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Is it worth upgrading fr McIntosh MC402 to MC501?

I currently have a McIntosh MC-402 have a chance to upgrade to a pair of MC-501 mono blocks. I am wondering if the MC-501 is significantly better over the MC-402 considering it is about 50% more in cost in the used market. In other words, would one be able to tell the difference? I am using a C46 (C-46) preamp, B&W Nautilus 802 speakers, and an Oppo SACD player.
sfaudiobuff
roxy54's avatar
roxy54
7,942 posts
 
What speakers are you using, and what is their efficiency rating? That would make a difference.
missioncoonery
1,214 posts
 
IMO, as a 402 owner..with the speakers you have its not worth the extra scratch
rcziech
47 posts
 
I have had both the 402 and 501's with a C46

I would not go to the 501's unless you are having difficulty driving the speakers you have.

You would notice a slight difference, but imo, it would just be a "flavor" difference rather than feeling one amp is better than the other(s).

Actually my preference was for the 402, as i thought it sounded a tad "sweeter/smoother" than the 501's ....

my 2cents

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