The new Mcintosh MC 402

Getting back to the unequal meters bit, I have for several years noticed that on my tape deck (yes, I still have one ;) the left channel meter is a little higher than the right 85% of the time. On the Mc, the left was higher 85% of the time too. I asked a buddy in the recording industry and he said that he was told the left channel is recorded higher than the right as part of the stereophonic effect. Don't know if this is true but in my experience, that sounds like a decent enough reason for so many recordings to be made that way. I am glad I have balance control! Arthur

Abball,
I noticed this effect with my McIntosh amp as well. But what is the sense, in a stereophonic recording, to record the left side stronger? Did your friend tell you that?

Hassel: I think it is like the different-focus effect found with 3D glasses - just applied to your ears instead.

BTW, I hear this same thing on other amps besides McIntoshes. Mcs have meters so you can see it as well as hear it for solid confirmation. Some recordings make it very noticible - especially late 70s ones - where even unrelieving amps make it audible.

According to McIntosh, the two amps sound the same. The 402 has a little more power and the new cosmetics. It's circuit design has also been upgraded, but the differences are small.

If it were me, I would keep the MC 352. But since I don't own a Mac yet, I will be buying the MC402 because I like the new cosmetics and the slightly higher power rating. (My other amp choice is the Classe Audio CA 301). Once I buy the Mac, I will not be upgrading.