McIntosh Amps to Drive my B&W 800 series HT?

[nkb]

I have am leaning toward using either McIntosh 402 or 2xMC501's with 802D's.

I have heard the 802D's with the MC402 and was quite impressed. Have not heard with Classe. Anyone heard both? Comments?

[jericho]

yes I did, and once you go Mac you'll never go back.

[nkb]

B&W with McIntosh amps

I was looking at the MC401 or 2x501's. But, was wondering if I went to the MC207, to power my audio and surround, would this be too big a compromise on the audio through the 802d's?

My sense is to go with the big guns (402,501) scenario and do something adequate for the center and surrounds. Right now that is proposed as a 3rd party amp (Anthem A5). I can't seem to find an affordable McIntosh based solution for my additional 3 channels of my 5.1 system. Especially for the center B&W HTM2D. The rears are in-wall B&W's that I am not particularly worried about driving. I have thought about the MC207 but would be tossing away 4 channels, also not cheap. Add another 402, also not inexpensive, but also still one channel short.

Thought about picking up a used MC206, but it is only 100w/ch into 8 ohms. Does anyone know if I could biamp the center HTM2D off of the MC206? What outputs would be used on the back of the MC206?

[Aussie Geoff]

NKB,

I've split this out into its own thread as your questions re the rears especially are worthy of a separate discussion...

Geoff

[jlr_1304]

You could try with older mc7300, They go for around 2k on audiogon.

[jim777]

If I runned a MC207 for a 5.1 setup, I would bi-amp the two mains to use all 7 channels. You won't be getting autoformers though. That should still be sweet though, but not in the 501 range. The MC402 and the MC501's are the real beasts :B

I did not hear the MC207 and the MC402 on the same speakers so I have no idea of how big the difference is. I don't think that you can be deceived by any mac though

Stereo vs 5.1, the hardest choice of all

[Angioguy]

Mac + B&W winning combo

Got an MC-402 driving a pair of 803's-- absolutely awesome!

[nkb]

Might go all "current" McIntosh

I am committing to the 501's for L/R mains. (Might still weaken and use the Mc402). Ti toyed with 1201's for a moment, but told myself to relax. Actually, there are some used 1201's that are within hailing distance of the 501's in price.

For the center, rears, now leaning toward a "used" MC207. I have been focused on an Anthem A5 but think it would be nice (cool?) to have all McIntosh amplification (5 meters staring back at me). I wonder if I am going for cosmetics or something real. The center will be a B&W HTM2D, so a "serious" speaker. The rears are in-wall B&W.

The difference is ~$2400 between the A5 and the McIntosh 207. I am wondering if there will be that much in value between the two approaches. It seems like staying all McIntosh might make some audible sense?

[jlr_1304]

You better go with a MAC for the center channel. Anthem is a bit too bright.

[nkb]

On the preamp: Anthem D2 vs McIntosh MX135/119

This is off the initial issue of amplification.

But, with a McIntosh amp setup of 2xMC501 and 1xMC207, I have been pointed toward the Anthem D2 processor because of all its bells and whistles (video scaling, HDMI, etc) vs the MX 135.

Going to hear the D1 in combo with a MC402 tomorrow.

Anyone on the sonic abilities of the Anthem D1/D2 ?

[SRT-10 Viper]

I had the Anthem D1... Outstanding unit and a price performer. I now have a Meridian G68 Which I like better. The new D2 looks very promissing if you have a need for HD upscaling.

[jlr_1304]

D2 wont change a thing sound wise : it is the same machine as the D1, but with an upscaler, as stated by SRT-10.

[nkb]

And the answer is......

Decided to go with all McIntosh amplification on 5.1 system:

2xMC501 monoblocks: 802D L/R
1xMC501 monoblock: HTM2D center
1xMC252 rear: In wall B&W

Figure I won't (shouldn't) have "upgraditus" for a while.

[jim777]

Sure you don't want a MC402 for the rear? haha, just kidding

Awesome setup!