[usp1]

Now that I have my 1.6QR properly positioned, I am starting to think of my next move. I am currently using an emotiva mps-1 which is a 200wpc modular amp. I am using two cahnnels so it is essentially a dual mono design.

I am starting to look at other amps - odyssey and Mccormack have been suggested. But I am also interested in looking for a used Mcintosh. I am looking at 200/300 wpc amp, but I am a bit confused by the whole autoformer deal. The amps seem to maintain the 300wpc rating regardless of 24 or 8 ohm impedance rating. I thought a good amp should almost double power as impedance is halved.

Also do Mcintosh amps work well with Maggies. One person suggested that they were too laid back for the maggies.

[josh358]

As always, you'll find opinions vary, but for what it's worth I have seen a number of posts from people who don't think the McIntosh and the Maggie are the best mating.

Solid state amplifiers double power when you halve load impedance if they can supply sufficient current, but when you change the tap on a tube amp's transformer to accommodate a 4 ohm load, amplifier power remains constant. I assume the Mac is doing that for you automatically.

[Bill Baker]

I am just down the road from Audio Classics and McIntosh Labs here in Binghamton. Audio Classics is one of the largest Mac dealers in the country and also a Maggie dealer. A couple month back I was able to hear the new Maggie's driven by Mac mono amps (don't remember the model). Drivability was no problem. As far as being too laid back, that would fall under personal preferences but I will say the sou d was very pleasing. I will say it seemed to lack that last bit of upper end sparkle that I like. Keep in mind I like a very extended upper end.

[ajzepp]

I don't really have anything substantive to contribute here, I just wanted to say that I've always thought McIntosh gear was some of the coolest, classiest looking gear on the market. I have zero interest in parting with my Butler amps, but I sure wouldn't mind if my amps LOOKED like the McIntosh ones 

[usp1]

Thanks guys. I have been told that the mcintosh's are not a good match for maggies and Bill and Josh's comments seem to agree.But ajzepp you are right they are beautiful amps.

[Sarchi]

McIntosh make tube and solid state amps.  I have a friend with Dynaudio Sapphires (4 Ohm load), his MC275 drives them "ok" (yeah they sound laid back), but the MC501 SS monos really drive them well.  And sound excellent.  It makes for probably the best SS system I've heard.

As to whether McIntosh amps are worth the money, I don't know.  They're out of my budget so I've never seriously looked at them.

[rw@cn]

Thanks guys. I have been told that the mcintosh's are not a good match for maggies and Bill and Josh's comments seem to agree.But ajzepp you are right they are beautiful amps.

I've read where many people love their Mc's with Maggies. Have you tried the Asylum?

[bassraptor]

I used to own the 1.6. After trying out a few amps, I ended up with the McIntosh 402 power amp, initially with the Promitheus passive per, then with Mac's 220 tube pre. I lived with that combination for a year, happy with what I heard ...great bass, weight and dynamics. My friends who heard the system were very impressed too. Mind you, I had also taken some effort with room acoustics. Then, a dealer loaned me the Odyssey Tempest pre n Khartago power amp. To cut a long story short, I now use the Odysseys ... I felt they were more transparent n didn't give much to the Macs, who did sound more majestic in their staging if less resolving. Sold the Macs ...also upgraded to the Khartago monos after a year, n now have the 1.7. If you get everything right, the Macs work fine with Maggies, but new autoformers take a while to run in, so be patient. On the other hand, you'll save quite a bit with the Odysseys...Even if you won't look at them and say wow! I'm not knocking the Macs, they're great amps ... If I had a second system, I'd go for them again...

[usp1]

Thanks for the feedback guys. I am looking to buy used so the cost should hopefully be lower. The Odyssey amps are on my list.

[medium jim]

My local magnepan dealer, Shelley's Stereo, is also a McIntosh dealer.  In fact, I bought my 1st pair of magnepan's, 1.6qr's from them, and bought a vintage McIntosh MX-110 pre/tuner from them.

I've heard the new 1.7's and 3.7's on both tube and SS McIntosh amplification and like both matings.  I'm a bottlehead and prefer the warmth that tubes provide and the MC275's had no problem driving the 1.7's that had a REL sub taking some of the load. 

I'm driving my older 2.5rt's with a pair of Marantz 9's that are 70wpc, closer to 85 and have 3db of headroom and have no complaints whatsoever. I have a pair of B&W subs to help.  I'm able to run in triode about half of the time which is 40wpc.

The 2.5's are said to be only 83db, I suspect closer to 86 in the real world.

It would be great if the OP was in the position to audition a couple of different tube amps of different wattage and price points to truly see what is best for him. I like buying used as well as it allows you to get more bang for the buck. But you have to be certain otherwise you will need to either live with it or sell it.

Just to simplify, be your own ears and take what others offer with a little grain of salt.  I'm not saying that asking for opinions are bad, just that each of us has different ideas as to what is good or not so good. Oviously, if you get an overwhelming go for it, then there is a positive consensus and the go for it factor.

Good luck and I hope whatever you get, that it gives you goose bumps!

Jim

[usp1]

Thanks Jim. I have a Rogue 88 tube amp which does 30 watts in triode and 45 watts in ul. Love the pairing when I play at low volumes but the amp chokes when I crank up the volume. Do far I have been lucky with my used purchases and have been able to sell without significant loss as I upgrade.

[medium jim]

ups1:

If you are not using a sub or stereo subs, I could see how you would run out of steam.  I know some like to run their maggies sans subs and if that is the case with you, I agree, more wattage.  I get by just peachy with 70 ul and 40 triode with the use of a pair of subs and can pretty darn loud.

I too buy used as it just gives you more for the money, let the rich buy new!

Jim