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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)
gene3x
12 responses Add your response
gene3x OP
43 posts
 
Thanks George.  I just pulled the trigger on the 501's so that should do the trick! 

tlong1958  if I could find a set of 4367's for less than $10K I would probably do it.  My only concern is footprint.  I am pretty cramped along the back wall of my listening room. Maybe if they had stands that got them above 36" and angled it would work perfectly.  I am certain with the MC501's that would be exactly what I am looking for.
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
gene3x
The Paradigm Signature S8's drop to around 3ohms betwwen 60hz and 200hz where most grunt is needed.
https://www.soundstage.com/measurements/paradigm_signature_s8/impedance.gif
Consider the right amps for this, ones that can deliver current, which means amps that can come "close" to doubling wattage for each halving of impedance load.
EG:
The 8ohm wattage  100w 
The 4ohm wattage  200w
The 2ohm wattage  400w  

Cheers George
tlong1958
158 posts
 
My room is 17 x 21 and the JBL 4367s sound great. I’ve seen these speakers used for <$10K
tlong1958
158 posts
 
@gene3x I don’t think any of the tubed mac preamps have the EQ that some of the solid state preamps have, but I could be wrong. My C2500 has bass and treble tone controls and they work ok. 
russe41
95 posts
 
I replaced my MC352 with the 501's and never looked back.
They first powered Von Schweikert VR4HSE's and now power
Innersound Eros with Sanders new electrostat panels, and I love the amps.
The first diff I noticed was the low end impact, it was almost as if I added a sub because it seemed to really grab hold of the woofers on the Von's.
I don't think you can make a mistake upgrading and prices are really
good because lots of people went to the 601 or 611's.
gene3x OP
43 posts
 
Man I would love a set of 4367's but they are just out of my price range and I actually may not have the room for them anyway (I would have to measure).  I need a little bit smaller footprint I believe.  I sold a set of JBL's (strangely, I cannot remember the model) in 2005 cheap that I am totally kicking myself for getting rid of to this day. 

BTW, do any of the newer tube pre's have an eq built in? 
tlong1958
158 posts
 
I run a Mac C2500 into a MC452 to drive a pair of JBL 4367s. The system is very dynamic and clear, no strain at insanely high SPLs. I like it loud also. 
gene3x OP
43 posts
 
MC2301's wow!   There are so many choices and I have only recently gotten back into this outrageously expensive hobby.  After reading for what seems like a month straight I still have more questions than answers....lol 

Everyone seems to say the mono-blocks are always better since they have the ultimate separation.  I look at the 501' like the best "value" (if I can even say that) in the high end Mac amp lineup and have made the plunge.  Now what to do with all of my other amps!  

Will upgrading my C48 really make a huge difference?   Also, back to the speaker question, many seem to think that the B&W diamond tweeter causes fatigue at high listening levels. Is there a better recommendation for harnessing the long & loud sessions that I am likely to have without causing that fatigue?   Watt Puppys?  Revels?  Sonas Faber?  I would like to keep the speakers in the $10K range new or used. 
mcgal
199 posts
 
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.
gene3x OP
43 posts
 
Thanks Matt!  I will check out Dynaudio for sure.

Of course they don't make the MC501's anymore either.  I am just trying to determine if it is worth the extra coin to get the MC501's at about double the cost of what I can get the MC352 for......

Does anyone have an opinion on the Bryston Model T's or the McIntosh XR100's?
mattmiller's avatar
mattmiller
1,497 posts
 
I use a MC352 (this amp was designed by Charlie Randall one of the best sounding SS amps they made) with a pair of Dynaudio Contour 3.0's, these speakers are rated at 200watts, I can easily drive them up to 350-400 watts (i like music loud too). One of the best combos I have heard is the MC352 partnered with a high quality great sounding tube pre amp. The MC2300 or the 2500 would make for a fine sounding system indeed!  I went a different route with a tube based pre amp from another company for financial and sonic reasons. MAC dosent make the MC352 anymore so if you can snag one at a great cost I would in a heartbeat.

Matt M
gene3x OP
43 posts
 
I forgot to add that if I did not buy the MC 501's I would likely buy an MC 352 that I can get an excellent price on. Assuming I like to listen loud on a regular basis is the MC 352 enough in a medium size room?  Currently I can talk and have a conversation with the MC 300 power guard lights blinking at me. That seems strange to me on both the 8 ohm tap and the 4 ohm tap. 
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