McIntosh MC402 and MC501

Hi,

I use the MC402 with my Dynaudio Confidence 5 speakers, these are 4 ohm speakers and need current, I have had no problems what so ever.

Another plus of the MC 402 and the C200 preamp, the stock cords sound very good, I switched them out with some of the better cords on the market, while a touch better I could live with the stock cords! That a savings in itself.

Mac has surprised me to say the least, it some of the best sounding stuff I have owned, and I hace owned the Levinson, Krells and Rowland. I also have owned tube gear, the Mac amp is really a bargin!!

Hi Phillyb, your response is a complete turnaround from your opinion of Mac from just a month ago when you said mac was old school with old designs. What gives?

Perhaps next time, when we are giving opinions, all of us should qualify our opinion by saying whether or not we have actually heard a particular component or not.

Just a thought, but glad you're happy with the Mac. Mac is way under appreciated here, that is until people actually hear them!

Mike.

Mike,

I did not hear the newer designs, perhaps they just better with my current system. I still stand by what I said, be the newer designs are another story in this point in time.

I am very happy with the sound.

PhillyB

I have heard both in my home, the 501s are better, I currently have a 252, i would either get another one or get the 501s

I have auditioned the 402, 501 and tube 2102 in my house.
The mc402 is not worth looking at. The 501's are ok but for $9000 new are not worth the money in my opinion. The tube 2102 was vastly superior to both the 402 and 501 on 2 channel music. The stereophile review on the 501's compared them to being very close to the Halcro DM58. The Halcros are so superior I just dont understand how that comparison could have ever been written.
I think the 501's would be ok for home theatre but would not recommend them for 2 channel music
andy