Summary: I have several McIntosh models tried on my "legendary" JBL ti5000. A MC150 will be a better value for the smaller and exellent JBL ti models. Dynaudio Contour 1.8MkII is also an excellent match. Only the power (2x150W.)was not enough for my big speakers in extreme dynamic circumstances.
Now a MC500 has a better and straighter control of the 12'woofer. Midrange and high sounds more brilliant. All this results in a faster and better detailled sound. Even the legendary and unique McIntosh sound is always there when using the 8 Ohm Spkr.terminals.
Strengths: Legendary McIntosh quality, design and sound. Oversized power supply for wide dynamic range. Timeless design. Many exclusive McIntosh patents for toublefree listening.
Weaknesses: It's weight!!!
Similar Products Used: McIntosh MA6400 integrated - McIntosh C38 Control Center + MC150 Power Amplifier - MC500 Power Amplifier - Accuphase - Marantz - Sony.
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Summary: Sorry for my bad english. what can I say? I love this big amp! this marvellous product is musical, powerfull and... Maybe you can pourchase some amps which are more "real" (I think about the Macintosh sound that include a little lack of transparency), but what the hell! The music is here and it is the principal! Very recommended with Audioresearch tube pre-amp and Cabasse french loudspeakers.
Strengths: The Macintosh sound. Powerfull, warm, musical...
Weaknesses: Very heavy.
Similar Products Used: Onkyo M588/P388.
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Rating Reviewed by: Gary Shinall(Unregistered User)
(AudioPhile)
Review Date February 8, 2002
Overall Rating 5 of 5
Value Rating 5 of 5
Used product for 1 to 3 months
Visitors rate this review 5.00 of 5,
3.00 votes
Review 3 of 10
, from Spring,Texas USA
Price Paid:
$4150.00
from Ambrosia A/V In L.A
Summary: Absolutely The Best Amplifier I Have Ever
Heard In Over 30 Years Of Involvement In High End Audio.
Strengths: Plenty Of Power,Extremely Low Distortion,
Smooth, Mellow, No Sharp Edges,Very Detailed Bass,Just Wonderful.
Weaknesses: None
Similar Products Used: Mcintosh:C-40,MC-2500,MC-7270(2),MC-275,
MC-240,MC-2105.
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Summary: I have my used MC500 about a month now and had the MC150 before, which was a very fine amp serving all my (former) listening preferrences - clean but marvelous and never stressing sound. Today the MC500 is topping the `little brother`in every discipline. I can notice musical details I never heard before, bass performance is more accurate and you feel that this amp is driving the speakers with ease (German Physiks bending wave units). Look at the actual models from Mc Intosh: isn´t the MC500 one of the prettiest looking? As a side effect you even have a capital investment at least. Highly recommended! Allthough I never heard anything better, five stars are principally impossible to give. There allways might exist an ultimative amplifier I just did not listen and compare yet... Exchange of experiences welcome!
Strengths: quality, nice to look at, wont`t loose it`s worth over decades
Weaknesses: not really
Similar Products Used: MC150, MC2300
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Summary: Another winner from the legendary McIntosh. Big, bold and beautiful. Can drive any speaker with ease. Sounds very detailed at any volume. Great for CDs.
Weaknesses: Very heavy but that is part of the McIntosh quality.
Similar Products Used: McIntosh 7270, MC300, MC240, MC275.
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