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McIntosh MC303 vs MC402 with 501's?

Hi there AGon,

I currently have 3 MC501's across the front for home theater and am wondering about completing the setup with either an MC402 or an MC303. I know that presents a plethora of amp org options, but I am wondering sonically what people reccomend.

I know the output specs on both and that on a per channel basis the 402 seems the route to go. But after reading on forums, and reading comments from Ron C, about the actual power vs rating of the 303 is different, I'm curious.

What I really want to know is do people think it a good combo having the 303 do center and surrounds in which case I'd have a 501 for trade or sale, or do I stick with my current belief that 501's have to be the best combo in this?
mhelming
cio52
121 posts
 
Yes you have options. The MC 303 would allow you to have a back channel speaker as well as a pair of surround speakers. You haven't said what pre/pro you have but if it allows that hook-up and you have the ability to individually adjust the speakers volume/speaker size/distance (or Audessey DSP) it might improve your HT experience more than the MC 402. Don't let the output between 303 and 402 be the deciding factor. I would keep the 501's across the front in any case. Blu-Ray discs are adding channels every year it seems. I've seen AVR's with 9.1 channels!
theo's avatar
theo
2,690 posts
 
I would think if you are looking at space and budget issues. Your scenerio of running the 303 for center and surrounds and keeping the 501's for front L&R would be a great sounding system. I have the 402 and it is wonderful amp for my needs and I use the 205 for ctr and sur's. I have two channels that sit idle. But it gives me meters for a 5.1 setup. I have no desire to expand to 6.1 or 7.1 as my room and budget don't allow me a justifiable reason to do so. Selling a single 501 may be a slow process unless your dealer is willing to trade in on the 303. What pre/pro and speakers are you using?
mhelming OP
24 posts
 
I'm using the Classe Ssp 800 and Atlantic Technology 8200e speakers in a 5.1 configuration with a Velodyne DD15 and a pioneer bdp 09 f'd blu ray player.

My other thought is that I should stick with all fully balanced amps for best noise floor. And later on a 402 would be a better stereo amp than a 303.

Thoughts?

The 501's I'll never give up.
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