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Mcintosh MC901

motorstereo

motorstereo

AK Subscriber
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Looks like Mcintosh's engineering dept. has been keeping busy:eek2:

Announcing the McIntosh

MC901 Dual Mono Amplifier


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McIntosh is proud to announce the new MC901 Dual Mono Amplifier.

Legendary home audio company McIntosh has been perfecting vacuum tube amplifiers since the 1940s and solid state amplifiers since the 1960s. Their amplifiers have been used at many historic events including presidential inaugurations and Woodstock, as well as in landmark sound systems like the Grateful Dead's Wall of Sound and Despacio. From that heritage comes a truly one-of-a-kind home audio amplifier only they could dream of, design and build as the ultimate solution for bi-amping loudspeakers: the new McIntosh MC901 Dual Mono Amplifier.

The MC901 is a monoblock amplifier that drives a single speaker. But it is unlike any other monoblock amplifier. What makes the MC901 so unique is that it's two amplifiers combined into one. Adding to the uniqueness is that each amplifier is of differing design philosophies: the MC901 consists of a 300 Watt vacuum tube amplifier attached to a 600 Watt solid state amplifier on one unified chassis.

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The 300 Watt vacuum tube portion powers the speaker's mid and upper drivers via eight KT88 output tubes, plus four 12AT7 and two 12AX7A signal tubes; the solid state section delivers 600 Watts of dedicated power to the power hungry woofers. The 300 Watt vacuum tube amp in the MC901 uses McIntosh's patented Unity Coupled Circuit output transformer – the same technology McIntosh was founded on in 1949 – to deliver its full 300 Watts into almost any speaker regardless if it has 2, 4 or 8 Ohm impedance. Similarly, the 600 Watt solid state amp delivers its full 600 Watts into a 2, 4 or 8 Ohm impedance speaker via McIntosh's Autoformer™ technology.

Vacuum tubes do not perform at their best when they are amplifying lower frequencies that are not being used by the loudspeaker. With the MC901, the vacuum tube amp will not be burdened with low end reproduction as the solid state section will drive these frequencies. The two amplifier sections of the MC901 are designed to work together in a synergistic relationship and are specifically engineered to assure that each section only amplifies its intended frequencies. Each amplifier section has its own discrete power supply so neither siphons power or performance away from the other. All of this results in easy bi-amping with unparalleled performance and sound reproduction from the speakers.

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Prior to the MC901, bi-amping a speaker required two separate amplifiers. It also required an external crossover, along with a lot of trial and error, to properly configure the two detached amplifiers so they worked together as best as possible. The MC901 solves this issue thanks to its internal, adjustable crossover with the controls easily accessible on the top of the unit. These adjustable crossover filters allow the user to optimize the performance of both amplifier sections to their listening preferences. Relative gain levels for each amplifier section can be adjusted from -6dB to + 3dB. A direct feed can also be connected to each amplifier section, thus bypassing the filters.

Like virtually all McIntosh amplifiers, the MC901 features an iconic "McIntosh Blue" Watt meter, which has come to be recognized around the world as a symbol of quality audio. And just like the MC901 itself is a new design, so too is its meter with the introduction of McIntosh's new DualView™ Power Output Meter. The DualView meter features two of McIntosh's traditional, fast responding mechanical meters stacked above and below each other in a single meter window; one meter is dedicated to the 300 Watt vacuum tube amp and the other to the 600 Watt solid state amp. Each meter operates independently of the other and displays the real time power reading of each amplifier section.

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While an entirely new design, the MC901 comes with the technology one would expect from a McIntosh amplifier: Power Guard® in the 600 Watt solid state amplifier section, Sentry Monitor™, Quad Balanced design, Power Control, Solid Cinch™ speaker binding posts, McIntosh Monogrammed Heatsinks™, and McIntosh's eco-friendly Power Management System.

A brand new technology in the 300 Watt vacuum tube amplifier section of the MC901 is Power Guard Screen Grid Sensor™ (SGS). Power Guard SGS™ helps prevent premature vacuum tube failure by monitoring the screen grid current in the KT88 output vacuum tubes. If the current becomes too high, a circuit in Power Guard SGS is activated which then dynamically attenuates the input signal in real time to keep the vacuum tubes operating at safe levels.

Although the MC901 may look different than any McIntosh product before it, a quick glance reveals signature McIntosh design cues. The top is highlighted by a series of diagrams printed on glass that outline the basic circuitry and specifications of the unit, along with a glass nameplate trimmed with a circular aluminum ring that's finished to match the front panel endcaps. The sides are adorned with vintage McIntosh-styled die cast aluminum name badges. Two classic McIntosh knobs are located on the front of the polished stainless steel chassis, and direct LED backlighting illuminates the DualView meter, McIntosh logo and the lettering on the black glass front panel. The uncompromising level of fit and finish that is expected of a McIntosh product completes the MC901.


Unit Dimensions (W x H x D):
17-1/2" (44.5cm) x 13-1/4" (33.7cm) x 29-1/2" (74.9cm)

Shipping Dimensions (W x H x D):
24-13/16" (63cm) x 18-3/8" (46.7cm) x 36-1/4" (92.1cm)

Unit Weight:
170 lbs (77.1 kg)

Shipping Weight:
190 lbs (86.2 kg)

Expected to begin shipping December 2019

• US MSRP: $17,500 each Mono Amplifier

A one-of-a-kind, ultimate solution for bi-amping loudspeakers with dual inputs
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Obviously fine if you have money to burn. I'd be able to find better ways to upgrade my system with $35k. Plus, where would you put those behemoths?
 
These would no doubt be amazing with my Salon 2's. They also cost more than I have into my entire system, so I guess I am not the target market.

It's a great idea though - I wish they had done a 60/300 watt version at a much lower price point. 300 watts on the upper registers is ludicrous overkill.

jblnut
 
Wow crazy but beautiful !! Here let me check my pocket and see if I have the money ,oh gosh I'm a little short !!,
 
Unlikely that Mac would spend the money to develop this without market research. Other audio companies make uber-expensive gear. At the recent RMAF, I listened to a pair of speakers with an MSRP of $250,000. I actually liked better a pair of $125,000 speakers I heard elsewhere at the show - so there's a margin for ya. Michael Fremer (of Analog Planet and Stereophile) recently reviewed a tone arm with an MSRP of $50,000.

Exotic car companies keep coming out with very expensive super car models.

So somebody is buying this stuff and I don't think the US is the target market. I think these sell in Asia and the Middle East (e.g. the UAE).
 
Its a shame Magico speakers don't have dual inputs this amp might be the ticket for S5 MK II and S7. This would be the perfect match for JBLs DD series speakers 65000, 67000. It doesn't have enough power or all the gimmicks a JBL M2 needs but I bet it would sound nicer than the Crown amps they use. It would be the perfect amp for my speakers if the power were reduced by more than half. I very seldom use more than 100 watts to the woofers though they handle 200 watts my 207 puts out. Who builds speakers that need that kind of power. You can't by-pass the crossover on any of Macs speakers, so whose left? I am going to read the specs right now. And what do you do about three way systems that are much more common. Shucks, its not their website tonight!!!!!!!!!!!!! And they should have put the meter assembly on a hinge so the amp can be rotated 90 degrees so as not to be so deep.. Personally I would have preferred if it looked more like a 2301. At least they learned their lesson from the 2152 and went back to a chrome chassis and proper lettering. Which cost more a 2301 with a 611? Thats what. a 901 is after all with a crossover. I wonder if the put a time delay so you could acoustically align the arrival times. Do they give a choice of slopes and what type of crossover alignment, Butterworth for instance. Are they going to build a new speaker to go with this amp or modify a 1.1K?????
 
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Holy cow!

Don’t tell me that McIntosh is not innovating. This is brilliant. Of course it’s not cheap but trickledown technology might offer a less expensive solution in the future.

I can’t count the number of discussions and questions I’ve seen about either biamping or mixing tubes and solid state.

Well played McIntosh!
 
This is perfect match for my XR290. Though would be cheaper to just use a pair of MC2301s with my MC1000s. But I am sure this would be a better integration. Love the 190 lb weight.

i have on occasion put too much HF power in the XR290 tweeter arrays and caused the HF speaker protection to kick in and out momentarily until some LF bleeds off amp power. Only a few songs capable of that Led Zep and Jimmy H. This amp would solve that.
 
twiiii said:
Its a shame Magico speakers don't have dual inputs this amp might be the ticket for S5 MK II and S7. This would be the perfect match for JBLs DD series speakers 65000, 67000. It doesn't have enough power or all the gimmicks a JBL M2 needs but I bet it would sound nicer than the Crown amps they use. It would be the perfect amp for my speakers if the power were reduced by more than half. I very seldom use more than 100 watts to the woofers though they handle 200 watts my 207 puts out. Who builds speakers that need that kind of power. You can't by-pass the crossover on any of Macs speakers, so whose left? I am going to read the specs right now. And what do you do about three way systems that are much more common. Shucks, its not their website tonight!!!!!!!!!!!!! And they should have put the meter assembly on a hinge so the amp can be rotated 90 degrees so as not to be so deep.. Personally I would have preferred if it looked more like a 2301. At least they learned their lesson from the 2152 and went back to a chrome chassis and proper lettering. Which cost more a 2301 with a 611? Thats what. a 901 is after all with a crossover. I wonder if the put a time delay so you could acoustically align the arrival times. Do they give a choice of slopes and what type of crossover alignment, Butterworth for instance. Are they going to build a new speaker to go with this amp or modify a 1.1K?????
Click to expand...

Your MX150 could give you crossover choices.
 
Just 2.5" under a yard deep(!) I wonder what equipment furniture will be able to accommodate these for the all important visual access to the meters. I'm not convinced about the advantages of passive bi-amplification (or indeed any multi amplification except in pro applications) but a nice solution for those who are and who have the means.

Vaguely reminds me of the Altec 770A dual crossover amplifier with 30/60 watts.

altec_lansing_770a_electronic_crossover_biamplifier.jpg
 
But not when I am in the Stereo analog mode using my C-34. I have since read more about the 901, and the crossover can be by-passed and then the two amps become totally separate. But what they show on the website and sales sheet doesn't reveal anything about the crossover. It should have a digital display for proper set up. Touch one of the 4 controls and the proper information shows on the display. Sort of similar to touching a button on a MR-80. This is some thing they could incorporate in all their units. Touch a balance control and see the setting or touch a volume control or graphic tone control. Then the display would go blank, touch or engage a function on the remote and the display would come back to life, too. I have an issue with them calling the unit a 901. What dubious speaker company was made famous by the choice of 901? I sort of remember it having nine small drivers 1 of which. was facing the front, the others to the rear. Any one else old enough to remember? The MC 3500 was the only amp at the time that could really power the speaker properly.
 
Was the choice on the Altec 500/800 HZ or did it also include 1200 hz. It was the Altec 1224A that had the additional 1500 HZ crossover choice with the same power. It was rated down to 2 ohms also. 60/30 watts would have been perfect for my Altec Carmels way back when, or even a pair of Split La Scalas or Kornerhorns today. Even the power would be perfect for the original A7-500. There were a lot of speakers back in the 60 and early 70's where the little Altec amp would be perfect. Even the mighty Paragon or Hartsfield from JBL would make a good match. What. ever happened to all those great efficient speakers. I guess the little AR3/3a was truly the giant slayer. Can you imagine having a HT system with 5 Hartsfields or 5 EV Patrician 800's with 30" woofers? Maybe 3 Concert Grands and 4 Symphonys. That would mean 20 12" B-199 woofers. Who needs subs? Lets see if Mac had designed the 2152 with a polarity switch and make it possible so you could bridge the amp it would be come a Quad balanced mono amp, also. Come to think of it. A 901 is a 2152 in mono with a 600 watt stereo amp thrown in for only a few thousand more dollars. Heck of a deal. And you get a free crossover, too. Lets all run out and buy two or three 901's . Look at all the money we will be saving. If you bought two of them and split them, it would be like having two 2301 for one pair of speakers and two 611's for another pair. Now you are even saving more money. Do I sound like a used car salesman yet? Thats why I by Crew cab diesels with 8 ft beds. I get the fuel milage and comfort of a large sedan with plenty of leg and hip room and I can sit up straight and not have to be semi reclined and then have a full 8 ft bed truck when I need to do some work. Plus it will tow over 18,000 LBS. name a sedan than can do that. And if I wanted I could have a full leather interior and 1000 Lbs of torque. Just like the 901 you have muscle when you need it and sophistication of tubes, too. How can you loose.
 
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