I need your opinions on a McIntosh Amp


I currently have a pair of B&W 802N's driven by a McIntosh MC252.  I have the opportunity to purchase the new MC462.  Do you feel the MC462 will be a big improvement?  Worth the investment?  Too much power?

Thanks for your help

vwquest

I have a 462, it’s a great amp. I had a pass 250.8 prior.  Both are excellent.

I think the 462 is actually just a shade more neutral, which surprised me.  It’s neutral, and very powerful.  If it matters to you, it also measures quite well.

 

I think that yes, it would be an improvement. But more so if you listen a bit louder, and enjoy dynamics.  A shade more neutral than the 252 I would also think.

I agree with Russ...I've own both the mc402 and 452...I'd pass on that pairing,I would suggest an amp with better bass control,more speed and less bloat

 

If I was matching amps to loudspeakers I would pass on the BigMac and match the B&Ws with a Parasound A21+.  It will give those loudspeakers a little flavor the Mac just doesn't have.

Not too much power, no such thing. I heard the 803D on the mc611 for example and it was great. The low power guys got it wrong imo. Think of it as power to weight ratio.

Anyway I have not heard the MC252 for a longtime, way too long to comment but own the MC462. I feel like McIntosh sound has changed a bit. The bass seems tighter and more damped to me. Maybe more transparent too but really hard to say. The MC462 is good at everything but not amazing at anything. It will be a long term keeper for me. I have no issues with it.

what are you trying to get out of more power? Are you running out now? If you want better bass add subs assuming you don’t use them. It will be way better than any amp upgrade and take the load off your current amp.