Mcintosh or Classe

pops, i would agree with you that it is probably the power difference that you are hearing. i preferred the ca-200 over the mc 252 mcintosh amp but i also preferred the mc1000 over the 501's or the 602 with my totem mani's. the ma1000 sounded fantastic with my totem mani's. if i wanted to spend the money, the older classe omicron (i think it was the omicron) stereo amp is what i would own. that thing was huge (couple feet deep, 2-300 lbs) but it is the best sounding amp i have heard.

Yeah, the omicron was really nice, I heard it several times at a dealer. The only problem with large amps is MOVING them! The 501's aren't the biggest in the world but they weigh 100lbs each and are compact, nothing to grip. It's like moving a boulder and I'm too old for that s*&t, plus I'm in management...Good luck with your choice.

I am the happy owner of MC-501s, but I think you have to listen to them and vote with your ears. The points made about resale value are spot on. I could sell my McIntosh amps for more than I paid right now. There is much to like, but again, it is your money and your ears.

Good Luck!

Classe` is a more refined sound, but the McIntosh is "beefier" sounding yet tinny / brighter. This really can change with different speaker types and one might decide one or the other just on the pairing.

Each will sound completely different in your room and with type of speakers.

We do quite a bit of work with both of the manufacturers and they both build a solid piece, so I certainly agree with Rpcoins.

If you can get an audition or a great return policy with a dealer, I would certainly try before you buy.

Hope this helps!

I listened to the Classe 200 watt 2 channel and the mac 402 - like night and day - CLasse makes bigger amps but the 200 watt just could not compare with the mac. TO me it just did not have the power - it was driving B&W 802's - just couldn't do it. But - I tend to listen a little loud - they are completely different sounds so it is worth a listen - everyone's tastes differ.