Comparing One McIntosh MI128 to a PAIR of 4-CHerry Amps !!

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AmpDesigner333

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The McIntosh MI128 is an 8-channel amp.  The 4-CHerry is a 4-channel amp, of course.

This is for a 2-channel system that requires 4 channels of amplification per channel, so one advantage of the 4-CHerry is that the speaker wires can be kept short by bringing the amps closer to the speakers.

A system upgrade was proposed by replacing their MI128 with a pair of 4-CHerry Amps, so here's a comparison, based on specifications....

Inputs
    MI128: Single ended only (RCA)
    4-CHerry: True Balanced (RCA adapters included)

Outputs
    MI128: Phoenix connectors
    4-CHerry: Gold 5-way Binding Posts (WBT on KING version)

Power Output into 4Ω
    MI128: 150W
    4-CHerry: 400W

Power Output into 8Ω
    MI128: 120W
    4-CHerry: 200W

THD+N, 10W into 8Ω
    MI128: 0.050%
    4-CHerry: 0.002%

SNR, A-weighted
    MI128: 95dB
    4-CHerry: 118dB

Damping Factor into 8Ω
    MI128: 65
    4-CHerry: 500

Frequency Response
    MI128: 0Hz to 20kHz
    4-CHerry: 0Hz to 100kHz

Size
    MI128: 18 x 19 x 5 inches (approx 1700 cubic inches)
    4-CHerry: 14 x 8 x 5 inches (approx 600 cubic inches)

Weight
    MI128: 22 lbs (10 kg)
    4-CHerry: 12 lbs (5.5 kg)

FullRangeMan

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Re: Comparing One McIntosh MI128 to a PAIR of 4-CHerry Amps !!
« Reply #1 on: 9 Oct 2019, 06:29 am »
SNR, A-weighted
        4-CHerry: 118dB
Damping Factor into 8Ω
        4-CHerry: 500
Frequency Response
        4-CHerry: 0Hz to 100kHz

Wow great specs, easy to see Cherry have greater sound quality, congratulations.

AmpDesigner333

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Re: Comparing One McIntosh MI128 to a PAIR of 4-CHerry Amps !!
« Reply #2 on: 26 May 2021, 03:15 am »
SNR, A-weighted
        4-CHerry: 118dB
Damping Factor into 8Ω
        4-CHerry: 500
Frequency Response
        4-CHerry: 0Hz to 100kHz

Wow great specs, easy to see Cherry have greater sound quality, congratulations.
Thanks!  We have even higher performance amps on the way....

seikosha

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Re: Comparing One McIntosh MI128 to a PAIR of 4-CHerry Amps !!
« Reply #3 on: 26 May 2021, 09:10 pm »
How much negative feedback are you employing in these designs?

opnly bafld

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Re: Comparing One McIntosh MI128 to a PAIR of 4-CHerry Amps !!
« Reply #4 on: 26 May 2021, 10:10 pm »
Wow great specs, easy to see Cherry have greater sound quality, congratulations.

Someone has hacked Fullrange dude's account, he loves toobs and hates crossovers.
No way he looks at specs to determine sound quality.

Tyson

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Re: Comparing One McIntosh MI128 to a PAIR of 4-CHerry Amps !!
« Reply #5 on: 26 May 2021, 10:56 pm »
Someone has hacked Fullrange dude's account, he loves toobs and hates crossovers.
No way he looks at specs to determine sound quality.

I think that might have been snark on FRM's part.

SET Man

Re: Comparing One McIntosh MI128 to a PAIR of 4-CHerry Amps !!
« Reply #6 on: 26 May 2021, 11:10 pm »
Hey!

   Oh! I see. I look at the subject headline, I thought someone have both and actually comparing them by listening to them through speakers. Well, no surprise on who won here. :lol:

Buddy

   

FullRangeMan

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Re: Comparing One McIntosh MI128 to a PAIR of 4-CHerry Amps !!
« Reply #7 on: 27 May 2021, 02:04 am »
I think that might have been snark on FRM's part.
No. The STMs are great amps imo,  also the DACs. If an audiophile live in a hot area and can not use a hot tube amp the Maraschino are a great alternative, small, no heat and dont break the bank.
« Last Edit: 27 May 2021, 04:26 am by FullRangeMan »

Tyson

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Re: Comparing One McIntosh MI128 to a PAIR of 4-CHerry Amps !!
« Reply #8 on: 27 May 2021, 04:18 am »
I agree with you FRM.  I heard the DAC amps several times at RMAF and they are great sounding digital amps.  Best I've heard, actually.

opnly bafld

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Re: Comparing One McIntosh MI128 to a PAIR of 4-CHerry Amps !!
« Reply #9 on: 27 May 2021, 01:16 pm »
Oh! I see. I look at the subject headline, I thought someone have both and actually comparing them by listening to them through speakers. Well, no surprise on who won here. :lol:

Who needs to listen when you can look at the specs?
I don't really like the way my favorite amp sounds, but when I look at the specs..... :dance: