New McIntosh Amps

[Turbo Ron]

Why? Do the 601s outclass the 303 that much? I was trying to reduce the number of amps but may have to use a MC601 for the center channel.

I have not had the 303 hooked up to my front left and right speakers. I only listen to the center for dialog and surrounds with the 303. The 303 amp is a monster. If you only buy one 601, that would make no since to me. Buy 2 for your front speakers. They made my Martin Logan CLX really open up. This amp is amazing. The sound is so clear and detailed in the mid and high frequencies, and the base is amazing.

 

[Cogito]

So retro-beautiful. Nice stuff!

 

[Turbo Ron]

Why? Do the 601s outclass the 303 that much? I was trying to reduce the number of amps but may have to use a MC601 for the center channel.

Oh, I see you have 3 MC501's for your 3 fronts. The 601 are the same height and width as the 501, just a lot deeper. They should still fit in your cabinet if there are no backs. Only if you sell two 501's and and keep the center that would work fine in my opinion. Music is very important to me, and the 601's will not dissapoint. Keep the 252 for your surrounds.

The 501's are bringing good money on the internet right now. The prices seem to be higher than a couple of years ago. If you can swing it, I say do it. I am extremely pleased with my set up now. There is a huge difference between the 501's and 601's. It is not just the wpc.

 

[Kevin M.]

I have to update my signature. I sold all three 501s in anticipation of replacing them with new models. Glad I did with your report on the improvements. May use the MC252s on rears.

 

[twiiii]

The idea with Home theatre requires the center to be equal or better than than the front speakers. It has to produce the voice track that can be understood over the remaining channels. If the center has a High Q and directs the sound only to the listening area an equal amp of the front L/R channels is appropriate. But if the center speaker is designed to cover a larger area of seating arc than the sides you definitely need more amp. Why, because the center speaker is now less efficient than the left and right, In addition the rear speakers are usually much closer to the audience, thus requiring less power, but that center has to project its sound over the rear and side channels. More power. That's why if I had a choice I would place the center channel behind a sonically transparent screen with the left and right speakers to make all things more optimal.

 

[Kevin M.]

I use a Screen Research AT screen. I think Ron-c said something about the MC303 producing a lot of power so it may be able to keep up.

 

[ron-c]

MC303 will keep up with any of the mono amps on a dynamic basis, that is playing music or film soundtracks. MC601 is the best left right match to MC303 when used for center channel. MC303 and MC601 are the same new generation of amps. MC303 will also work with any McIntosh ever made of course.

Thanks,
Ron-C

 

[Turbo Ron]

MC303 will keep up with any of the mono amps on a dynamic basis, that is playing music or film soundtracks. MC601 is the best left right match to MC303 when used for center channel. MC303 and MC601 are the same new generation of amps. MC303 will also work with any McIntosh ever made of course.

Thanks,
Ron-C

Thats just what I have now, and it could not be better. :thmbsp:

 

[Talk2Me]

Very beautiful system! With the camera flash, I thought I died and gone to heaven. I see the light!

 

[scanido]

MC303 will keep up with any of the mono amps on a dynamic basis, that is playing music or film soundtracks. MC601 is the best left right match to MC303 when used for center channel. MC303 and MC601 are the same new generation of amps. MC303 will also work with any McIntosh ever made of course.

Thanks,
Ron-C

...so essentially are you confirming the MC303 implements the new Thermal Trak transistors?

 

[ron-c]

Yes it does but this is only part of the story. Since MC303 has the monster power supply of the MC1.2KW it has huge dynamic range on any of the three channels. Just the ticket for film sound tracks.

Thanks,
Ron-C

 

[kajher]

Congrats on a great setup Turbo Ron.

Looking at the pictures it seems that you don't have a lot of space above the 601s in your rack. How warm will the 601s get after a few hours use?

 

[Turbo Ron]

Congrats on a great setup Turbo Ron.

Looking at the pictures it seems that you don't have a lot of space above the 601s in your rack. How warm will the 601s get after a few hours use?

I never had a problem with heat on my 402, 501's, and now my 601's. Cool to the touch when running them all day, and into the evening. Same clearance as all the other amps. There are mesh doors on front and no backs on the cabinets. I removed them because all the wires. The heater and A/C vents slats are angled so no heat and A/C blows into the amps. Also the discloration is just the way the walls are brushed. The flash made them look that way. Not soiled at all. Hard to get the brush in there, to get the direction perfect.

 

[mgardner]

Ron,

I just had to stop and look at your MC601's again. Those are absolute beauties. I am saving up for a pair. Can't wait to hear Kevin's comments as he has a good ear also. :yes:

 

[Turbo Ron]

Ron,

I just had to stop and look at your MC601's again. Those are absolute beauties. I am saving up for a pair. Can't wait to hear Kevin's comments as he has a good ear also. :yes:

Thank you. Will worth saving for.

 

[jlovda]

This will be the last amp you will ever need. I find it very hard that they can improve on this.

Yeah, right! Come back in a couple of years with a list of the new Mcintosh models.

Nice system.

 

[markd51]

Lovin' the larger 601 meters too; that and the handles, both of which I wish the 501 had.

Not sure if you're aware of this, but Ivan (Masterlu) on audioaficiado forum has been doing runs of custom made large front handles for the MC-501 Amps.
They are not a difficult retrofit from what i can see.

I've seen the pics over there that have been posted, and they are gorgeous, look every bit McIntosh, and highly compliment the Amp. Mark