I took my a lot of years, but I finally have my whole system made up of McIntosh gear. Both in 2 channel and 7.1 channel, speakers, amps and preamps are all McIntosh and I can tell you I am very happy with all of it. I also invested a lot into the wires and cables, that makes a huge difference at this level. I have been working and changing out pieces all my life, but now I'm done and enjoy it every day for hours. My point is that when I see you there with all those different brands being tried out constantly looking for that magic sound that for me, comes out of an all McIntosh system so well, I'm glad I don't have to do that anymore and can spend all my time listening instead of wondering what something else would sound like. I wish you the best with that hobby, and hope you will soon find the right mix of equipment that you won't need to keep changing forever the sound. For me, switching to using Wire World cables was the final step to getting that over the top sound I was looking for, it makes a big difference, just as big as changing out major components. good luck.
In an ideal world I’d have two rooms, one with Mcintosh for my days when I want to relax in the evening with some jazz and classical and another with Naim when I wanted to listen to rock and pop and be pinned to my seat like it was a live gig. I miss my old Mac stuff sometimes.
Hi Thomas- I just found your channel today and subscribed! I’m enjoying your “real world” reviews! Nice to hear real comments and opinions vs a no narration/sound clip of other people’s audio systems. Hard to get a “feel” for gear from a compressed sound clip.
Since about 81 I’ve had a JVC receiver and in 2022 I purchased a MC462 with a C49 and a MVP881 cd,SACD,Blu-ray player and built some 3way open baffle speakers and I’m in heaven. The sound is unmatched in my opinion😂😂😂
Good review. Enjoyed your perspective on Mcintosh. When I was a teenager in the 80's I have fond memories of going to the local Hi Fi store and looking at Mcintosh. And they sounded great on Klipsch and ADS speakers. Historically Mcintosh has been know for excellent build quality and luxurious attention to detail. They also stand behind their products and they can be repaired. And they are beautiful. This is why resale is so good IMO. They are high performance even though they may or many no synergize with your speakers or other components. They are designed to sound amazingly excellent or luxurious. Not just to measure perfect and then call it a day. I have heard plenty of near perfect measuring products that sound mediocre or even bad.
ah, me too, I was a teenager in the 80s and I was more into home theater. Only recently have i gotten into stereo and mcintosh has always been my dream. I just like the way they sound. Every time I email them with a techincal question, they always answer.
literally just ordered a MC462, C53 Pre-Amp, and a MCT500 Transport and a dCS Bartók DAC.... mated to McIntosh XR50 baby speakers... can't wait. they're telling me a month or more wait! I am going to lose my mind waiting!
Interesting discussion and I tend to agree with your observations concerning the two McIntosh amps. Currently I'm using the MC352 which I purchased used from a local seller. The amp was in pristine condition outwardly and functionally but required bulb replacements. After changing all the light bulbs and giving the amp a minor cleaning it looked and performed perfectly. My first McIntosh was the MC2300 purchased new in 1976 for $1175. The amp was rated at 300 watts RMS per channel (huge number at that time) and weighted about 135 pounds. The circuit topology was very similar to the MC2100 but on a much larger scale using 12 output devices per channel instead of 4. The amp sounded fantastic and better than all my other amps at the time which included Crown, Marantz, Dynaco and Audio Research. I used the MC2300 for about a 20 years and sold it for $2000 about 800 more than I paid for it when new. I still regret selling it because is was that good. The McIntosh tube amps were very reasonably priced at the time and it would have been wise to purchase a couple MC275's which increased in value by a factor of 10. As they say hindsight is 20-20. Enjoyed you video very much, thank you for sharing you experiences and opinions.
Yes to the MC275, should have bought a few! I like the MC352, very musical. It's different when I got the MC452, completely different sound. Some of my friends prefer the 452 while others prefer the 352. Thanks for sharing your story, much appreciated.
I combine C-2600+MC601 and Lumin T2 with Focal Diablo Not only even I hear the singers’ lips moving, but the sound stage can distinguish between a seating and standing artist And I asked several friends to see if they hear and feel same thing, and the answer was yes Cannot wait till I get my hands on a pair of Rel S/3 subs
Thank God you have said it: my Mc 275 is a raising value wich I can speculate with in the market! Now, seriously. I haven't the slightest intention to sell it. I bought my unit, if my memory doesn't betrays me, in 1996, affer being driving my Mission 767 semi-active speakers with the less beefy Luxman MQ-360, wich I use from then just and only to drive a pair of AKG K-1000 headphones. The preamp is a Luxman, too: the CL-360 (all tube). The advantage of the Mission is you have to drive the four woofers with a dedicated active low pass filter and bass amp (the LFAU unit, wich was included with the loudspeakers) and you have te best, or almost, of both worlds: solid state tight, fast, deep bass and silky smoothness and "holographic" sound of tubes. I've been searching in Internet my Mac today's price. If it was costly when I bought it, nowadays is crazy even considering the cumulative inflation factor.
Yes, you have the legendary MC275. I heard the MC240 and already was really impressed by it. You really need to get something super expensive if you ever wanted to upgrade. Very nice set you have there, I am envious :)
@@ThomasAndStereo Don't be envious. The system you, not your friends, have as seen in the videos most probably outperform mine for a long distance. And my budget doesn't allow me to upgrade too much it, I'm affraid.
I have the C712 and matching MC7150 amp in my setup with some Kef LS50's (although in the past I have had them drive Dynaudio Focus 340), and I really love the sound, although I'm sure if I moved up the McIntosh food chain I would notice a big improvement. Maybe someday.
Thomas & Stereo it’ll be a tick! My dealer is ordering them straight from mcintosh so I have to wait about two weeks for them to arrive. I’m just so excited for the unboxing experience. Love the video by the way. Listening to you talk is very soothing haha.
Yep.You got it Thomas.I sold hifi for 5 years and our high end brands were Krell and Mac.YOu couldn't get more far apart.Krell had bass grip and highs that were more extended.But those highs could sound hard,metallic and etched by comparison.The Mac had weaker bass compared to both Class AB and especially Class A Krell abd it's highs were rolled off a bit but at the same time it sounded more musical.I owned both like the great value KAV-300 integrated.And I just got back after 20 years the MC712,It's fun but not up to C34 or C40 (the latter being best used value pre).The MC352 was and is a great amp.A real leap from the MC300 which was also a decent product.Tube pre's like the 2200 are great.The older gear well some think the MC240 was the best they ever made even better than the best selling MC275.The 2600 integrated a classic and bullet proof.All the Mac stuff at price point might not have the harmonic richness one one hand nor the resolution of other products but it has a coherent sound that again is for music lovers.Oh the sleeper values are the A/V MX series of pre's whose surround is from the stone age but whose stereo preformace can be gotten for a song (pun intended)
Yes, my friend has the MC240 and it sounds wonderful. I never heard the MC275 and am quite suprised you said the MC240 is better. The A/V MX series is good? I always was prejudice against them but will consider them going forward since you mention they are sleeper value. Thanks for your long comment..
I listen with headphones Stax, Denon, other... With good headphones I can hear the nuance in the inhale exhale of a singer. This aspect I am also looking for in a sound system.
You found the MC2100 in a dumpster? What neighborhood do you live in? Millionaire Roe? LOL! Dumpster or not, what a great find. Wish I can find great audio gear in a dumpster. Your so lucky.
Thanks Thomas they do sound really nice I think what I’m really missing is a preamp would like the pick up one of the luxman’s to match it up with the amps I have now. At the moment I’m using a pioneer home theater receiver as a preamp that could be the missing piece to my set up.
Hey Thomas, we were chatting about the Mcintosh amps before so I will give you an update. I got my hands on a MC2100 and you were right, it was such a big difference from my previous Outlaw 5000 multi-channel. I had a really warm sound with bigger sound stage and more instrument separation. I would've kept it however it wasn't working properly. So I went down the rabbit hole, and now a few purchases later, I'm listening to a MC7270 and couldn't be happier. I don't even know how a MC352 would compare, but each time I think it couldn't sound any better, the next model up sounds even better. I will say, I do miss the warm and fuzzy almost tube sound of the MC2100 a little though.
Nice, I was just thinking about you the other day and was wondering what happened to you. I am really happy you found something you like. The MC7270 is no joke and glad that you like the mcintosh sound. It's not for everyone but I love it.
Thomas & Stereo I'm really enjoying it, but can't help but wonder if the newer ones sound even better. I don't know if it's possible to combine the clarity of the 7270 with the warmth and smoothness of the MC2100. I've been reading about the MC152 and apparently it sounds just like the MC452 in a blind test. I need to be stopped!
Love McIntosh and Kliptch...The haters hate America. They would never buy a Cadillac. They would of course take their dollars and buy the German S-Class Mercedes... America is magical and they can't see it, let alone understand it...
Which Cadillacs are you talking about, the Cateras made in Germany or these: The Cadillac China manufacturing facility, otherwise known as Cadillac Jinqiao or Shanghai-GM Jinqiao, is located in the town of Jinqiao, Pudong, Shanghai, China. It currently produces various Cadillac and vehicles for the Chinese market.
Hi Thomas. Have you reviewed the Dynaudio confidence speakers behind you in this video? Some of the most stylish speakers ever made I think. You are a lucky guy to have this amount of toys available. Really enjoying your content.
Thanks, those are the dynaudio contour s5.4. I finally got it to sound good and all thanks to one cable. I will do that video at the same time as the dynaudio,maybe in a week or 2.
Hey there Thomas! First of all, I love your reviews. I currently own a MC2100 still running and sounding great to my ears. However, since MA252 came out, I’ve been super hyped about replacing my good old 2100 for a 252. I’m no HIFI expert, and no millionaire, so I would love to know your opinion about it. Do you think that’s a nice move? The only downside of the 2100 is the fact that it only has 1 input, so it’s a pain to switch between vinyl and cd or streaming. No made for the modern world. I would really appreciate an advice. Thanx for your time bro. Keep it up. Greetings from Mexico City
MC352!! One of my first favourites before i start off this hifi journey. I havent get it yet coz my friends insisted Mcintosh power amps arent high voltage/current amps, it doesnt have enough current to deliver, regardless of being labelled with high wattage. They explained to me something like it cannot provide high current to control the speaker drivers, the push and pull of the voice coil, cone etc. Something like that. I was devastated. When i myself listen to just youtube videos online and was already satisfied enough with the bass they push dynaudios. Even you mentioned words like "350 true watts" and "punch" the amp gives. Seems many out there try to mislead people who are fond of mcintosh. And i was one that was badly affected. Could have tested it myself if its affordable or able to audition with one, only then can i justify.
Now that you mentioned it, I think there might be some truth to it about not having enough current because if you look at my 'let's talk about power cable' video, I mentioned that I feel like it's missing power. Having put that out of the way, it is still my favorite amp, I do feel it is adequate in timing and it can give punch. I still would suggest to give it a try because it's one thing on paper and another in real life usage.That is the point of my channel, no in theory I read it on the internet "BS" (sorry, I can't think of another way to say it, 100% not trying to be disrespectful), true real life experience. There are no measurements in my channel and as I mentioned in my 'power cable' video, I don't care about the science, it's what I hear that is important. It has the kind of sound either you like it or don't. I fall in the category I do. Having said that , what you mentioned has some truth to it, I always wished it had "a bit" more power so maybe this is why. Really appreciate your feedback and it was well written.
Hi Hasan, Your post got me curious so I try to find info on it, can you ink me anything to explain the lack of Watt in the mc352, i found this forum quote where someone measured it and quote " Having said that, with the aid of one of my mates gadgets, we measured the 352 and it only starts to clip around 420W @ 8 ohms, which is well above the rated 350 per channel." . Of course, you can't believe everything written in a forum so I am taking it with a grain of salt. Any links will be much appreciated. www.stereo.net.au/forums/topic/49052-how-would-you-rate-the-mcintosh-mc352/
Thomas & Stereo hi Mr Thomas! Nahh there's no link. My friend verbally explained, without specifics or numbers, with his experience and put in simple terms for me to easily understand. Maybe he meant by damping factor? I've heard how Hegel explains the 'strength' of their amps controlling the speaker drivers by the term 'damping factor'. With higher damping factor, better control of the speaker cones. Maybe mcintosh cld be short of that? Sorry i dont have better terms to describe, my hifi friends are mostly uncles. Haha. As always, thanks for your informative prompt replies! Keep the videos coming! Im wondering when would a Confidence or the new Contour line reach your place. Cant wait! 🤗
Thanks Hasan, I do see Mcintosh damping factor is really low compare to others and it has something to do with bass control. Mcintosh are not as punchy as other amps and that is true. Someone did offer me the Dynaudio Confidence C4 but at $16k, its too much $$$ so i doubt i ever will own one.
Darn, I had a chance to pick up the Elipsa at one point but man are they expensive...I should be asking you for advice! lol. Btw, you have 30W class A right? If I absolutely have to change speakers, I would look for something 94 db and up. Your Elipsa is very nice at 91 db so not sure why you want to change but if I were you and I have to, that is the direction I would go. I say it just simply based on my friends Passlab 30w class A with his 94 db Katana, nothing like your level though....
I have Focal Aria speakers and at the stereo store the Macintosh amp provided a pleasant sound. But the top end lacked a sparkle. It was a little too relaxed. I think it would be a better amp with B&W speakers that have a brighter top end. I need to listen to the amp again but I am thinking the NAD 298 maybe a better option for what I want? Not sure
Thanks for your input on McIntosh. I haven't heard any of their products yet, but I'm curious. I like the warmer tone personally. Could you do a video on your philosophy with pairing equipment (i.e. speakers w/amps)? Or do you just try a bunch of components and listen for what sounds best?
Hi Thomas, enjoy your channel very much. As you have expressed your fondness for the Focal Kanta 2, do you think a Mac would be a good match. Perhaps a pre+amp is above my budget, but maybe I can swing an integrated such as the MA7900. My decisions are still all over the place, as have been considering if I should go to a high powered tube amp such as Primaluna or VTL, or the other way to Class D such as PS Audio Stellar or Bel Canto. Been living with my Audiolab 8000M mono blocs for the past 21 years, so moving on is not a light decision.
Thanks, yes Mcintosh is a good match, I prefer the older sound Mac because they are less analytical. The new mac like the 452 are 'modern' sounding and can be a bit bright. Never heard the MA7900 so I don't know if it is the older or newer sound. Having said that, my friend Kanta paired well with the MC452, just i myself prefered the mc352.
Good afternoon. I would like to get your opinion regarding an Macintosh products. I am coming from very humble set up including MA 252 integrated on amplifier for McIosh and text Tenkton speakers. I’m looking to upgrade so my choices are either step up to 352 versus integrated solid state MC 7200 versus 8900. Please let me know what would be your best recommendations . I understand it’s not perhaps apples to apples. But if it’s possible to advise. I would greatly appreciate that. Thank you again . And if I me I’m mostly looking for obviously sound quality but also values. Having no autoformers versus using old and measured technology -with auto-formats - does it make any difference? Thank you again
Hey buddy I love watching your videos. I have a stupid question for you: when you stop using your McIntosh MC352 do you turn it all the way off or keep it in standby mode? What is standby mode used for? Thanks a lot
I usually put it in standby mode, I think in standby mode, it can wake up with the cable trigger from the preamp. so if you can use your remote to turn on the preamp, it will also turn on the power amp.
Hi, Thomas. I’ve been enjoying your videos for awhile now. I recall watching one of Paul McGowan’s videos where he described McIntosh as “your grandfather’s stereo” and not bring “high-end.” Any thoughts?
Well to answer his question, I have to understand from what angle is he approaching this. Perhaps he has not spend good time with the latest mcintosh gear? I am the type of person who don't assume what other thinks. In this case, I would ask Paul to clarify before making any conclusions.
Thomas & Stereo Just started 5 months ago. Started with kef LS50W, then elac debut b6, nad 3020, McIntosh ma6100, Cambridge audio cxa80, cxn, Yamaha ns670, dynaco a25, oppo udp205, mcintosh mr77, mc275, quad ESL63, slippery slope. I was researching MC2100 and found you. I live in Richmond hill. Great videos BTW. still like eating chips??
Wow, those are all good stuff. Did the LS50w not satisfy you? Too bright? I see everything else you have are good stuff. You are lucky to live there, I go there a few times a year just to eat. Yeah, just ate a bag of chips.
The Mac stuff sounds very good and velvity smooth is the right term. I own Audio Research, which is more detailed which some either like or hate, but instruments with Audio Research sounds more accurate, especially if you are using their Ref 3, Ref 5se and Ref 6, preamps with let's say a ref 75 or ref 150. Would I buy Mcintosh, yes, but the prices are too high for what you get, its actually more of an investment. Mcintosh is well built and we do have a vendor in town and I have heard the equipment, but for overall detail, Audio Research is better, but for just pure fun and toe tapping, Mcintosh and the highs are slightly rolled off.
Thanks Sid, always appreciate your feedback. My friend is currently actively looking for the REF5 and can't wait for him to find one. My other friend has the REF40 anniversary edition and he is looking to upgrade to the VAC and of course, it sounds fantastic. Can't wait to make a video on it but that will be slightly more than a month before I go visit him out of town.
Hey. Thanks for letting me know about velvity smooth, please do correct me when I use the wrong terms so I can learn. My friend is actively searching for a REF5 and can't wait for him to pick one up. My only experience with Audio research are Sp8, LS16 and Ref 40 anniversary. perhaps in a month I will do a video that will include the Audio research Ref 40. Its too bad that friend live out of town so I can only hear it a few times a year.
Thomas & Stereo Hi Thomas, you want to look for the Ref5se version because their is a Ref5 as well. Your friend that has the Ref40, it should be a two box unit containing the unit and separate power supply. I have never heard the Ref40, but I would imagine that it would sound awesome. If you haven't heard it yet, I would advise you to make that trip as soon as possible to hear it and make a video. You are blessed to have the friends that you do that have tons of audio equipment. Thomas having the friends that you do can give you a huge advantage with having a variety of content to review. Did you decide to keep your Kef Ls-50s?
I have heard the Ref40 many times already and not just casual listening. The kind of listening until 3am in the morning with my friend. I get to visit him maybe 3 to 4 times every year and have known him for over 15 years. He is now thinking upgrading to a VAC preamp. The LS50, naw, was just curious, never intended to keep it.
Thank for the great video. Do you think the Ma 352 would be a good match with dynaudio evoke 50 4 ohms 87 db? I listen jazz at low volume . Thank for advance
Hello Thomas what speaker would you pair with luxman amps? I love that you have try so many combinations and could end up with great sound or bad depending on parings of equipment. Thanks for your help.
Hello Thomas, right now i have BW 801 Matrix Series 3 No luck trying them with Mark Levison 432, 333. Not good synergy Do you think the Mcintosh 2100 can open BW 801 Matrix. Thank you.
So sorry, I never heard the 801 series 3 so I would not know. The 2100 is a bit bloated with the bass so if your 801 are bass heavy, then not a good match.
What do you think about this amplifier with kef LS50? I’m thinking the warm sound with the crisp base light kegs will sound good. However they drop to 2ohms will this amp handle this on stereo. I could always monoblock later with another one?
@@jsmith6108 Well it will be hard to find something that have that Mcintosh smoothness, you will gain in speed, detail, and bass tightness with other gear. Even the newer modern Mcintosh gear does not have that smoothness.
@@ThomasAndStereo oh wow, I did not know that about the new McIntosh gear. That smoothness is why I like that amp. Thank you again. I have taken a deep dive into rare set amps with horns and 15’s... maybe I can run the 15’s off the McIntosh. Shit, now I want to rebuild the speaker set-up. Hahaha! Thanks again.
I have a C712 & MC300 I want to sell because I can't turn it up in my condo... I live in Central Florida and am not looking forward to packaging this... I have an MC302 Box with original packaging and will deliver within 500 miles...
Hi Thomas, I am new to your chanel, I would to ask you if the new mcintosh MA252 hybrid is a good matchin with klipsch rp-280F based in your experience with macintosh amps? Thanks!
Welcome! Although I never heard the MA252, in theory it shoud. It's rated at 250w and Klipsh with their horn are very efficient. Infact, I would say the MA252 is 'too good' for those speakers if I just look at the price alone. Good luck.
I had the focal 836 and really like it, it can be bright so a mcintosh smooth amp will help. Depends how big your room is but if you can go with the 3 woofer speaker, it will give you better bass and bigger sound stage.
I have a different system for movies so I never try it. It definitely has punch, infact, one of it;'s strength is punch. With 350 true watt, it has. I don't know older mcintosh gear, but this mc352 does not subdued the highs, all the details are there, you can feel the reverb from the guitar and it still gives me the chills even after hearing the songs many time.
okay i will put it on my hunting list for future reference. we have a very responsible mcintosh dealer in here that also distributes marantz and denon. they provide good service, add your good impression on the mcintosh into the mix = i will put it on my priority list. we also have a hegel dealer, but i had no experience with their after market service. and as for parasound, their jc5 looks intriguing, BUT we only have importers here. no official distributor. thank you for your responses, appreciated as always.
yea, i will discuss that with you once i bought something new. so far the only things i can relate from your reviews are the monitor audio gx100 and silver. i currently have gold signature gs10s. what i heard from your recent gx300 sound samples ( even though i know i wasnt there in that room - i am on surface pro 4, no external dac, using zero audio carbo doppio earphone ), i quickly recognize the monitor audio signature i am familiar with.i have been with them since 2006. it is so bright when compared to the totem. what you said of them is spot on, i can confirm. i didnt post this comment right away because i mostly watch your channel on the bed, lights off, ready to sleep at around 11:30 pm at night, so typing would be hard. btw, i am looking at kef reference 1 ( because they make singers sing as if they are singing right in front of me, unamplified and they image really well with deep bass ) OR would go to salksound for my next speaker upgrade. based on my research, even the high end speaker manufacturers used readily available drivers from scanspeak, accuton, seas, etc etc. that is why i consider jim salk's product. he is a very nice guy. he collaborated with some of the best diy speaker builder such as dennis murphy and paul kittinger. i am looking for a big bookshelf ( because i have no space for towers ), and i already have a pair of svs pb2000s. i want to go 3 way, using drivers already available in salk factory in bulk, but in new configuration that doesnt currently exist in salk's line up. the bookshelf / monitors they have : - exotica R : doesnt go low and the mid range dispersion is not wide enough, so they might not image as well as the ones with smaller drivers. jim said they need toe in, definetely. the drivers are expensive too. - soundscape7m, the cabinet is too tall, so when i put them on my wall pedestal, the position of the tweeter would be way overhead, and the center speaker is also too big, especially the ported one. - silk / silk at, these two are too small. the top end and mids would be glorious, but jim said they might not provide the slam like exotica r can with its big woofers. i have heard sound samples of them on youtube and i like them a lot : but it is 50:50 music and movie for me, so i have to have the best of both worlds. i may ask jim to custom build a "supercharged" silk monitor. they have raal 70-20 xr, the flagship product from raal, put the mid 5.5 inch audio technology woofer ( C-Quence ) on top, and a 7 inch scanspeak illuminator on the bottom, either front ported or sealed would be fine. rear ported is no no. if this can go down to 40 hz i would be happy. i dont care about the width of the speaker, because my situation could cater to that. but the height and depth of the speaker could be a problem if i am not careful. because the wall pedestals were made for monitor gs10s. i am not sure if this combo works or doable. i am not a speaker expert, i dont understand the specs provided at madisound. and i rarely see drivers in this config. i saw some at selahaudio but they are all discontinued. there must be a reason why. btw rick craig of selah is really nice too. he answers my questions nicely. i like him a lot, but his speakers look bland compared to salk. if i lived in united states i would also purchase from him for my 2nd system. so, i do hope you got a sample of salk speaker for your future episodes. i may need two years to save money for this, because the salk is going to be very expensive ( custom made cabinet made in usa ) + tax + shipping into my city. the super expensive kef reference 1 might be cheaper compared to salks in the end, for my situation.
Felix xia I found Mac too smooth for movies. At least for action or any movies where anything kicks off. If you’re watching remains of the day it’s really pleasant. But for action I’d go with Bryston or Naim
Thomas I have a question if you could please HELP I have a chance to pick up a pair of Mackintosh LS350 they are in Perfect condition for $500 I've never heard them and I'm supposed to pick them up tonight was wondering what you think about them or maybe you have never heard them yourself....I've heard there power hungry....idk Thomas I really need your help please Elaborate as soon as possible!!!!! Thank you hope I'm not making a bad decision
I don't know this speaker so can't really comment on it. I do noticed that if I do a search on the internet, $400 +is the asking price of a few ads. www.hifishark.com/search?q=mcintosh+ls350 So for me, it's a so so deal. The only thing that is appealing is that it is in perfect condition. There are people who ask a lot but does not mean they will sell at that price. I don't know if any of these speakers need refoaming. So the danger is if you don't like the sound of these speakers, then it might be hard to resell.
I never heard one but I did have the MA6900. It was my first experience with mcintosh and I so regret having sold it. It does have the mcintosh old sound and I really liked it.
I had the emotiva xpa5, upa2,xda2 dac. I remember it had good power and great for hometheater setup. Not as refined as amps i try these days but great value for the money.
Thomas & Stereo - oh ok thank you for your explanation Perhaps you should incorporate a little meditation or yoga into your videos since you are already down there !
Well, not if you move to the 452 and newer ones. It means you are going for the new McIntosh sound, less musical but more modern analytical audiophile type of sound. Pros and cons to both type of sound.
@@ThomasAndStereo In your experience, if the room is 4m x 7.5m and the speaker is 90dB sensitivity e.g. Focal Scala, would something strong be an overkill? The speakers run pretty loud with a cheap 25W tube amplifier and cheap Pioneer AVR as a preamp. For example, let's say that the options are Accuphase A70, or E650 or E470 etc. Obviously, if bigger room, A70 would be better, but can we say that there is no noticeable increase in quality if the room is 4m x 7.5m after, for example, E470? Or there would be a noticeable increase in quality all the way to A70 even if the room is not big (e.g. room in an apartment)?
ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-w4QKZXiUjhA.html ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-hSac09svJuc.html Do a search on his channel and you will find more regarding your question. I know accuphase is good but its not only the quantity of watt but also the quality. So it's not a question of playing loud. A high power amp can do it effortlessly while a low power amp might struggle with difficult passage. Both can reach 95db in volume for example but one will be like a man singing and another like a kid yelling.
oh! i just found this review! good timing as i'm evaluating wether i should get a MC2100! thanks for the review Thomas. BTW, do you still have the MC2100?
I think I recall Stereophile's G Gordon Holt's primary audio directive being, "do no harm!" Audio errors of "omission" are not "in your face". Errors of "commission" are. thus..McIntosh. Doing "no harm" ;)
