McIntosh MC312 vs. ARC Reference 150


Greetings!

I am very happy with my Mac MC312 power amp but the other day, on a whim (this darn hobby does that to you sometimes…) I purchased a used ARC Reference 150 (non-SE) tube amp. (The amp had the KT120 tubes replaced just 150 hrs ago.)

I am not planning to replace the Mac, but perhaps switch them in and out. (On a whim means I don’t really have a plan…)

Either way I am exited to receive it and though I’d ask this knowledgeable forum what I can expect in sound “signature” (for a lack of a better all-encompassing term) between the MC312 and the R150?

The rest of my system is a Rega P10 tt with Apheta 3 cart, a Simaudio MOON 310LP/320S phono stage/linear power supply, a PrimaLuna EVO 400 tube preamp, and GoldenEar Triton One.R speakers. 
 

Would love to tap into any thoughts you all have about these two amps and the difference I can expect. Thanks!

128x128Ag insider logo xs@2xbimmerlover

To me McIntosh is a bit warmer and duller sounding than the ARC. 
In my experience ARC is bigger sounding than the McIntosh with more details and better soundstage. McIntosh gives you a nice overall picture but ARC digs deeper into the recording. Acoustic instruments is probably where you’ll hear it the most. Will take time to get used to new sound. My advice is, if you like the Ref150, get a matching ARC preamp. It’ll be another step up the sonic ladder. 

stereo5

The McIntosh is NOT bass heavy and very midrange. Why do you sprout lies about McIntosh?

That someone’s opinion differs from yours does not mean either of you is "sprouting" a lie.

@crustycoot First, if you have no desire to answer my question, why do you even bother posting. I am well aware that the Mac has autoformers and the GoldenEars have built in subs. After all, I own them.

Second, why do you feel you have a right to criticize my desire to hear from other, many experienced audiophiles in this forum about their view on the difference between the two amps, while I await the arrival of the ARC amp?

If I felt answers would give me preconceptions, or if I thought preconceptions would be a bad thing, it goes w/o saying that I wouldn’t have asked the question in the first place.

Surely your life cannot be so empty that you have time to pass judgement on others, while adding nothing to the thread?

 

@audphile1 I appreciate you sharing your thoughts. 👍

@bimmerlover 

Depending on the tubes used in the ARC, both amps can sound similar, but…. Do you what KT120’s they bought? Were they matched pairs? Do you know if the other tubes have been replaced? If so with what? Any updates or mods? 
I bought a tube amp maybe ten years ago and it came with new tubes. Unfortunately they were the bottom of the line EH tubes and the amp sounded awful!  Anyway, if the Ref 150 is anywhere close to spec, I’m sure you will love the sound.

 

 

@curiousjim thanks for your response. I don’t know any details yet about the tubes, such as if they were matched pairs, etc. except that they have been exchanged about 150 hours ago.

When I asked I was told that the previous owner replaced them with KT120s, and not KT150s that some do.