Time for a new McIntosh amp!

Hey guys,

Upgrade-itis has bit me too hard again. For my last (ever!) amplifier purchase, I just got a new McIntosh MC-402 to replace my MC-202 (enjoy George ).

I use B&W Nautilus 802s for my left and right speakers. They are big monsters that can kick out bass if given enough horsepower. My current living room is a smallish apartment, and the MC202 did a great job. I plan on moving in the fall, and I know from experience that a bigger room is tough on these speakers/amp combo. A fantastic deal on the new amp was irresistible, and so now it sits in my living room. I actually had to get a special table just for the amp, as it weighs 111lbs, so no rack can hold it.

First off, this a new amp from McIntosh. It replaces the popular MC-352 model. The 402 is rated at 400watts X 2. This new line of amps is very unique as it is the first ever amplifier from McIntosh to use fiber-optic lighting for the illuminated nomenclature on the front and the big blue meters. Man does this thing glow! The amp is a fully balanced, dual differential design, although I'm using single-ended inputs for the time being. Like other current stereo McIntosh amps, the MC402 uses "autoformers" which allow the amp to have the ideal impedance to match speakers rated at 2, 4 or 8 ohms. Basically all amps have an impedance "sweet spot" where their maximum power is at one load rating. Your speakers vary impedance over their frequency spectrum. The autoformers allow you to select the best amp output for your particular speakers average impedance load. I use the 4 ohm taps on my Nautilus 802s, seems to do OK.

So how does it sound? Marvelous! In total honesty, it doesn't sound all that different from the MC202 it replaced. The main difference seems to come from a better soundstage and the way it seems to make the drivers of the speaker "blend" better. Now, the tweeter, midrange and bass drivers smooth together to where I can no longer tell where one begins and the other ends. A good thing for sure. Bass capabilities seem about the same. I am certain this area holds room for more improvement when I move to my new place with a bigger area.

The picture below really doesn't even do this thing justice. It's much more massive in real life. The front panel is a new 3D glass design. I like the open-chassis look with stainless steel. Resembles Mac amps of old. I really an enamored by the cosmetics of this amp. I know it shouldn't really make a difference, but to me it is an attention-grabber and something I know I'll enjoy for many years. Other amps in this price and power range are typically big shiny metal boxes with little character. The MC402 says "hey look at me!".

And this is it for upgrades (really!) for me for a looooong while. Two pairs of Grover interconnects are on the way, and I'm through. Time to do some listening!

 

And the top. Cooool.

 

Mac fan myself - all-around (Macintosh computers and McIntosh amps). Beautiful piece of equipment. Should kick some serious butt when you get the room to cut it loose.

 

Oh yeah! I gave it a bit of a test volume run today, and it made the 802s come alive. I can't wait for a bigger place.

 

Someday I gotta hear a pair of 802's. Was never a fan of B&W's lower-end models (under 4k), but their pricier models can really sing.

 

Mmmmmm...impedence sweet spot. Aughaghghaugh (_8^(b)...

If that thing sounds half as good as it looks...oh, man!

Congratulations!

 

Thanks, Jason! Would you believe the meters on this thing go up to 1600watts?!? I'm starting to think it was a bit of overkill, as I get no where even 100watts with levels I'm comfortable listening at.

 

Congrats! I have the N802s driven by the MC202 and have been ecstatic with the combination.

 

Hey, cut that out, grbl! You tryin' to get me to drop a bundle on 802's?

I'm running an MC202 as well...

 

Do it. They sound incredible. And you already have the amp.

 

Well, as I noted above, I'd at least like to give 'em a good audition. Then maybe they can go on "the list" of priorities. Gotta spend some bucks for a few projects around the house, though (as if THAT was important )

 

Trust me casino, you owe it to your ears

Look at it this way: You already have enough muscle to go behind N802s. Put that MC202 to good use! If/when you find a dealer who has N802s to listen to, make sure they have an equivalent amp running with them. Anything McIntosh will give you a good idea, anything from Krell.....and you'll have a different beast altogether.

 

Will do. Last Krell I heard was rather "hard" sounding.

 

That's what I think of Krell as well. I've never heard a Krell+B&W combo that was to my liking.

 

I don't have Krell amps since 9 years... my favorite amplifiers are by Jeff Rowland! For my ears... better than the most tube gear... well, the big Macs sound good and amazing... extraordinary midrange, but they also color the sound... I don't like amps who give sweetness to the music... most of the tubes do! That's not my thing...

It's true I have Wilson Audio speakers since more than 10 years... the best american speakers (IMHO).

 

Wow Claus! That is a nice room. Have you posted that picture before? It looks very familiar.

Color the sound? Maybe. But rooms/environment can color sound a lot more. I'll take a little "sweetness" anyday. I think my girlfriend even called the sound "syrupy" one day

 

Hey Claus,

I thought you left the High End building?

-Jeffrey