Best amplifier ever? McIntosh Mc901 impressions

We talk about the newly arrived McIntosh Mc901 monoblocks amplifiers.
System was the Lumin T2 streaming Tidal and Roon. DAC was the MSB Discrete. Preamps were McIntosh C70 or C2700. Speakers were Sonus Faber Serafino. All cables were Nordost Valhalla V2
For a short list of some of the music we used, please watch
• We share our secret de...
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Audio Excellence Inc. is a high end audio/video store in Markham, Ontario, Canada, a suburb of Toronto. We've been in business since 1991.
Check out our interviews with designers like Daryl Wilson of Wilson Audio, Paul McGowan of PS Audio, Paolo Tezzon of Sonus faber, Wendell Diller of Magnepan and others.
Our website is www.audioexcellence.ca
Contacts:
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[@jfarlandutube]

Just when I thought I could be happy with an MA12000 you guys have made me rethink everything. Really enjoy your reviews. I tend to agree with Jay most of the time. I watch his channel and I know he listens to a lot of equipment at many price points.

[@geraldmcfarlane2854]

Wow if you guys speak so eloquently about the Macintosh 901s in unison then I can only believe every word said. I've always thought that this brand has been up there at the top of the hifi experience having enjoyed listening to the MC2300 at different levels. I'm over the moon. Vintage Lover

[@janovekalhagen3949]

Just got these monsters in, replacing MC312. The low sound performance is just amazing on these, I`m now playing at lower volumes than before🙂 Jay was so right🙂

[@gw61]

“Everything is done so well you forget it’s Macintosh”🤪

[@matthewhilty4209]

Wow ! These are some of most beautiful amps I have seen. I would love to hear them someday. The merging of Art and HI-FI, What a treat. Thank You for the Video.

[@oysteinsoreide4323]

I don't like the looks of mcIntosh amps... Too much lights and ornaments.

[@ramsaybolton9099]

I do. You can turn off the lights, but that’s one of the reasons we buy them, one of the reasons they have been around for 70 years. That and the unmatched sound and unequalled reliability, not to mention the fact that they maintain their value better than ANY other gear.

[@ridirefain6606]

Love these videos. Would like to see a contrast/comparison/ between these units and other highly regarded power house designs, i.e. Dan D'Agostino Progression, the Mac K1.2 and Hegel H30.

[@dk9696]

Excellent review gentlemen! Apparently, the MC901 is a total game changer. Much appreciated!

[@mariocassar3117]

Yes that’s the problem, a lot of high end looks great and is let down on sound quality. One must convince oneself that the sound MUST BE GOOD because one spent a lot of money. In most cases the equipment doesn’t disappear for one to enjoy the music and not the shiny casework. Guys you’re excellent salespersons. Congrats. Love your reviews.

[@bpekny]

I have MC901s driving B&W 801D4s. Where do I set the HIGH PASS and LOW PASS filter knobs to match these speakers?

[@frankavrom869]

I do not understand the value of this kind of amplifier. If you design a mono amplifier, why do you transplant a different amplifier for bi-amplification. In term of marketing, you are in the niche market of a niche market. So, not sure how many people are interested, and then what would be the reselling value for this solution.

[@MegaThepow]

My god! Should I get a pair of these or a Acura MDX? Decision, and cannot decide. Lol

[@playbackvintagehifihunter9669]

If you’re going to put them on stands, make sure they have 2ft deep LEGS! Lol!!

[@garryhall8696]

You three do a great job explaining the audio gear.

[@chuckHinton]

This is an excellent and informative review from a great audio retailer.

[@garryhall8696]

You guys are funnier than the Three Stooges.

[@vagabundo6409]

Finally JBL 67000 got proper amps in just two monoblock and pretty acceptable price

[@ramsaybolton9099]

Wowzers! If anyone would like to donate a pair of MC 901’s to me, I’d be eternally grateful. I’m not joking 😀😀✌️

[@louisperlman8030]

As they say with American muscle cars, there's no substitute for cubic inches. Years ago, the experience that got me into high end audio, was hearing the dynamic sound at low volume that Jay described from a Krell KSA-50 driving Linn Sara speakers. And BTW, my PS Audio BHK preamp sounded fantastic straight out of the box.

[@FrankySilverFace]

It was Realistic for me tonight. An STA-52B to be exact. Played through Nova 7 on B channel and Nova 8 on A with a polk sub. And for those still reading the cds selected were crash test dummies and some Waylon Jennings.

[@liammckenna3100]

A thing of beauty. Don't even need to turn it on. Just sitting smiling from ear to ear.

[@fishingbear69]

Wowww amazing just looking at it..how much would thes whole system, as is cost. $ ?

[@AudiS4orce1]

I WOULD BUY a SMALLER version of this TOMORROW if they made one. Absolutely looks amazing to me. Best of both worlds, implemented perfectly. Kudos!

[@Mark-lq3sb]

Thanks for the review. I'm somewhat surprised the three of you seemed to agree. I really think they will sell, especially if Mac expands the line-up. I'm not holding my breath for this, but I'd love to see a MC462 SS with the 300w tube. Hey, I never thought Mac would make mono blocks out of the MC302, but they did and quad balanced, to boot! Thanks again!

[@superatama]

You should be more gentle with Jay!

[@jackhuang1434]

It a well combination of both worlds, will it sounds great with other bi amp capabilities speakers ? Another concern is ,that transparent reference level cablings could sounds to it optimum?

[@davidnguyen5028]

Ambient = white noise?

[@f.troiani5937]

Jay constantly being bullied by you guys! But I love it because... OMG Kenny G?!

[@manardh7387]

These amps should sound great with such a HUGE power supply with that much weight. I suspect the capacitors now are better than ever.

[@jamesrobinson9176]

My stereo is built similarly, just much more humbly.

[@davidmusoke]

Great review ... bu why have xovers on these amps? Speakers themselves have their own built in internal xovers in the woofer sections and mid/high range sections.

[@peteralmo]

Are you able to offer a comparison between a pair of these at 35k US, with a huge footprint in terms of physicality and appearance, and the Naim NAP 500 DR, which is a duel power amplifier, 55 pounds, 140 wats per channel, not nearly the same impressive presence, but basically equally priced at 30k US? Thanks in advance!

[@levigarrett8674]

Im driving Mcintosh XR 290 line arrays with Mc 1201 1,200 watt monoblocks on the woofers,the mids & tweets im driving with Mcintosh Mc 2301 300 watt tube monoblocks and love it,i also own Mcintosh XRT 28 line arrays in a mixed gear system that im heavily leaning twords the Mc 901 to replace the 1,750 watt Emotiva monoblocks driving woofers and my 600 watt Audio Research mono's driving mids & tweets,ive heard the 901 and its insanely fantastic .

[@brandonburr4900]

Sounds like quiet a amplifier. Obviously out of reach for majority of people but I was curious what speakers macintosh had in mind when developing these amps? Obviously they make their own speakers but I was curious what others speakers they think would work? Have you guys tried any of the Wilson speakers? It's a neat product I never thought a conservative company like this would ever come up with. I bet this product was interesting developing. Like Jay said, I bet it does sorta cannibalize some of their products. But at $35k, their probobly not to worried. Guessing these are some of the most expensive products macintosh has manufacturered? Thanks guys for more eye candy!

[@lewledyard8924]

How does the MC901 compare with the MC3500 Mk2 with bi-ampable speakers?

[@peronnikbeijer213]

Why would use the crossover in the amps, with speakers with internal passive crossover? And these are 3.5 way speakers, so if you bi-amp, you have to combine the High+mid in one channel and the lows in the other.. Strange setup to me?

[@henni1964]

A hybrid amp is not my cup of tea (love purely tubes). Nonetheless I find your review (once again) very entertaining! And cudos to McIntosh, what beasts! 🤣

[@InnovativeBuildersmd]

What preamp would recommend to pair with the 901s and large jbl horn speakers c12000 , c22 , c2700?

[@brandonburr4900]

Jay. No idea you had a guilty pleasure of Kenny g or played the saxophone. I also have listened to him alot in the past and have even seen him in concert back in 1990 with Michael Bolton. It was really cool as a young kids seeing this guy roam around the stadium near where you were sitting while he was playing his saxophone. I bought a shirt of his and wore it out in high school. I'm surprised I didn't get more ribbing from people lol. Also wore out my pink Floyd division bell concert shirt in college when I saw them live. Wish I still had them shirts lol

[@WoodstockG54]

Wish you had a shop in Edgewood, BC. Bought stuff from you guys through canukaudiomart. It gave me more confidence to use you again for my next purchase. Good work.

[@craigenputtock]

Do you think these would be audibly different in a blind AB comparison with a Topping PA3. That little amp is supposed to be pretty good.

[@rickcarlson5916]

Thank you for a great review! Wouldn’t it be great if Wilson speakers could be bi-amped?

[@nervouscough7115]

Great video! (Once again)

[@rickcarlson5916]

Now if only Wilson Audio would make their speakers bi-ampable ...

[@InnovativeBuildersmd]

will you guys be doing an update review of the mc901s

[@luisarmandopriegoramosm.9386]

What Sonus Faber speaker are those? Lilium or Aida?

[@medicabxl]

I wonder how they will sound on a Focal Maestro speakers as they can be bi-amped. Or will it be a better idea to go for full tube amp on the maestro speakers and separate SS amps for 2 focal passive subwoofers.

[@davidnguyen5028]

Can these amps make me a cappuccino and a latte for my wife at low volume?😊

[@michaela.5363]

So you need two of these to drive a system? That really pushes the price up - we are talking over 90 grand CAD for just the amps.

[@polymusegal]

Beasts! I would like to know how these sound with Wilson speakers...

[@JasonBrown-cb6vn]

Not applicable …. Wilson speakers cannot be bi-amped, all Wilson’s only have a single pair of binding posts.

[@tubefan2737]

Is it usd 35k for one or a pair?

[@aussie8114]

One

[@kclee1]

@@aussie8114 one pair

[@johnvalatos4073]

Do you think they should make a variant with half the power/size? Would it have made sense for them to release a less powerful/smaller unit first of half or a quarter the power and then release more powerfull units or starting with this powerful one makes more sense?

[@jeffkalina7727]

It seems surprising that a tube-hi/SS-low hybrid amp has not been tried before.Or did I miss it?

[@TheKitsuneDen]

I've loved McIntosh since I was about 12 years old and now I'm 41 LOL- still can't afford them but I still love the sound they have. I was laughing my rear off watching you guys unboxing the 901 the other day, and still giggle about it. 😎

[@JS-cu5ec]

Those things look like beasts! Must be like the Bentleys of the audio world

[@rickcarlson5916]

Great review! Aida’s would be a great match for these amplifier’s.

[@JS-cu5ec]

$17,500 for one, $35,000 for a pair of them fyi people

[@kevinryan2556]

What preamp would you recommend for these amps?

[@paulomontero12]

Do these amps give a massage as well? Wife says it’s me or the amp?

[@PanAmStyle]

I’d love to come and have a listen, but I’d probably be ruined for the rest of my life.

[@jeffchen7180]

What a fantastic hybrid design! Does Audio Excellence plan to hook then up with 30.7 and see how they perform?

[@jeffchen7180]

What amp did you use with 30.7 during the tour?

[@MrShampaine]

"Crank it up to 11" That was funny!

[@dangoh2237]

For this amp, USD $38k is cheap considering that many Hi-End amps r consisting much more!

[@mrlinde6518]

Was there ever a test with these and the Aidas?

[@CharlesSelva]

your blocks have a good show running. i enjoy it.

[@bigal5190]

I’m putting these on my Christmas wish list. I better be a good boy!

[@SuperMcgenius]

A eq like Vandersteen has would have been a good thing

[@pharoahamunra]

at the end where he said bose 901.i about died laughing good one haha.

[@garryhall8696]

Sounds like they are Really good

[@bshah4831]

Volume at 11 :-) :-) cool reference

[@pakyeungma3963]

究竟他們是人，定是鬼？

[@andyandy2684]

Great gear...great review....great synergy between the 3 of you.

[@AntonioPenja]

How does it hold up to Moon 888 mono amp?

[@TheChianello]

What are the slew rates?

[@rhconway]

I love a good Spinal Tap reference.

[@kinkias]

God, those things are fugly..

[@ramsaybolton9099]

My friend, I beg to differ. Definitely beyond beautiful! But I hear you.

[@TheKitsuneDen]

@@ramsaybolton9099 Indeed. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. :)

[@hervepotargent2698]

Have the MC 901 with B&W 800 D2 and the c2600. Did a replacement of the MC611 . The sound is more detailed , the room looks bigger and also it is that the 800 are taller. Very impressive the MC901's

[@UnChaeL-Paradise]

How’s the bass with your 800’s . I have the non diamond 800 Series II and never have felt like they have the low end . Will I ever achieve it or do I just need a lot more power ? I do however have placement correct .

[@hervepotargent2698]

@@UnChaeL-Paradise With the 800 D2 I certainly have enough bass or low end . No equaliser settings , everything is at "0" or a flat curve at the 2600 pre amp . Best greetings

[@linnleyclarke3768]

Do you use the internal crossover? I have 802d2 and more voice presence would be good and less bass - the tube for the highs would be amazing with B&W. please let everyone know your complete review. Cheers

[@hervepotargent2698]

@@linnleyclarke3768 Hi , I use the internal crossover. The settings for the levels at the crossover "0" and at 300 Hz . The 901's gives a very natural sound . For me is the sound image exceptional of the 901's.

[@michaelphillippi4676]

I would not trust these guys to open a box of rocks. Determined their shoe size exceeds IQ by at least three orders of magnitude after watching unboxing video. Nice amps, nice guys, no way I would let them touch those amps if they were mine. The metal straps just inches from the unboxed Amp was hard to watch.

[@sheelmirji5494]

Is it AV reciver ?

[@MrGb1965]

No, a mono power amp.

[@NosTubes58]

The relevant point is hearing Shindo Labs electronics driving a pair of DeVore Fidelity Gibbon 3XL’s or O/96 speakers. Hence there’s more to tube gears musicality as opposed to raw power, especially taking cost into account.

[@stephencosta6814]

👍👍👋👋👋👌👌👌🤯🤯🤯😍😍😍Halo guys good to see you again I love your videos always looking forward two more of them. These are truly endgame amplifiers no need to look any further these are amplifiers you take to your grave weather your poor or Rich.. so it is written so it is done😢😢😢🤔🤔🤔😵

[@daveshear]

Beautiful Amp! Great review guys!

[@stephensmith3111]

That sounds "insanely great", to quote some guy who had something to do with the other Macintosh (with an 'a'). And not to be confused with the Bose 901 speakers, either. Gutsy nomenclature move, McIntosh Labs. p.s. Vilip of the long and comprehensive memory, I still have a pair of little Realistic Minimus 7 speakers, currently hooked up to an inherited Pioneer AV receiver. For the benefit of any younger comment readers, they were inexpensive wonder puppies in their day, now long past. But they still work and don't really sound all that bad.

[@stephensmith3111]

@@adrianlow2114 Spiritual ancestors of the Pioneer SP-BS22-LRs by Andrew Jones.

[@stephensmith3111]

@@adrianlow2114 Andrew Jones probably did not have any involvement with Realistic (hence spiritual ancestor rather than literal ancestor), but they both come from the same conceptual space: inexpensive little speakers that defy expectations as to their sound quality. Thankfully, he is continuing this tradition with the Elac Debut line. Great for the archetypal impoverished students et al. who are rediscovering the joys of recorded music beyond ear buds. And future clients for the likes of the mighty McIntosh MC901.

[@tthedon2471]

what a joke! i should become a hifi manufacturer and retire in the cayman island within a dew years, hahhaha

[@eliasron6464]

Thanks for the review guys, really good. I own a couple of Mc2301 with a Focal Grande Utopia EM. Do you think based on your experience I could get improvement shifting to the Mc901 if I am not running out of power?, I mean based just in quality of sound. Thanks for your work.

[@aussie8114]

$90,000 a pair 😲

[@kclee1]

USD 35,000 per pair

[@gernerchristensen8114]

You on the left......huh....how boring.

[@derekkras]

this ''rewiev'' makes no sense , imnot interested in your subjective feelings about the unit , you never presented the amp working

[@kimchee411]

It's a review, not a demo.