100 percent agree with Bigjoe's (Mike) comments, I have had all three in my house. I own the 252, and use it with quality but modest speakers, assuming your source and pre are up to snuff the 501s are the better sounding amps. To run the 402 in mono would technically raise the distortion, and increase output by 3db,but that aside there are other aspects such as fullness and a more open sound that specs can't relay. But what you are talking about is for the same and maybe less money you could get the 501s....that's the play.
McIntosh MC402 as monoblock?
I do have the MC402 to drive Shahinian Diapasons, and, though I love the sound, I keep thinking about going monoblocks. There is the way of two MC501s, or getting a second MC402, and connect it as a mono-amp. Did anybody try this, or compare two 402s to two 501s?
Also, my speakers offer 6 ohm-resistance, and sound best from the 8-ohm-tap. With a 402 used as monoblock, electrical impedance drops to 4 ohms: Is it still possible to use them with a 8- or 6-ohm-speaker without losing out soundwise?
Also, my speakers offer 6 ohm-resistance, and sound best from the 8-ohm-tap. With a 402 used as monoblock, electrical impedance drops to 4 ohms: Is it still possible to use them with a 8- or 6-ohm-speaker without losing out soundwise?