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

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

@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

Not a joke @soix  . Information gathering and real- world feedback before I plop the money down. Like it said heart wants one,  brain says the other. Assuming that your are also looking at a picture of the room that is very old and nowhere near current.  In think the Salamander stand and the monitors are the only thing left from back then.  Multiple subs help even the bass out in the room, just following the Harman papers and advice from acoustic engineers (Anthony Grimani and others)  for bass management. 

In all seriousness, if I’m you I’d be looking seriously at the GaN amps from the likes of AGD and Atmasphere over either of the two you’re considering as they’d probably outperform both and are upgradable as technology improves.  No brainer I’d think.  Best of luck.