Best Amp for McIntosh sys.- MC252, MC402, or MC501

Thanks to everyone for your comments, they were very helpful. In response to Lewinskih01, I might use the Paradigms as surrounds at later date. My thought was to get a C45 or a simullar MAC replacement for future expansion.

I had the MC252 and now have a pair of MC501's. My speakers are Sonus Faber Cremona 3 way floor standing speakers which are very efficient, 91 db at 1 watt. The first thing I noticed even before the 501's were broken in was that the sound stage had more 3 dimensional separation and much more bass. Where the MC252 had terrific center imaging for vocals it did not erase the fact that I was listening to sound coming from a speaker. With the 501's I could look straight at the speakers and yet the sound seemed like the music was coming from everwhere but the box, a very freaky feeling. When listening to music with wide swings in dynamic range, Flim and B B's for example the sudden bursts are effortless for the 501's. With more complex classical or rock music the 501's display a musical canvas where every instrument and vocal has its point on the sound stage. I can't imagine getting rid of mine for a very long time. You can buy MC501's on the used market for $1000 more than the MC402 all day and be able to resell them for what you paid. While the MC402 are a nice amp. to me they sound more like the MC252 then the MC501's.

I would go with the 402 and spend the money saved on other things in audio system for other improvements maybe. The 402 is a very musical amp and more than enough for your system.

Have you thought about the MA6600 or MA7000?

I think the 501s are a step up from the 402 although the 402 is a wonderful amp. I think the primary consideration here is the price difference. I was going to get the 402 but found the 501s on demo for less than the 402 and could not be happier with the amps. Like Entdoc, I think there is a significant difference in soundstage. I really recommend the 501s and think they are the kind of amps you would hold onto for a long time, even when you decide to change speakers. As for the C45, I'm not a bog fan and think the 501s run a lot better with the C2300. That said, I might look at a non-Mac preamp altogether.