McIntosh MC1.2kw

McIntosh makes much better stuff these days than 10 years ago when i first heard them (i'm a young audiophile). I own a MA6600 and it has a really nice sound on the right speaker. It is not slow and dark like the old reputation was. They also are built much better than early in the century--when they went cheap and paid for it.

And on the higher end---the 501 has won just about every award out there. and still is a reference amp for several reviewers.

Ya,those slow and dark MC60's and mc225's are really worthless.Cost 279-300$ and now their going for 2000 in real nice shape.Hope I never have to put up with all that jazz.Overbuilt,retro-looking.....what planet are you guys from?Guess we all got a part to play,cheers,Bob

You should read the next review on that tone publications link.... Sim W7M. He does a pretty direct comparison and the price is basically the same. I know which one I'd pick.....

If you like the Mac sound, don't hesitate to buy it. It will last you a lifetime and you always have the abiity to sell it rather easily given its high resale value and current demand. I have heard the 501's and 1.2Ks and they are very good amps. I have owned my MAC pre-amp (C-29)for 27 years and had it in the shop once. Its like my honda with 225k miles on it, all it does is start up every morning! Dependability at its best.

With that said, while the Mac does many things well (coherent,dynamic, imaging,warm,musical), it is not the most transparent,resolute or fastest amp out there. Images tend to be a little farther back from the soundstage (could be a positive or negative).

The bottom line is do you like the Mac sound?

If you do, you are buying a very well built and dependable amp backed by a company that has been around a long time. If you don't, then it doesn't matter how well it's made.

I hope that helps