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

joeinid

joeinid

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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. :scholar:

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 :baby:

Soooooo? waddya think?
 
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Those big blue meters are calling your name!


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





still-one said:
Joe
They are fine amps but over the years I think you have tried better in your system.
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Mike said:
Those big blue meters are calling your name!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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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.

sharkmouth said:
You'll love them!
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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.

joeinid said:
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. :)
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I suspect the new preamp he just bought will be more than sufficient with the Mac amp plus no firmware issues to worry about.
 
j3brow said:
Joe, grab a C1100 pre too!


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


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


Jack said:
I suspect the new preamp he just bought will be more than sufficient with the Mac amp plus no firmware issues to worry about.
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I think the BHK or Ayre will both be great. Eventually a C1100 would be awesome.
 
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.
 
Elberoth said:
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.
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I made the mistake of comparing them too.

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Elberoth said:
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.
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Driving what speakers Adam..? What impedance Tap were you using ..?
 
Elberoth said:
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.
Click to expand...

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