McIntosh MC601 Quad Balanced Monoblock Amplifiers - WOW!!

• Power Output

The MC601 is a Power Amplifier with a capability of 600 watts into 2, 4 or 8 ohm speakers with less than 0.005% distortion. The Power Amplifier Circuitry uses Thermal Trak1 Output Transistors for lower distortion and cool operation.

• Quad Balanced Circuitry

The MC601 is fully balanced from input to output. It consists of two matched power amplifiers operating in push-pull with their outputs combined in a McIn- tosh Autoformer. The Quad Balanced configuration cancels virtually all distortion.

• Patented Autoformer

McIntosh designed and manufactured Output Autoformers provide an ideal match between the amplifier output stages and speaker loads of 2, 4 and 8 ohms. The Autoformers also provide perfect DC protection for your valuable loudspeakers.

Our Testing Process for Amplifiers (Solid State) at SkyFi:

We start with a visual inspection of all internal components to make sure there are no signs of stress or aging. Capacitors are checked for telltale sings of bulging or leaking, resistors are checked for signs of overheating or cracking, and transistors are checked for signs of stress or damage.

We then power up the unit carefully and run a simple 1k sine wave while monitoring the output on an oscilloscope for signs of distortion or noise. Finally, we run the amplifier to its full rated power into the appropriate resistive load provided by our Sencore amplifier tester. If there is an issue, it will usually be noticeable at this point. If everything reads clean, we will often test for THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) measured by our Keithley distortion meter, and compare it against the original manufacturers specifications. The amplifier then remains powered on to "burn in" on our test bench for a few hours to make sure there are no heat related issues. If there are balanced inputs available they will be also be tested.

Final testing involves pushing actual music thorough the amplifier. We've learned over time that some issues are only noticeable to a trained ear while listening to familiar source material. Our test bench has reference vintage KEF speakers that we're very familiar with which quickly reveal any discrepancies. Some amplifiers will then move into our listening room where they are tested with our in-house reference speakers of choice.