mcintosh 501 vs 2102

The bass on the 2xMC2102's gets larger and grows with the music as you turn up the volume, the 501's bass gets tighter as does most SS bass. I think the tube bass is more natural sounding.
In the upper frequencies again the Mc2102's have better depth and more of a 3d effect, whereas the 501's sound somewhat mechanical and 2d in comparison.

The C2300 sounded better with the MC2102's than did the 501's.

Don't get me wrong, the 501's sound good but if you like the sound of tubes, you won't look back.

cheers

thanks alot. for your indept comments. just wondering did you ever test the 275 remake? i was thinking of maybe doing two of them.

No never heard the MC275. Me I like the idea od my tubes cruising with 200 watts for 16 x KT88's or 6550's vs 150 watts with 8 x KT88's or 6550's.

Whuch amp do you think is working harder??

I have the 2300 and the 501s and it's the perfect combination as far as I'm concerned. I have not heard the 2102 but I was deciding between the 501s, 402 and the 275 as monoblocks and I felt the 501s were the best of the lot with the 2300. It's just a wonderful combination in my opinion.

Downunder & I have similar systems and agree on these aspects, I have since sold my 2102's and use 2 MC2000's to power my modded Khorns along w/ my C2300. In all honesty I wish I never spent the xtra $$$$$ on the MC2000's, not much of a difference sound wise. Looks wise though......Hands down the most beautiful tube amp made!