Mcintosh 2301 tube amplifier, how much power used from the wall?

@gs5556

The info you have provided on energy use and heat generation is alarming. A human body generates about 300 BTUs just sitting on the couch. Generating 2400 BTUs per hour is close to eight people in a room and that generates a lot of heat.

Would be nice to get the actual usage measurements if anyone can do it from eight from a tube amplifier

I don't think the specs reflect what really happens. If it is that much it will heater room like a portable heater set to low Times two.

The only way to do this is to measure it from the wall.

What reaches the speaker is a minor part of the equation.

For example, the 600 W Mac amplifier only uses 60 to 70 watts when turned up very loud. 

If chatgbt is correct, that's absolutely horrifying.

That means this amp is equivalent to a full blown portable heating unit running continuously, and the heating units are about 1800 W on the high mode.

@carlsbad2

Thanks for a great reply. Have you ever done biamping with tubes on the top drivers and ss for bass drivers? big challenge is finding a crossover device, and then hearing that if you use amplifiers from the same manufacturer, tube and ss, you can do it without this device. I don’t think this is really done very much but many people do it, it’s tough to find these people

Volume control device? What would be an example of this?

Thank you