Redlining your Mac Amps

[two dot]

I see the RED, ALL the time...

on the 6300...

on the 402...

on the 501's...

If you are not living on the edge... you are taking up to much space.

 

[taylode]

I see the power guard lights on my center channel all the time. Especially now that I've got the 501s on the mains... going to have to do something about that center. :scratch2:

 

[masterlu]

Victor.....I guess we're in the same boat.:scratch2:

[/IMG]

btw....no laughing please

I am quite sure that needle is stuck. :yes:

 

[Vintage Pete]

Seldom

Not very often...maybe a handful of times in the time I've owned my 501's. Even when cranked up considerably, there is plenty of power to spare. As Victor and others have pointed out, even at 5 watts (a level at which I too spend a good deal of time)you're hearing very satisfying sound. Between 5 and 50 watts, you're starting to cook, and between 50 and 500, well...you are REALLY rockin'!

Pete

 

[exracer]

I've seen them three times with the 1201s and my friends Maggie 20.1 speakers.

What other amp can you clip into maggies and not have to worry about frying the hyper-sensitive ribbon tweeter? :thmbsp:

 

[JFR0317]

When I was driving my XRT1K's with my 501's, I would occasionally see the Power Guard lights. No Power Guard lights at all after getting the MC1.2KW's. I have had signal peaks go well past the 1200 watt mark but still no Power Guard lights.

 

[masterlu]

Maybe I'll chair the first PGA event.

Power Guard Anonymous. lol

 

[JFR0317]

OK, Ivan. Let's get a little scientific - at what decibel level will your Power Guard lights typically flash?

 

[masterlu]

OK, Ivan. Let's get a little scientific - at what decibel level will your Power Guard lights typically flash?

Uncompressed music, ie: SACD & DVD-A has the greatest dynamics & will drive the Amps the hardest.

The Center channel Amps are also being pushed at about 150% of the L&R and more prone to PG.

Peaks of 130db+ will usually do it.

 

[JFR0317]

Uncompressed music, ie: SACD & DVD-A has the greatest dynamics & will drive the Amps the hardest.

The Center channel Amps are also being pushed at about 150% of the L&R and more prone to PG.

Peaks of 130db+ will usually do it.

OK - 130+ db makes sense. Mine would light up too at that level.:yes:

Try cranking up the SACD multichannel version of Elton John's "Funeral for a Friend" from "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road." That should turn them on for sure!

 

[masterlu]

OK - 130+ db makes sense. Mine would light up too at that level.:yes:

Try cranking up the SACD multichannel version of Elton John's "Funeral for a Friend" from "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road." That should turn them on for sure!

Oh, I can light them up on just about anything.

 

[JFR0317]

Oh, I can light them up on just about anything.

I've been there, remember? I have no doubt!:yes:

 

[masterlu]

I've been there, remember? I have no doubt!:yes:

You're overdue for a refresher course... :lmao:

 

[khorn#1]

Ivan,

I would like to take a weeks vacation and spend it with you and your system.
I could sit there all day and just take it in and love every minute of it.
I'm sure it would be an amazing experience.
You are a credit to the audio experience.

Randy

 

[masterlu]

Ivan,

I would like to take a weeks vacation and spend it with you and your system.
I could sit there all day and just take it in and love every minute of it.
I'm sure it would be an amazing experience.
You are a credit to the audio experience.

Randy

Thank you Sir, you have a pm. :ntwrthy:

 

[hkval]

You drive those Amps like you do the Ferrari and they give you the same results - power, control, beauty and a sound that is pure music. I think Ivan's philosophy is "If they can do, then let them do it". I have heard incredible decibel levels at your house but NEVER thought it was too loud - Powerful, Impressive and Complete but never loud.

 

[2112]

Couldn't resist

Couldn't resist guys

I am no spring chicken BTW.

.

 

[masterlu]

You drive those Amps like you do the Ferrari and they give you the same results - power, control, beauty and a sound that is pure music. I think Ivan's philosophy is "If they can do, then let them do it". I have heard incredible decibel levels at your house but NEVER thought it was too loud - Powerful, Impressive and Complete but never loud.

My sentiments exactly.

 

[taylode]

My thoughts are if they didn't want us to go there then there wouldn't be any redline or PG lights. I always felt that the redline was more of a guide anyway that's why they have a rev limiter. Which has been known to be exercised on occasion.

 

[taylode]

MAC and Ferrari the same? Not quite, you can't do any "drifting" with a McIntosh amp.

Are you sure? It sure felt like I was moving all over the place when I was at the "Master's".