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Mcintosh mc 252 or Odyssey Stratos Monos Extreme?

Greetings,
A little help from you guys. I want to upgrade my current system and I think my pre-power set is the weakest part of it: Audio Aero Prima (2005), pre Odyssey Tempest Extreme, power Odyssey Stratos Stereo (w/ cap upgrade), Anthony Gallo´s N.R. 3.1, VdHul Inspiration (speakers), Supra Sword (CD to pre), Fusion Audio Predator (Prima), PS Audio Perfect Wave AC10 to my brasilian conditioner (AC Organizer LC 311). I listen to jazz, classic, rock, lounge, (sometimes LOUD...), and I love a detailed and controled bass (what is lacking IMO in my room). I´m satisfied w/ the current warmth, detail, soundstage and musicality of my system (the Gallos creates a fantastic soundstage IMO). I know that there are systems 10 times better than mine and I´ve heard some of them, but unfortunately they will exist only in my dreams, as I cannot afford them... My concern now, is to have better dynamics and better bass. I have an acoustcally isolated room that measures 4.9 x 4 x 2.6 meters, and the system is set along the larger wall (and, yes, I´ve already moved the speakers a LOT to get the best bass possible).
I would LOVE to have a Mcintosh gear in my system, but the cost-effective ratio is crucial to me (remember my low budget...). I mean, if the diferences are subtle between both amps, I´ll stay w/ the Odysseys´monos since they are cheaper, but if you guys tell me the Mcintosh is in another level (as I suspect), I can make the effort to have it. One concern is the supposed "lack of bass" of the MC 252 that would be "lean" according to some reviews I´ve read about it. (Would he Odyssey´s Monos Extremes be better in this regard?). Another doubt is if the Tempest would be an acceptable match to MC252 or if I must buy another pre (in that case, it must be a Mcintosh?) to get a decent sound out of it.
Anyway, I´m planning a to make a trip to the USA and bring the new toy personally to Rio de Janeiro - Brazil were I live.
What do you guys think about it? Any tip or suggestion will be highly apreciated.
Thanks in advance, and forgive me for the HUGE post.
Rogerio
rogertmac
rogertmac OP
7 posts
 
Edwyun, unfortunately it is not possible for me to have the Mac at my room for a real test. There is only one Mac dealer in Brazil and it is far from Rio. They usually don´t have demo gear, if one makes a purchase, then they will import the item. Besides that, you guys wouldn´t believe if I told you the prices asked for Mac gear here in Brazil... For you to have an idea, the 252 costs more than $11000 at this dealer! Yes, you read 11000+ dolars! This is a third world country man...
Mission, in fact, my dream amp would be the MC402 as I heard it w/ exactly my current set up (to be honest, I bought my Prima and the Gallo´s NR 3.1 because of that system, demoed by the time of the Gallo´s Ref launch here in Brazil). Unfortunately I cannot afford it nowadays, that´s why I asked about the 252 and how it would compare w/ the Odyssey´s monos.
missioncoonery
1,221 posts
 
Why dont you buy used off this site..$3500-4000 low hours/minty..Cant imagine shipping would be more than 500.Blows away the 252 in all areas and im guessing in a short time youll be shopping for another amp if you go the 252 route!
rogertmac OP
7 posts
 
Maybe I should wait until I can afford the MC402 then (What would definately be a sort of a 'dream fullfilled' to me). But, if I decide not to wait, do you guys think the Odysseys would be a better option than the MC252?
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