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McIntosh vs. Accuphase

I've heard more than once that Accuphase was Japan's McIntosh and was wondering if someone that has had experience with both brands would like to give their opinions on any differences and likeness these makes share sonically from top to bottom? More specifically the McIntosh MC252, MC352 amps vs like wattage Accuphase units. I've noticed in the specs of both that the Accuphase amps have a much higher damping factor vs. the McIntosh which from what I understand could tell how it might effect bass performance with a given speaker. Any input or stories you might have pertaining to either brand would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! Brian/Texas
jackofspeed
puunda
9 posts
 
I've always thought the Accuphase was called the Japanese McIntosh because they looked the same. The Accuphase gear had the meters just like the Mc did. Sound? I doubt they're the same. McIntosh do a lot of things different to others, and have a lot of things in their amps no one else has.

As for damping factor. 1) I've read that a damping factor above 40 is good enough, and you can't hear or even measure the difference between amps with damping of 40 or above. 2) Damping factor is not as much of an issue with the Mc compared to other amps, due to the fact they use output transformers (autoformers).
flg2001's avatar
flg2001
543 posts
 
I would not compare them face to face since, as stated above, their design approach is quite different, but have a high POO ratio and construction is superb.

I have had both company amps (more Macs than Accuphase) and both are excelent options. An interesting note is that Accuphase and/or McIntosh owners tend to keep their gear longer than other similary priced equipment, and look for having the rest of the system of the same make.

Regards

Fernando
dbld
297 posts
 
FWIW, I had a MC-352 for some time driving Legacy Focus 20/20s. These Legacy speakers are very efficient, but love current, and have impedance dips below two ohms. The MC-352 was NOT lacking in the bottom end at all. At one time [just before owning the MAC] I was using 1200 Watt Monoblocs, and the 350 Watts/channel from the MC-352 was stronger/better in every way beyond a shadow of a doubt. Therefore, I would not worry about the Mac's ability to deliver bottom end. However, Mac does have a certain "sound" to it. You need to listen to see if it is right for you.
billimbriale
21 posts
 
Is there anybody out there who has actually compared amps from these 2 companies?
bkeane
13 posts
 
I have not compared one vs the other but i have listened to both extensively. my dealer handles accuphase and that is what they generally have playing. they also handle mcintosh. when looking for a new amp i listened to both however you cannot listen and compare apples to apples. the mac was the mc402 with output transformers and 400w/ch,selling for 5k, the accuphase was their a60, class a operation 60w/ch, selling for 16k. Unless you have unlimited funds the mac is the way to go. Was there differences sonically, yes, enough to spend another 11k, not for me.
If I did have the funds however; i would probably go with 2 A60's bridged.
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