2. amps-preamps
  3. 186831-79964

Benchmark or McIntosh....

Brain says two Benchmark ABH2 as monoblocks. Heart says Mc because meters and more power. A little background info:

Mixed-use theater/listening room. More listening versus movies. Primary source is a Hifi Rose RS150B into an Anthem AVM 70 pre/pro. Current amplifier is a Wadia A315 at 150x2. Speakers are NHT M6 monitors (a 6 ohm/ 250w sealed speaker, which is exceedingly rare and why I still have them.) I have seven 21" subwoofers so it is fairly equivalent to a live concert when everything is fired up but I need a little more oomph from the monitors.

I was set on a pair ABH2s earlier this week, but I keep getting drawn back to McIntosh - primarily monos MC601 MC611 MC1201 etc...

Do I pick Mc with more power (will probably be a second-hand model due to availability/wait times/budget etc) or so I go for the Benchmark with superior SNR (pre/pro is 110db and Hifi Rose is 117db)

TIA for any real-world feedback!

128x128shoup1cobra
jacobsdad2000
433 posts
 

@ghdprentice +1 👍

roxy54's avatar
roxy54
8,069 posts
 

The Macs don't run hot.

soix
9,781 posts
 

This is like asking if you should get a Ferrari or a Bentley and I can’t even believe this question is being asked because they’re polar opposite amps.  If you can’t decide which of these amps is more appropriate for your system and tastes I feel sorry for you — you are truly lost and really need to go out and listen more.  Seven subs???  Your room setup looks like a total mess with speakers crammed in the corners and subs all over the place.  This whole thing just seems like a prank or a bad joke.  Whatever.  Peace out. 

stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,466 posts
 

Mac equipment provides plenty of detail, but not the fake detail which results in brightness.

charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 

@stereo5 

Mac equipment provides plenty of detail, but not the fake detail which results in brightness.

Based upon my listening experience a lot of audio brands touted for their supposedly “detailed “ sound are instead contrived and artificial in their presentation. In my opinion the antithesis of natural and real. Nonetheless, each individual must listen and choose for themselves.

Charles

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