2. amps-preamps
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Mcintosh MC402, Krell FPB 600 or Passlabs x250.5

Hi guys, need some advice on the above power amp option.

I'm currently using a pair of Sonus Faber Olympica II. It was placed in bedroom and only driven by Krell 400xi.

Now the setup has been moved to living hall and I'm getting a pre-power amp to drive the Olympica II as the krell 400xi obviously doesn't have enough juice. I've tried it with krell 400xi in living hall and the bass extension is just not there, even though I do like the soundstage, smooth mid / high that the 400xi is able to produce with the olympica.

Recently I came across a used Mcintosh C40, and it was always in my wishlist to one day try the mcintosh gear. I bought the C40 and now looking for a power amp to pair with it. Naturally, it would make sense to match Mac Pre with a Mac power, but I would like to open up for more option.

I know each of those three are distinct in their power rating, but I don't always listen at loud level. I listen to all genre of music, but probably spend more time on vocal songs.

Does anyone have experience pairing them with Sonus Faber with great result? In fact all of them cost about the same (I found used unit in my local dealer). Or there's other candidate that I should consider also?

Thanks!
nicholas_1213

Showing 3 responses by ct0517

ct0517's avatar
ct0517
2,041 posts
 
I'm currently using a pair of Sonus Faber Olympica II. It was placed in bedroom and only driven by Krell 400xi.

Now the setup has been moved to living hall and I'm getting a pre-power amp to drive the Olympica II as the krell 400xi obviously doesn't have enough juice. I've tried it with krell 400xi in living hall and the bass extension is just not there,

What is the difference in room volume - bedroom versus living room ?

The speakers are rated down to 40 hz but I can't find a graph to show how the much DB drop to make 40 hz.
How have you tuned the port - is it open or closed ?
ct0517's avatar
ct0517
2,041 posts
 
Hi Nicholas
imo the reason your living area is bass shy is due to the amount of space you are asking your speakers to fill.
Your speakers were able to pressurize your bedroom area without issues.
Without knowing how close you sit, how loud you listen and assuming a ceiling height of 8 feet.

Living Area - 16w x 30L x 8h = 3840 cubic feet
Bedroom Area - 15ft W x 10ft L x 8 h = 1200 cubic feet

So the space that needs to be filled has more than tripled.

so? here are a couple of thoughts.

your speakers are a 4 ohms design, have a 50 - 250watt amp rating (without clipping.)
Your Krell 400xi puts out 400 watts at 4 ohms. So it should be enough.

If you are happy with the music and it just needs more bass to fill in the lower octaves I would be looking for 1 or 2 active subs instead of an amplifier. The other option is more full range speakers; but then with this route you may need another amp is well.

Anyway..gives you a couple of things to consider...Hope this helps.

if I may ask you how much your dealer is asking for the fpb600. Curious as I happen to own one.

Cheers
ct0517's avatar
ct0517
2,041 posts
 
Now im one happy owner of MC402, yay!


Congrats Nicholas. The space is larger but you sit close to the speakers. You said 7-8 feet? Let us know how it works out.

Cheers and Happy Listening
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