Mac MC602
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damacman
Resident Psycho
Well, I don't think the OP minds that we've derailed the thread a bit - such is the norm here anyhow.
OP - be sure to let us know if you get it. I'm thinking that you already have a pair of MC2300s so that would be a pretty big leap in technology. [I digress however, as I still get daily enjoyment from my pair of MC2300s and they leave nothing to desire.] I don't know if you saw this or not, but put the attached comparison together a while back . . . feel free to download and save it. It's a nice reference.
damacman
Resident Psycho
That's pretty common and perfectly within reason.
I appreciate the comparison chart. The 2300's are old school in style and sound, but they truly depict the music that I have listened to for 45 years, The newer Mac's are clean and sound great. I have listened to a set of Mono 501's run through a c2600 and they sounded incredible, but still different from the 2300's. I am on a final quest to get my Mac system to where I want it before I retire in a few years. The 190lb shipping weight is a sticking point in the final negotiations at this point. They want $500 to ship it up to where I live and I feel that is outrageous. My buddy is trying to get me look at the MC452 or MC462 if I want to stick with a one piece unit. Some of the people that chimed in recommended a pair of mono's and so does my buddy that has the MC501's.
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damacman
Resident Psycho
Yeah that's crazy but also typical. I guess it all depends on the deal you can get on the amp.
What are you using the MC2300s for at present?
kevzep
Its all about the Music
I agree, this makes sense for sure. I think we are all on the same page here.
kevzep
Its all about the Music
Sometimes I think I want a pair of MC601's, because it might be "better", this changes when I sit and listen to my music, my system delivers the music to my ears in such a pleasant way that I believe I am at the point of diminishing returns....
If you think the 602 is off the table, most certainly look at the MC452/462 option, these options will see you right for a long time....
I suspect that the OP's Mc2300's were owned by Moi in the not too distant past.... 
damacman
Resident Psycho
Seems like their former owner also courted an MC602 for a while . . .I suspect that the OP's Mc2300's were owned by Moi in the not too distant past....
Almost bought one @ A.C., but they had a 'C1' Mc500 at a bargain price,(It looked like new)Seems like their former owner also courted an MC602 for a while . . .
and so I went...!
twiiii
Lunatic Member
When I visited Audio Classics Frank Set up a 602 with a pair of 1K speakers using a C-2300 and a MCD 500. I brought some of my own CD;s and as else where I didn't like the C-2300. So we used a C-500T which I like . I have heard 1K's with 1201's 402s's and 2301's. The 602 for a smaller room was a great choice. As with all other amps I had HF issues with the IK being too bright. Only a 2301's kind of mellowed them a bit, but 1K's were something I would never buy. But they did reveal over many auditions around the country that a MC 602 was a fine amplifier and sounded just as good as 402's and 1201's at the 12 watt average listing levels. Only when playing Telarc with their special effects did the Power Guard light flash . Now I have never heard a 602 drive anything else but the sound was so similar to other Mac amps with the right speakers I shouldn't see why there would be complaints. It will sound different than MC2300's for sure, just like 2105's sound different than a MC 152. I know the 602 doesn't have the newer output devices Mac is using today, just like the 1201 doesn't have the new devices either. 1.2 K and 1.25 k are supposed to better in the highs with a little more consistent sound as temps change and consistency over the long hall. And yes the 1201 has a reputation with some speakers of having sound of its own and maybe thats reflected in the 602 also. But I heard nothing to complain about other than the C-2300 and the 1K speakers. The 602 revealed these issues just like other newer Mac amps so I would say I have no issues with the 602. Whats is nice is doesn't have the noisy fans of the MC 2300's. If you want something that is closer in sound to your 2300 you want a MC 2500, then a little further away MC 2600. Then further comes the 602, two 601's and furthest two 611's. Does a 602 put out 700 + watts per channel like a 2300 driven in mono, I don't know. Maybe Steve or Ryan at Audio Classics can answer that question. Frank would know, but he has taken a long vacation never to return.
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I bought both 2300's from Bob and without a doubt it was 1 of the best decisions that I have made. They have a sound that I haven't heard replicated in other equipment. The newer equipment has it own presence of sound that distinguishes from others. have consulted Bob on several items that I have looked at for guidance. To seal the deal for the MC602 - McIntosh wanted $200 for a shipping container to be built and shipped and the Seller wanted about $500 to ship the unit to me. I would have been paying in the mid 6 thousands for the amp. I am just wondering whether a set of mono 501's which I have listened to or a MC452 which is newer. would definitely be a better choice. I figured that there is a lot of very knowledgeable that could shed some extra light on the good and bad of each system. I do thank everyone that chimed in on the subject.
damacman
Resident Psycho
Therein is the rub. A 155lb amplifier with a glass faceplate - might as well be shipping a pallet of Faberge eggs. If you want the MC602, then tell Audio Classics to put the feeler out for one for you and then broker a deal with them that includes shipping. That's exactly what I did with the MC500. When they found one, I got the call and we inked a deal. They shipped it to me in the very same box used for the MC602 (massive) and it came by freight on a pallet. Even still, it was quite difficult to unload from the truck when it showed up as few of us have a forklift parked around back. I think this is why so few folks actually pursue the MC602.
IMHO, I've just not heard enough good about the MC602 to chase after one. I also don't like the aesthetics - Mc got all of the proportions on the MC452 and MC500 right and all of them wrong on the MC602. The faceplate on the MC602 looks to me like the meters should have been about 25% larger. The only guy that I can recall that posted about the one he owned here at AK sold his MC500 to acquire it, which he regretted as he preferred the MC500.
I just looked at Audio Classics web site and they show B1 MC452s and B1 MC462s both in stock. Man, I'd be on the phone with them in an attempt to work a deal on either of those shipped to your front door long before I'd spend $750 to get an MC602 shipped to you from who knows where. Either that, or tell the guy with the 602 - Listen Pal, ship it at your cost and I'm in. If he says no, then tell him - When you're ready, just let me know. Patience is a virtue. I can't tell you how many times I've done that. I had a Klipsch dealer in TX call me with a pair of oil on oak K-horns. Guy wanted $2,500 for the pair in like '98. I said, "I'm not your guy at $2,500 but I am your guy at $1,000." 6 mos later the phone rang . . . and I bought them for $1k.
As for your MC2300s . . . let's just say that we're kindred spirits there. @gmc also has a pair and he isn't anxious to sell them either. I've had about 25 over the years, still have two and I use them every single day.
gmc
Well-Known Member
I love my MC2300s but bought a MC452, in January, because I wanted something that I shouldn't have to worry about for 25 years, or so.
They are definitely different amplifiers, but I have been using the MC452 exclusively, for the most part. That said, I plan get everything set up to where it will be easy enough to go back and fourth when I get the itch.
The one time I did go back to the MC2300s, I had noticed a lot more noise in the system than I had become accustomed to since the introduction of the newer amp. It wasn't something that I noticed prior to the acquisition of the MC452. It was also apparent that the MC2300s are much ballsier sounding amps, if that is something to your liking. If they had the same signal to noise ratio as the MC452, I think I might prefer listening to the MC2300s. Apples to oranges, and both are amazing amplifiers.
I really love the MC452 and no longer think about upgrading. Before the purchase I was intent on a pair of MC601s, but the 452 came up at a price that I couldn't pass up. I weighed the pros and cons and decided that I didn't mind saving rack space, and that when the time finally comes for service, if I'm still breathing, I'd rather haul in, and pay for, one 110 lb amp than two 93 lb amps. I think I made the right choice, as the 452 doesn't leave me wanting for the 601s.
As Tony mentioned, I don't intend on parting with my MC2300s as they have a particular sound, that I love, that I can not get from the newer amps. Whether better, or worse, I cannot say, but now I don't want to live without either.
W9TR
Super Member
I own an MC 602. It sounds very much like the only other McIntosh solid state amps I’ve owned, the MC 601 monoblocks. I’ve sold the 601’s if that says anything. I also understand the MC 452 and 601 sound similar, although I have not heard one in my system to compare. The 602 is biased to run class A up to 20 wpc, so it sounds great at low levels. I put aftermarket handles, feet, and led lighting on mine. I don’t know how many of these McIntosh sold, but I think it had a pretty short production run. These come up for sale very rarely. People tend to hang onto them. I’d be happy to answer any questions you might have.
Tom
Tom
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I'm very happy that you are enjoying the amps, Greg!
May they serve you well for a long, long time!I am enjoying the Mc452, and I can definitely recommend the amp to anyone. If I won the lottery, I'd probably go with a pair of 1201's, but I'll likely stand pat with what I have. You might want to put a call into Audio Classics, and see what prices are like for their 'B1' condition offerings for a '452, '462, 601/1201 monoblocks, etc. The road trip to A.C. in Vestal, NY might be a consideration if time is available.
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