The MC501s do sound better. It's not a huge difference but if you ever owned one, you would clearly hear the difference. It's unlikely that you would need more power than what you could get from the MC402. I have owned both amps. Knowing what I know now, I would have bought the MC501s in the first place. If it's at all within your budget, get the MC501s. IF however you never hear the MC501s at home, you likely would never have a reason to not like the MC402.It is hard to tell how much of an "amateur" you are so I'm not sure how easy it would be for you to tell the difference. However, I believe most guys in the hobby would be able to tell.
