McIntosh SS Amps - Old vs New - Sonics

Thanks Phil. That's very helpful.

All this is a real turnaround from Mac solid state amps from the first through about 1990, when Mac solid state amps sounded smooth but dark and uninspiring.

I'm curious to know how the MC402 compares to the MC7200. Having recently owned a MC7200, I was surprised at its detail and lack of dark sound.

The 7200 was one of the transitional amps, better than than what preceded it. It was part of a line of amps that signalled change at McIntosh and a broadening of their appeal. An MC402 has more of everything you like about the 7200 and none of what I dislike about it, i.e. all traces of the bad old Mac sound are gone. The 402 is smoothy, dynamic, sounds effortless and has much more tone to its fidelity than the 7200.

Phil

Phil,
Have you auditioned the new MA6300 integrated amp? I'm curious about it's sound. Thanks.

Jim

I heard a 6300 recently, but not in a comparative situation with a known reference, nor a room and gear I know. I didn't hear anything at variance with the current McIntosh solid state sound, but it is not as tone-rich as the autoformer amps, IMO. This is an expected difference of degree and my opinion on brief listen was positive for the category of product it is.

Phil

Phil,

Thank you.

Jim