MC402 vs FPB 300cx

Yeah I have spoken to the dealer and am trading my 803S for the 803D. I really do like the presentation. The tweeter speaks for itself and the added bass output capabilitiy coupled with the sweeter top end seems to breathe a little more life into the midrange. And when switched from the 402, to the 501 (with the caveat that the 402 is a great amplifier and I enjoyed it throroughly) things opened up yet again and really seemed to utilize the greater dynamic capabilities of the D vs S. Although the 402 measures powerfully, you are right Audphile, the 501 sounds more powerful at all volumes, and even at low volumes you can hear the higher current capabilities. I am in love with the 803D/501 combo and I highly recommend a listen to anyone. I have arrived at a happy home for a while after much shuffling in the last year (B&K to Bryston to Mac stereo to Mac Monos) with a very helpful dealer.

Now you heard what I was talking about when you heard the 402 with 803D. I guess now you know why I'm not much of a 402 fan.

I see this situation reversed. Having owned 802D's with the MC402, and other amps, I agree that it isn't best case scenario. Numerous people, including those here, have said that the 501's sound much better with the D series. The MC402 is a fine amp, it is too bad the B&W's don't sound good without massive amps.

Mhelming, you should not have written that - I,too, think about these 501s, and you only wet my appetite further...
Regards,
Florian Hassel

Florian,
They are wonderful amps and I really have yet to be disappointed in them, even when demoing them with multiple speaker brands. You can't go wrong and they have plenty of power to handle most any speaker, within reason and room size of course.
Brianmgrarcom, It isn't a situation reversal, just a recognition of gradation. I could have lived with the 402 for many years and been very happy. I ended up in a situation where it was a several month wait after the 402 failure and my dealer eased the pain of stepping into 501's. I think that that is one of this interest's greater aspects. The ability to compare and contrast and recognize difference, is not to swear allegiance or choose a "loser". I love most all of the Mac stuff I've heard when appropriately matched. With the 803D I just love the 501...