuits coming on. The MC452 will easily deliver 700 watts of output power when pushed, again without Power Guard kicking in and well within its rated distortion specs. That's what I meant when I said the MC452 is a powerhouse.
 
Stanley.joseph, as I replied in your other post, I had 803d's with MC352's and MC601 monos. Those speakers love power. I think the MC452 or MC601 would be a great match. Sometimes it comes down to budget, space and looks to make a final determination but sound wise you can't go wrong with either of the amps. I admit that I don't listen at high volumes. I don't think I ever listened at over 60 watts even at peak.
 
Double-D said:
stanly.joseph.......That is exactly what I meant. McIntosh specifications have always been the published minimum performance standards, not the maximum. Their amplifiers have always outperformed publish specifications, often by a wide margin. A look at the MC601 meter I posted clearly presents the MC601's ability to deliver a 1000 watts without having the Power Guard circuits coming on. The MC452 will easily deliver 700 watts of output power when pushed, again without Power Guard kicking in and well within its rated distortion specs. That's what I meant when I said the MC452 is a powerhouse.
Click to expand...

That's awesome double D! Just thinking about it makes heart beat even faster!!! :-)))


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Well I've made up my mind. It's gonna be the 452. Now I just have to negotiate the best deal :-))


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Just an update:

Instead of upgrading to the mc452 for my 2 channel entertainment, I postponed it and went for the C2500 stereo pre-amp instead.

I wish I could invite every one of you into my humble abode to listen to some tunes. I simply can't describe how sweet the sound is now.....so sweet I could cry. And that's just with a XPR 5 amp.

Just imagine how dry my eyes would be when I get the 452!!!! Oh Lord thank you for my pair of ears and for Mcintosh.


Roma
 
My dealer is also recommending the 275 tube amp. Wonder if that will even scratch the 803D's power hungry bellies. Seems so teeny!


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I am not sure if a single MC275 will be powerful enough for the 803D's. You could start with one and add a second if necessary. That is if you want tubes.
 
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