I don't listen to music all that loud but have used a variety of McIntosh amps. I did have one MC352 paired with B&W 803D's and it sounded very good. I then got a second MC352 to run the B&W's bi-amped which was even better. Then I went for the MC601 mono's which was the best combination. I think the MC501's would have plenty of power and should be fairly inexpensive since the MC611's are out and two generations newer. I was running a C2300 as a preamp with these amps and thought it paired nicely. I now am using a C1100 pre which I like even better but there is a cost and space factor to use it - 2 units. I use MC2301 mono's now but not sure I would recommend them for continuous loud music.
MC300 MC252 MC501 recommendations based on my setup
So I have 2 systems, 1 downstairs that runs the whole house (4 sets of speakers on a switch) with a C48 and MC252 and Paradigm Signature S8's as the mains in the primary listening area.
I also have a medium size room (large for a house) with a C40 and MC300 on Polk Rti A9's that are just a place holder until I can find the real speakers that I want (Thinking B&W 800 series).
I like to listen to my music very loud and like to "feel" the music but the MC300 is not cutting it with either set of speakers.
I have an opportunity to get a set of MC501's and would really like to see what the suggestions would be for a set of speakers that would pair well with them also considering I can move any of the other components upstairs or down stairs to get the best setup in both areas.
Do I buy another MC252 and bridge them or biamp them? Is the MC501 investment worth the upgrade assuming the addition of B&W 800D's later? How much are the MC501's worth in good shape?
I have a lot to consider because I am also thinking about upgrading preamps also (interested in a tube pre C2300 or 2500 based on past experience w/ a Vincent MK236) but mainly listen to SACD's in one area and a combination of vinyl and SACD's the other. (BTW, I also have an NAD M51 DAC that I really like upstairs with the C40)
I also have a medium size room (large for a house) with a C40 and MC300 on Polk Rti A9's that are just a place holder until I can find the real speakers that I want (Thinking B&W 800 series).
I like to listen to my music very loud and like to "feel" the music but the MC300 is not cutting it with either set of speakers.
I have an opportunity to get a set of MC501's and would really like to see what the suggestions would be for a set of speakers that would pair well with them also considering I can move any of the other components upstairs or down stairs to get the best setup in both areas.
Do I buy another MC252 and bridge them or biamp them? Is the MC501 investment worth the upgrade assuming the addition of B&W 800D's later? How much are the MC501's worth in good shape?
I have a lot to consider because I am also thinking about upgrading preamps also (interested in a tube pre C2300 or 2500 based on past experience w/ a Vincent MK236) but mainly listen to SACD's in one area and a combination of vinyl and SACD's the other. (BTW, I also have an NAD M51 DAC that I really like upstairs with the C40)