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Alternatives to McIntosh MC402?

My main amp is a McIntosh MC402 power amp, bought new about 18-20 years ago.  It's performed flawlessly since day one.  I no longer have the packaging or manual.  I use it to power Sonus faber Olympica III speakers.

I'm contemplating a change of amps. I'd like to get something physically smaller than the 110 lbs. MC402.   Perhaps 50-60 lbs. max.  I could go with another power amp, or an integrated.

The amp would have to provide ample power to drive somewhat difficult speakers,  Though advertised as 90 db efficiency, I've read reports that the SF Olympica III's are actually less efficient than that.  They are rated at 4 ohms, but evidently the impedance dips into the 2-3 range.  We listen frequently to symphony, opera, and hard rock -- demanding music with big dynamic swings.  

Sonically, I've been pleased with the MC402.  It's powerful, authoritative, and cool-running.  It matches well with the SF's (though I realize that many audiophiles might find the Mc/SF combo dark, or veiled, or the like).  

I have no particular desire to throw large sums at an amp; I'd sell the MC402 and use the proceeds to fund most of any new purchase.  I am OK with new or used in good condition.  It may be that there is no attractive alternative -- a power amp or integrated that can be had for, say, $5K at most, that will provide sufficient power and sonic satisfaction matched with the SF Olympicas.  But I would appreciate your suggestions.

 

gg107

Showing 1 response by gg107

gg107 OP
74 posts
 

Thank you all for your comments.  Audio Research is intriguing, and ghdprentice's advocacy of the AR/Sonus faber combo on this forum (and in other discussions) is rather persuasive.  But I would rather not fuss with tubes, and I don't want a space heater -- I live in Florida.  I also have reservations about the adequacy of power.  My spouse and I frequently listen to demanding music at realistic, concert hall levels -- i.e., loud.   I think I need some power to drive the Olympica III's adequately. I haven't actually heard the Audio Research; if I came across a great deal, I might not be able to resist.  ("I can resist anything except temptation," Oscar Wilde wrote.). 

The MC312 is an amp I'd probably like, but the main reason to move away from my MC402 is that it's heavy, and quite difficult to move at 110 lbs, -- and the MC312 is 105 lbs, so the difference in weight is minimal.  

Pass is interesting, but I have a question -- how warm do the Pass AB-class amps run? 

There are a couple of other possibilities -- Musical Fidelity amps (such as the M6i, which puts out 440 watts at 4 ohms IIRC) and the Anthem STR, another integrated with a similar power rating.  (I'd consider either an integrated or a power amp.)  Does anyone have thoughts (or experience) as to how these amps compare sonically with the McIntosh MC402, or work with Sonus faber speakers?

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