Benchmark or McIntosh....


Brain says two Benchmark ABH2 as monoblocks. Heart says Mc because meters and more power. A little background info:

Mixed-use theater/listening room. More listening versus movies. Primary source is a Hifi Rose RS150B into an Anthem AVM 70 pre/pro. Current amplifier is a Wadia A315 at 150x2. Speakers are NHT M6 monitors (a 6 ohm/ 250w sealed speaker, which is exceedingly rare and why I still have them.) I have seven 21" subwoofers so it is fairly equivalent to a live concert when everything is fired up but I need a little more oomph from the monitors.

I was set on a pair ABH2s earlier this week, but I keep getting drawn back to McIntosh - primarily monos MC601 MC611 MC1201 etc...

Do I pick Mc with more power (will probably be a second-hand model due to availability/wait times/budget etc) or so I go for the Benchmark with superior SNR (pre/pro is 110db and Hifi Rose is 117db)

TIA for any real-world feedback!

128x128shoup1cobra

@shoup1cobra,

I agree 100% with @panzrwagn, replacing your main speakers with the JBL 4367's will be a bigger improvement in sound quality then the subwoofers or amps.  Let us know what you decide. Mike

See articles below re subwoofer integration: 

http://www.soundstagenetwork.com/maxdb/maxdb061999.htm

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QnMkFzX1rT0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=saYlNwJulWk

 

@ditusa Going with McIntosh monoblocs for now. I think it ticks a few boxes for me and as others suggested, I can unload them if the fit isn't right. It does feel a little surreal - after years of seeing/dreaming about McIntosh gear, I'm finally a McIntosh owner. I hope my expectations are not let down. 

@ditusa I've seen his videos before, the first youtube link definitely. Sharp dude for sure.