Mac 402 vs 6900

I recently upgraded from a McIntosh MA6500 integrated, which sonically is close enough to a MA 6900, to a C200 preamp-MC402 amp-combination. Speakers are Shahinian Diapason, very power-hungry speakers if they are to show their best. For a couple of months i ran the C200 to the power amp-section of the MA6500 power amp section. Last to arrive was the MC402, and I can assure you the difference was not only noticable, but huge - especially as far as bass control was concerned. in addition, you'll get a huger, better defined soundstage, even better voices, more air around voices and instruments, and other improvements. Having said that, I'd like to add that the difference after changing the preamp was at least even more significant than of the power amp.

Hassel, Did you ever compare the Mcintosh C200 and MC402 to the C2200 and/or MC2102? I'm curious how these compare (tube vs SS).

I only compared the C200 to the C2200, the C42 and the preamp-section of my MA6500. The C200 was the best of all, in all regards. It sounded as tube-like natural as the C2200, but had more authority, more drive, better bass than the C2200 when it came to dynamic pop-music (Eminem)and large orchestral music. The difference was noticable, but small, if you think that the C2200 costs 4500 $, and the C200 7000 $. I bought it because I had the possibility to get a model that was only used for a few months, with a large discount.

Well that might be something obvious for all expierienced audiophiles but I found it just now...
The power cord delivered with MAC had wrong polarity i.e MA 6900 worked on wrong polarity. I changed it and now everything is much, much better. I had muddy sound no attacks and no detail. Everything was veiled. Now it is a different story. Bass speeded-up and got energy, highs opened-up and veils dropped. I am stunned to hear those effects. Never thought it was possible. I am a happy man now. However I still feel there is a room for improvement in bass erea (even more slam and control). But I don't know maybe I am looking for impessive sounds that are not natural? And would wear me out eventualy

bunkeromantik, How did you ever find the polarity problem. I may be leaning towards the ma6900 again. My listening room is rather small , therefore 200 w/side is all I'll need. You did mention that the bass does not have the wanted impact. Do you think higher wattage is an answer?