McIntosh MC402 and MC501

I've compared the two. While the MC402 is rated at 400 watts, it certainly seems underpowered for that rating. When driving Dynaudio speakers, the annoying orange "clip" indicator kept coming on.

With the same speakers, the 501's were obviously WAY more powerful as if they actually came close to the manufacturers specification. Not only that, they just sounded better - even at lower volumes. And... the orange clip indicator light never came on when driven at deafening volume levels.

Honestly, I've listened to the same speakers driven with 250 watt amps which handled the Dynaudio load better than the MC402. If you're in the market for either of these amps and can afford the 501's... that's the better choice.

I heard the MC402 powering Martin Logan electrostatics and the sound was increadibly clear and tuneful. The power guards never came on despite playing really loudly so I don't know why Dynaudios were a problem.

Another thing about the McIntosh "clip" indicator: you can go 14dB over the lighting threshold before actual clipping occurs....

I haven't heard the 501s yet but I would let your room and speakers be the final decision makers between these two great amps.

The MC501 hooked up to a pair of Aerial 8B sound fantastic. Transparency and a deeeep and clean bass was the difference I heard compared to my Classe CA-400. If you keep (good!)speaker cables short they sound best.

Hi,

I use the MC402 with my Dynaudio Confidence 5 speakers, these are 4 ohm speakers and need current, I have had no problems what so ever.

Another plus of the MC 402 and the C200 preamp, the stock cords sound very good, I switched them out with some of the better cords on the market, while a touch better I could live with the stock cords! That a savings in itself.

Mac has surprised me to say the least, it some of the best sounding stuff I have owned, and I hace owned the Levinson, Krells and Rowland. I also have owned tube gear, the Mac amp is really a bargin!!

Hi Phillyb, your response is a complete turnaround from your opinion of Mac from just a month ago when you said mac was old school with old designs. What gives?

Perhaps next time, when we are giving opinions, all of us should qualify our opinion by saying whether or not we have actually heard a particular component or not.

Just a thought, but glad you're happy with the Mac. Mac is way under appreciated here, that is until people actually hear them!

Mike.