McIntosh MC300 or Odyssey Stratos?


I have a chance to get a McIntosh MC300 (originally purchased 1998) for about the same price as the Odyssey Stratos. I've considered the Stratos for some time but have yet to make the plunge. I've not been able to find much info on the web about the MC300s (alot for MC352 & 402s - which are way beyond my budget). Does anyone have experience with the 300s?

I've had a chance to audition the Mac and am quite pleased with the sound. Detail without being analytical, faithful rendering of timbral quality, liquidity and musicality, very muscular sound, good sense of the space around the sound, with good bass extension which is fairly well-focused, highs are not bright or brittle, great dynamic range and soundstage - it focuses the instruments quite well, it does a very nice job of making the ensemble textures clear. So far the only complaint I have is that the attack of the instrument (I've especially noticed it with piano) can be a bit muted.

I listen almost exclusively to classical chamber, solo and vocal music. I guess I'm wondering if I can expect the same sound profile with the Odyssey and how it might compare with the Mac (if anyone has experience with both).

My other equipment is a Cary 306/200 cd, Placette remote volume control, and Epos 11 speakers (which I'm hoping to replace down the line).

Thanks for any help.
Bob
holderlin

Showing 1 response by repeter

Hi gang,

I'd like to ask Aball what he things about powering a pair of 3.6 Magnepans with Mac gear. I have listened to a pair powered by a number of different pre and power amp combinations. I am open to any other brands so if there are better combos, please comment. I'd like to spend less than $5k on pre-owned gear. Also, I m interested in the thread because I love the mid and upper accuracy of the Maggies but have not yet been satisfied with the bass. The MAc/Maggie combo may not be what I'm after for vinyl only, Jazz, rock and motown. Please offer-up what you can!