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  3. 166092-160423

Rotel RA-1592 vs McIntosh MA252 on B&W 702 s2

I was offered a trade in on the McIntosh MA252 for 3k so they are both a comparable price. the Rotel is 200W per channel and the McIntosh is 100W per channel but I have been told the McIntosh pushes way above its weight. Which is better for my speakers since they are fairly power hungry? I am also using them for Home Theater and really want to get as much volume and deep bass as I can out of them. Thanks!
km1181
jay73's avatar
jay73
219 posts
 
Just an FYI (You may already know) but Rotel is about to release new updated versions of their mainstream Integrated Amps, including the RA-1592. Their website has the new info.
ddude003
161 posts
 
Is there something lacking in your current system configuration? Speakers are 90db sensitivity which is not too bad... If you want more bass/sub-bass get a sub or think about different speakers... Have you thought about tube rolling? Maybe get the Rotel for a home trial and compare the two side by side... I’ll bet you never use 50W from your McIntosh...

Good luck in your choices...
auxinput
2,920 posts
 
"McIntosh punches above it's weight" is really just an opinion.  In reality, they are going to have different sonic signatures.  The McIntosh will have a more mild and laid back kind of sound, but it will have a more neutral sonic signature.  The Rotel will have more excitement and will definitely NOT be as laid back, but it has a slightly warm texture/feel to the sound. 

Since home theater bass is important, I would likely go with the more powerful Rotel which has a larger transformer and power supply.  This will give you more deep bass muscle/strength.
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