More power than MC-2102

[mikekan]

Hello my friends!

I have the mc-2102 and c2000 combo with the Verity Sarastro which are 93 db. Τhe mc-2102, as you know, is rated at 100W.
The problem is that I need more power. Is there a more powerful Mc amp, with lamps if possible.If there is not, will I lose much if I go to solid state?

Thanks in advance.

 

[mikekan]

Do you think the ideal solution would be one more 2012 or the 2301 monoblock amplifiers?

 

[beerdraft]

If the MC2301's are in the budget, IMO they are in another league as far as sound goes. Although I don't have the 2102, the dealer does and they sound very nice but man the Mc2301's, just WOW is all I can say to describe them. That isn't saying anthing bad about the 2102 though it is a very nice piece and them in mono would be nice as well. I have the 2301's and I can say they are better than I expected.

 

[Shane]

from the stereophile review
" Its impedance stays above 6 ohms for most of the audioband (fig.1), which would imply that the speaker is an easy lead for an amplifier to drive. However, the impedance magnitude drops to 3 ohms at 8kHz, and there is an awkward combination of 4.1 ohms and a –54 degrees electrical phase angle at 5.5kHz, which suggests a good 4 ohm–rated amplifier would work best"

If you like the sound of the MC2102, going parallel monoblock is easily a LOT better and will drive the speakers a lot better. I too had this problem when I had my Vienna mahlers where the single amp I always felt it was running out of puff and was losing power and precence. The 2nd MC2102 should fix that.
If not the MC501's will have slightly better bas slam and not quite as liquid in the upper frequencies, but the difference is not huge. I have not heard any higher wattage Mac's.

 

[tjnif]

I initially had 1 MC2102 , c2200 pre amp Klipsch Khorns, modded w/ ALK universal crossovers and crites tweeter.....sounded pretty good. I eventually came to the conclusion that it iwas lacking in "defintion,sparkle,and a lttle dull sounding"! I played the tube swapping game ....a little better, but still not "right'. But when I added another 2102......MAN O MAN!! BIG difference1 I really don't think 1 2102 sounds that great, IMHO. But 2 of em are really special! If you have efficient speakers like Klipsch Heritage, thids is all you will need.

 

[ron-c]

Are you using the 4 or 8 ohm taps? Shane is on the right track, looks like 4 ohms may be best with these speakers.

Thanks,
Ron-C

 

[mikekan]

Guys thanks a lot for your answers!

First of all let me say that I'm running the 8 Ohm output. I'll give it a try at the 4 Ohm and see what happens.

The power is enough for 60% of the music I'm listening. But when I want to hear a kickdrum together with bass really loud and with enough slam there I feel I could use more power.

So It's either 2 MC-2102 or the 2301. I don't even know how much the 2301 costs. Is there that much difference in sound quality, not power, between the two 2102 and the 2301.

Thanks a lot again and have a great day.

Greetings from Greece.

Michael

 

[beerdraft]

Here in the U.S., the MC2301's are $11k each. The amps which were on my list were, mc275's mono, mc2102's mono, and I listened to the 2102's a good bit running with C2300 and mcd201 and mt10 at the dealer. I wound up with the mc2301's and I do think there is a distinct difference in the signature of music between the two. Only you can decide if its better one way or the other. This 2301 is by far the best amp I've heard. I have it paired with the C500T which I also think is a phenominal pre amp. If I were in your shoe's, I'd probably go with the 2102 though being you're half way there already. The only way I would go with the 2301 is if budget isn't a factor then It's a no-brainer. I don't think there is a wrong decision here, its all about the budget you want to spend at this time.

good luck,

 

[Shane]

Guys thanks a lot for your answers!

First of all let me say that I'm running the 8 Ohm output. I'll give it a try at the 4 Ohm and see what happens.

The power is enough for 60% of the music I'm listening. But when I want to hear a kickdrum together with bass really loud and with enough slam there I feel I could use more power.

So It's either 2 MC-2102 or the 2301. I don't even know how much the 2301 costs. Is there that much difference in sound quality, not power, between the two 2102 and the 2301.

Thanks a lot again and have a great day.

Greetings from Greece.

Michael

running off your 8ohm taps with your speakers is a definate no no. Run them at 4 ohms and you will be surprised how much extra bass control and defination you weill get.

A lot of fun , especially with a 2nd MC2102 is to run them off the 2ohm tap. Don't laugh - you may be plesantly surprised, espcially since your speakers gfo under 3 ohms for some of the audioband. Anyway, if you don't like that go back to the 4 ohm taps.

get off those 8 ophm taps and enjoy, as you have WONDERFUL speakers - enjoy!!