MC501 compared to MC402
- Thread starter dan-r
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You're approaching the question from the wrong end. It's like asking what do you get from going from Honda Accord to Acura NSX besides 100hp or so... (not to insult the 402 with the analogy, I love the 402!) there is more to it than just specs. Yes you are getting slightly better specs but in terms of what really matters, or the sound, the 501 are a little better with transparency, focus and soundstage, not a night and day difference but noticeable none the less. The 501s are the champs of continuousness... according to TAS. :yes: Don't knock it, you made the right choice, oh yea, congrats and ENJOY!:thmbsp:
Thanks for the replies:yes:
I can't wait tell they come in:yippy:
Are the single meter on a MC501 larger then in the stereo amps from mac?
I love the meters on the MC1201
I will have to be careful with the volume on the XLS320s but I am sure they will sound great with the new amps
Dan
My system:
Bel Canto Dac 3 as dac/preamp
Mac 501's ( on the way )
Mac XLS320 speakers
Focal JM Labs SW700 subwoofer
Macintosh Mac Mini as music server
I can't wait tell they come in:yippy:
Are the single meter on a MC501 larger then in the stereo amps from mac?
I love the meters on the MC1201
I will have to be careful with the volume on the XLS320s but I am sure they will sound great with the new amps
Dan
My system:
Bel Canto Dac 3 as dac/preamp
Mac 501's ( on the way )
Mac XLS320 speakers
Focal JM Labs SW700 subwoofer
Macintosh Mac Mini as music server
Victor
Super Member
Yes Dan you will love the MC501s.dan-r said:Are the single meter on a MC501 larger then in the stereo amps from mac?
I love the meters on the MC1201
The MC501 meter is 2 3/8"x5 1/2" so yes it is big and beautiful.
When I added the MC501s to XLS360s the sound improvement was HUGE, I would expect the same with XLS320s. I think the MC501s have much better imaging than the MC402, no big surprise there they are mono blocks. The MC501s also did a lot to improve the bass on the XLS360s.
Victor
Tom Blasing
Super Member
MacDogg said:
Don't feel too bad. I have a 252 and I still love it.:thmbsp: But as it stands with the amount of money I'm (not) making, it'll be forever till I can get another Mac preamp or tuner.
ara:
Victor
Super Member
RoHS is new requirements for electronics sold in European Nation States for products sold as of July 1, 2006. It limits use of lead, mercury, cadmium and so on. As far as I know the biggest difference in RoHS products is the use of lead free solder.hassel said:
My new MC501s have a new serial number prefix. I'm guessing the number was changed to show the change to RoHS. The old MC501 were numbered UMxxxx and the new MC501s are numbered WUxxxx. So if my theory is correct MC501s with the serial numbers WU0001 or higher are RoHS.
I was a little concerned that the use of lead free solder may change the sound but this is not a problem. I have heard several MC501s and I think my new MC501s have the best sound of any of them. :yes:
Victor
No, mine do!
Seriously though, solder quality/solder joint is a concern if the signal has to pass through the solder only such as a poor mechanical contact between wire/component leads and what ever they are getting soldered to, think about it, solder is used just to hold the two parts together like glue only conductive. If there is a good mechanical connection, solder differences matter not one bit. I know a thing or two about mil-spec soldering from my younger days.
groovemaster
Well-Known Member
dan-r said:I recently ordered a pair of MC501 mono amplifiers
I was asked what I am gaining , besides 100watts per channel compared to MC402.:scratch2:
Better power supplies?
Anything else?
Dan
Two blocks is always better than one.:thmbsp:
