McIntosh MC402 and MC501

I've compared the two. While the MC402 is rated at 400 watts, it certainly seems underpowered for that rating. When driving Dynaudio speakers, the annoying orange "clip" indicator kept coming on.

With the same speakers, the 501's were obviously WAY more powerful as if they actually came close to the manufacturers specification. Not only that, they just sounded better - even at lower volumes. And... the orange clip indicator light never came on when driven at deafening volume levels.

Honestly, I've listened to the same speakers driven with 250 watt amps which handled the Dynaudio load better than the MC402. If you're in the market for either of these amps and can afford the 501's... that's the better choice.

I heard the MC402 powering Martin Logan electrostatics and the sound was increadibly clear and tuneful. The power guards never came on despite playing really loudly so I don't know why Dynaudios were a problem.

Another thing about the McIntosh "clip" indicator: you can go 14dB over the lighting threshold before actual clipping occurs....

I haven't heard the 501s yet but I would let your room and speakers be the final decision makers between these two great amps.

The MC501 hooked up to a pair of Aerial 8B sound fantastic. Transparency and a deeeep and clean bass was the difference I heard compared to my Classe CA-400. If you keep (good!)speaker cables short they sound best.