One Amp To ‘Rule’ Them All....


Is there one amplifier that everyone can agree on as a contemporary standard? An amplifier that can be considered a standard in both the studio and in a home stereo setup?

What one amplifier does everything very well and can be found in homes and in professional audio engineering environments?

What amp covers all the bases and gives you a glimpse into all qualities of fine musical reproduction?

...something Yamaha? ...something McIntosh?

128x128Ag insider logo xs@2xbrettmcee

Showing 2 responses by lhasaguy

I am a major McIntosh fan.  While opinions differ McIntosh goes a long way back providing quality equipment.   The Greatful Dead used their equipment back in the early 70s for their “Wall of Sound”.

The produce solid equipment that holds value better than virtually all audio.  My MC501 mono blocks bought used in 2008 can be sold today for what I paid back then.  

They also make fabulous tube tube equipment as well.  Not everyone is a fan, but those who are make a strong market for much of their equipment, especially amps and preamps.

Management research has found that the best variable in estimating the probability that a firm will be in business a year from now is how long have they been in business.  For McIntosh that number is 71 years.

Just one guy’s view on Amps to rule them all.  We all have different needs, but for me, McIntosh rules them all.
McIntosh can handle difficult loads, I have Maggies that are 4 ohm speakers and love current.  

You have to hear them as many love them and others not so much.

They typically bench test far in excess of rated power.  My MC501s are listed at 500 wpc and bench tested about 750 wpc.

The synergy between amp and speaker is important.  I hope you can hear them.  What is your amp budget and how much power do you need?