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
nicholas_1213 OP
8 posts
 
Malaysia..
mikey8811
259 posts
 
I am pretty familiar with Krell amps. If I would hazard a guess, I would say the FPB 600 would be a better match with your Olympica 2's. If you could get a c or cx series FPB, it would be smoother up top. The predecessor of your speaker, the original Cremona's were a great match with the Krell FPB's. I believe the Stradivari's were voiced with the FPB 600. I have heard the Olympica 2's and they seemed like a different presentation to the Cremona's - more extended up top but losing that Sonus Faber magic. For that matter, the newer Krells are a different presentation too - they ain't got that bass slam anymore but are less strident on the top too.
nicholas_1213 OP
8 posts
 
Hi Mikey8811,

Thanks for your input. Eventually after listening to both, I actually went with the Mac. I don't mind to sacrifice the low end from Krell for the overall much relaxed presentation from the MC402. Ya the Olympica 2 has different taste from their older model, but overall I like the changes, to me they are more transparent / neutral..

I guess it is same for the MC402. Compared to older Mac, it is kind of different taste, but overall in good way. No doubt the 'magic' from older Mac & SF is still very tempting, but i think both new designs make it a better all rounder for more type of music genre..

Now im one happy owner of MC402, yay!
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
nicholas_1213 OP
8 posts
 
Hi CT0517,

Yup my sofa is about 7-8 feet away from the speaker, behind my sofa is actually the dining area and open kitchen area. Compared to the previous setup using krell 400xi, the speakers are not bass shy anymore. The bass now goes deep and tight (not as fast/accurate as the krell), and the sound is much fuller. Instrument separation is at another whole level, and the soundstage is wide and you can feel the 'depth'.

I find that the larger area actually provides more space for the speaker to sing (note that I did not so any sort of room treatment, but just let it sings freely in my living room). Overall im really happy with the MC402 pairing up with the olympica II.

I also did some trial between the 4ohm vs 8ohm output from the mc402, and i like the 8ohm more (olympicaII is rated at 4ohm). I find the sound from 8ohm is more dynamic and accurate, while the 4ohm is slightly better at midrange (smoother & sweeter)..

Once again thanks everyone who contributed their feedback!
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