2. amps-preamps
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McIntosh MC352 or MC402?

I'm getting ready to jump on the McIntosh bandwagon. I have read wonderful reviews of the MC402 and the MC352 but can't decide which would be a better value. Does the 402 have much of a sonic improvement over the 352? I've read that the 352 is slightly less harsh in the mids and highs but this could be attributed to break in time or the lack thereof. I plan on using whichever amp I choose with a Sunfire Classic Tube Preamp. My source components are a Denon cd player and a Thorens turntable. Speakers are vintage JBL 120Ti's, but I may be upgrading to Thiel 1.6's I would really appreciate any input anyone may have.
donwass65
skypunk's avatar
skypunk
499 posts
 
Get what you really want.

You have to live with it.

Thats why I only rode the Macintosh band wagon for less than a month.

Could not live with it.
ejbartley731
5 posts
 
What did you end up with?
digital10000
3 posts
 
I am also wanting to get into the Mac bandwagon. There are a lot of choices among them. Seems like they improve each amp by 50W/ch every new release. For stereo, I have MC352, MC402, MC452, and now MC462. I want to combine an Atmos (7.2.4) HT setup and stereo/multi-channel (SACD) to get the best of both worlds. So enter MC303 (3 monoblocks in 1 chassis), MC205/MC255/MC207/MC257, and MA352 (tube pre and 200W SS output stage with HT by-pass). My head is spinning. My front L/C/R will be B&W 805D3 (L/R) and HTM4D2 (C). Currently, I am using Rotel RMB 1095 (5 X 200W) to drive L/C/R/surround. Using Pioneer Elite AVR as prepro but considering ARCAM AV40. Looking to improve my overall sound - the L/C/R in particular. Any recommendations and comments?
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