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

@avanti1960 

I have never heard the Benchmark amps, but what you describe is exactly what their preamp sounds like.

Just picked up the MC601 monos yesterday. I might be able to listen to them later tonight. 

@mrdecibel The B6 modules are currently removed from the system (and for sale!) The photo is now current, I deleted the old one with the "sub array" Currently, it's the M6 monitor on an IsoAcoustics Aperta stand which is on top of a single sealed 21" sub.

Looked at some options...just going to have to deal with the fact that the mains are going to have to be ported,

Good luck!

I think based on your choices I'd go with McIntosh.  I've owned them and they are fun to listen to and with the mixed use I think they'd shine.

@overthemoon I did get a chance to listen. They are 

definitely not in your face. Laid back, detailed, and musical. Rolled off for sure. As others said, easy to listen to. I will have to do some room measurements/ correction before I make a final verdict. They look absolutely gorgeous though!

Why not go for biamping using the mac mc901 monos.

They have the MC 611 monos and the mc 2301 monos combined. That’s the ideal world in my view.