I am driving a pair of B & W Nautilus 800s with a McIntosh MC 402. It sounds wonderful. It's hard to imagine there's anything out there that could make B & W speakers sound significantly better. According to the blue meters, I am operating at about 50% of the power when things are getting too loud. I haven't heard the 501s, but I hear their sound is outstanding, too. I would imagine they either equal, or more likely, surpass what the MC402s do. However, the MC402s are several kilobucks cheaper.
Which is the best solid state poweramp under $9000
I currently own a Classe CA-400 and a CA-301 power amp but I'm getting the bug to upgrade. I'm willing to sell both of these amps to buy one better one whether it's a single stereo amp or a pair of mono blocks. I do need a amp with high power and good current as the amp will be driving my Magnepan's 3.6R's or my B&W N802's. Could anyone recommend a better solid state power amp than what I have at a retail price of not much more than $9000.00 ? I am thinking of the McIntosh MC-501 mono amps, but both my Classe's have a little more power. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Thank you, Uriah