Hi all,

When I read the specifications on the McIntosh website (see below), there are very few minor differences: damping factor,dynamic headroom,power requirement...

Where are the differences technically? I know Ivan said there was a noticeable difference in sound, but is it worth going from 1201s to 1.2KWs?
Or 2301s , but I listened to them not enough long, I didn't find it was very very different from SS.

Thanks in advance.








MC1201 Power Amplifier Specifications
FREQUENCY RESPONSE
20Hz to 20kHz, +0 / -0.25dB
10Hz to 100kHz, +0 / -3.0dB
TOTAL HARMONIC DISTORTION
0.005% max. at any level from 250mW to rated power output
INTERMODULATION DISTORTION
SMPTE 0.005% maximum if instantaneous peak output does not exceed twice the output rating
A-WEIGHTED SIGNAL-TO-NOISE RATIO
Balanced.: 124dB below rated output
Unbalanced: 120dB below rated output
RMS POWER OUTPUT (8/4/2 OHMS)
1,200W min. sine wave continuous average power output from 20Hz to 20kHz
INPUT IMPEDANCE
10k ohms
OUTPUT LOAD IMPEDANCE
Terminals for 8, 4, or 2 ohms
INPUT SENSITIVITY
2.45V unbalanced
4.9V balanced
WIDE BAND DAMPING FACTOR
100 (8 ohms)
DYNAMIC HEADROOM
2.1dB
RATED POWER BAND
20Hz to 20kHz
POWER GUARD_
Clipping is prevented and THD does not exceed 2% with up to14dB overdrive at 1kHz
POWER REQUIREMENTS
120V 50/60Hz, 15A
DIMENSIONS (H X W X D)
inch: 11 x 17.75 x 19.63 cm: 27.9 x 45 x 49.9 Panel clearance required in front of mounting panel is 13�4 inches (4.5 cm) for handles
WEIGHT
147 lbs. (66.8kg) net
172 lbs. (78.2kg) in shipping carton


MC1.2KW Power Amplifier Specifications
POWER OUTPUT
1200 watts into an 8, 4 or 2 ohm load is the minimum sine wave continuous average power output.
OUTPUT LOAD IMPEDANCE
Terminals for 8, 4 and 2 ohms
RATED POWER BAND
20Hz to 20kHz
TOTAL HARMONIC DISTORTION
0.005% maximum harmonic distortion at any level from 250 milliwatts to rated power output.
DYNAMIC HEADROOM
2dB
FREQUENCY RESPONSE
+0, -0.25dB from 20Hz to 20kHz
+0, -3.0dB from 10Hz to 100kHz
INPUT SENSITIVITY
2.5V Unbalanced, 5V Balanced
A-WEIGHTED SIGNAL-TO-NOISE RATIO
120 below rated output, Unbalanced
124dB below rated output, Balanced
INTERMODULATION DISTORTION
0.005% maximum if instantaneous peak power output does not exceed twice the rated output, for any combination of frequencies from 20Hz to 20kHz
WIDE BAND DAMPING FACTOR
Greater than 40
INPUT IMPEDANCE
10,000 ohms
POWER GUARD
Less than 2% THD with 14dB overdrive
POWER REQUIREMENT
100 volts, 50/60Hz, 13 amps
110 volts, 50/60Hz, 12 amps
120 volts, 50/60Hz, 12 amps
220 volts, 50/60Hz, 7.5 amps
230 volts, 50/60Hz, 6.5 amps
240 volts, 50/60Hz, 6.5 amps
Standby: 0.5 watts
Overall Dimensions (H x W x D) Including feet and cables
2-5/16 inches (31.27cm) x 17-3/4 inches (45.09cm) x 22 inches (55.88cm)
Weight
147 pounds (66.7 kg) net
172 pounds (78.0 kg) in shipping carton

Well JMA we met at Philip Hermans place and as you know I also have 1201's.It were my amps you saw at the demo downstairs.I also doubt about upgrading for 1.2KW but I don't think the difference in sound will be worth the money.I tried selling the amps for 5500 euro and did not succeed.As the price of the new 1.2Kw is about 14000€ you probably know what an upgrade is going to cost.

Hello Jericho,

It's odd you could not stay longer .


I was impressed with the 4 MC1201s driving McIntosh speakers, I just don't remember the model, do you?

http://www.totalmedia.com/images/maxell.jpg

Excellent, Know Talent!

Excellent, Know Talent!


I'd be more concerned what mains setup you have to accomodate the current draw these Leviathans are capable of!!! :D

That's what I'm thinking right now. Any idea?

That's what I'm thinking right now. Any idea?


I have no idea what electrical standards are over in France but I'd recommend starting with no less than a dedicated 20A rated outlet even if you're running 240V mains. That should allow you to run both amps without any concern over tripping the circuitbreaker at the panel.

I'm planning to have 4 dedicated lines, 2 for the amps, 1 for analog and 1 for digital.

I live in France and have had a TSIpower regulator that comes from the fuse box directly to my whole system 2x 1201's plus 252 and 501 and more and no problema.

Its rated at 20Amps 230V (like 40amps @ 110V) and its a dedicated line right from the fuse box.

TSI can build a unit just to your specifications, if you want more which I doubt. Cost just $1500usd.

If your driving 4 x 1201's you could maybe go to 30Amps. It regulates and keeps the current steady 230V within a fraction protects etc. Good people to work with

Hello Bruce,

Can you give me a link where to buy to french standard?

How is the weather in Annecy?

When I read the specifications on the McIntosh website (see below), there are very few minor differences: damping factor,dynamic headroom,power requirement...

Where are the differences technically? I know Ivan said there was a noticeable difference in sound, but is it worth going from 1201s to 1.2KWs?


This is really an interesting question. I pondered this prior to moving from the 1201’s to the 1.2’s myself. I had my 1201’s for about almost two years. That was a good time to feel the potential of the amp and know what to expect from them.

The 1.2’s bring another perspective to the power band. They simply hit harder and tighter in the bass area. The LED lights also coordinate better with the rest of my system.

If it’s about price I don’t know what to tell you. With Mac offering 75% trade-in to me it’s a no brainer. I look at approaching my power needs in two stages:

1. Add another pair of 1.2’s and bi-amp my system
2. Move into the 2K system and live happily ever after

On a final note, The 1.2’s with the XRT1K’s is just fantastic to listen too. I had a friend fly in for Seattle, WA. last week and he was just blown away by the system. If you decide to stay with the 1201’s you’ll be happy, they’re a great amp, robust with power and excellent resale value. However if your decide to move into the 1.2’s you’ll probably pinch yourself some nights as you marvel at the way they produce power and control your speakers.:music:

It’s good to have choices:yes:

Well, thanks.

I can see that there are not that much answers, except 2 PMs saying what I think; there is no difference. Cnote said better in bass area, I want to believe him. And FiberOptic, all right on this.
Thanks for chiming in.

Hello Jericho,

It's odd you could not stay longer .


I was impressed with the 4 MC1201s driving McIntosh speakers, I just don't remember the model, do you?

The speakers are XRT290. Excellent Array speakers at an affordable 2nd hand price ...

JmaJma

Sent a PM with info about the Power Regulator Company :)

Weather is Grey and there is Snow on all the mountains surrounding. Looks like we will be skiing for Xmas :)

Cold burrrrrrrrrrrrrr

Thought I would weigh in last. The MC1.2KW's are a much better sounding amp all around. If you do a search you will find my in depth comparison between the two.

I did not have the pleasure of owning the 1201's, moved from the exquisite 501's to the 1.2kw for my 800D's.

The 1.2kw are a very refined amp to my ears, as Cnote mentioned "they hit hard and control the bass" and midband with presicion; they are extremely smooth, transparent and are very holographic with spades of top end air. They reproduce the acoustic space with uncanny accuracy. They have the power to be bruts but do not exhibit that trait.