Hello, 5560
I was in Charlotte NC this past weekend and had a chance to demo the new 6600. I must say that I was very impressed. I have done extensive listening to the MC402 as well as the older MA6900. The new 6600 in my opinion is as good or better than the MA6900. I demoed this amp with a pair of KEF XQ40, which were very impressive as well. The 6600 had they typical smooth and warm mcintosh presentation. But the bottom end is what most impressed. It was very dynamic, but extremely controlled and accurate, not bloaty like other solid state amps. To be honest it is a little difficult to compare the 402 to the 6600. I demoed the 402 using B&W speakers, which are similar in sound to KEF, but when I listend to the 402 it was driving 802D's and 803D's. The 402 is definetly a fantastic amp. I would say based on the speaker combination above, the 402 just seemed more alive. They soundstage was definetly larger and more foward, where as the 6600 was a tad bit more laid back, more tube sounding. Basically, is the 6600 voiced like the 402, absolutely, so is the MA7000 and MC252. But the 402 does have its characteristics and abilities. If I were deciding between the two my choice would be heavily persuaded by room size and speaker selection. For my room the MA6600 or C220/MC252 would by my choice. I am in the market for both amp/s and speakers and I must say the McIntosh and KEF experience was exquisite!
I was in Charlotte NC this past weekend and had a chance to demo the new 6600. I must say that I was very impressed. I have done extensive listening to the MC402 as well as the older MA6900. The new 6600 in my opinion is as good or better than the MA6900. I demoed this amp with a pair of KEF XQ40, which were very impressive as well. The 6600 had they typical smooth and warm mcintosh presentation. But the bottom end is what most impressed. It was very dynamic, but extremely controlled and accurate, not bloaty like other solid state amps. To be honest it is a little difficult to compare the 402 to the 6600. I demoed the 402 using B&W speakers, which are similar in sound to KEF, but when I listend to the 402 it was driving 802D's and 803D's. The 402 is definetly a fantastic amp. I would say based on the speaker combination above, the 402 just seemed more alive. They soundstage was definetly larger and more foward, where as the 6600 was a tad bit more laid back, more tube sounding. Basically, is the 6600 voiced like the 402, absolutely, so is the MA7000 and MC252. But the 402 does have its characteristics and abilities. If I were deciding between the two my choice would be heavily persuaded by room size and speaker selection. For my room the MA6600 or C220/MC252 would by my choice. I am in the market for both amp/s and speakers and I must say the McIntosh and KEF experience was exquisite!