McIntosh 901

Mike

Mike

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Mcintosh MC901 Dual Mono Amp.

The MC901 is a monoblock amplifier that drives a single speaker. But it is unlike any other monoblock amplifier. What makes the MC901 so unique is that it's two amplifiers combined into one. Adding to the uniqueness is that each amplifier is of differing design philosophies: the MC901 consists of a 300 Watt vacuum tube amplifier attached to a 600 Watt solid state amplifier on one unified chassis.

Unit Dimensions (W x H x D):
17-1/2" (44.5cm) x 13-1/4" (33.7cm) x 29-1/2" (74.9cm)

Shipping Dimensions (W x H x D):
24-13/16" (63cm) x 18-3/8" (46.7cm) x 36-1/4" (92.1cm)

Unit Weight:
170 lbs (77.1 kg)

Shipping Weight:
190 lbs (86.2 kg)

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At least we know they aren’t sitting still.

I just realized that they are two separate amps in one box, holy cr@p!
 
Last edited:
joeinid said:
At least we know they aren’t sitting still.

I just realized that they are two separate amps in one box, holy cr@p!
Click to expand...

Joe.......That is correct, two separate amplifiers, two separate power supplies, and an electronic crossover all on one chassis. 170 lbs. of serious McIntosh amplification.
 
Is the 901 a monblock or stereo amp? It certainly looks interesting, I wonder what tubes are used, if the signal is kept low until the solid state or a more high level tube.

Woe, I missed something, I thought Bluegrass was lined up with Gryphon?
 
Mr Peabody said:
Is the 901 a monblock or stereo amp? It certainly looks interesting, I wonder what tubes are used, if the signal is kept low until the solid state or a more high level tube.

Woe, I missed something, I thought Bluegrass was lined up with Gryphon?
Click to expand...

It is a mono block in function. You will require two to handle a pair of speakers. Unfortunately there are several brands of speakers that cannot be bi-amped (or bi-wired).

I look forwarding to hearing this one.
 
A light bulb comes on, I thought it was tubes feeding SS like a hybrid but it's actually two amps with tubes for mid/high and SS for bass and Dan mentioned the crossover. Now, this is even more interesting.

still-one said:
It is a mono block in function. You will require two to handle a pair of speakers. Unfortunately there are several brands of speakers that cannot be bi-amped (or bi-wired).

I look forwarding to hearing this one.
Click to expand...
 
jdandy said:
Joe.......That is correct, two separate amplifiers, two separate power supplies, and an electronic crossover all on one chassis. 170 lbs. of serious McIntosh amplification.
Click to expand...

Thank you Dan. Certainly an impressive feature set. I bet these are wonderful amps. SS for the bass and tubes for the treble, wow!
 
Mr Peabody said:
Is the 901 a monblock or stereo amp? It certainly looks interesting, I wonder what tubes are used, if the signal is kept low until the solid state or a more high level tube.

Woe, I missed something, I thought Bluegrass was lined up with Gryphon?
Click to expand...


It's a long/short story. The short version is...I changed my mind. The long version is too long to discuss here. Could also run afoul of forum rules. Let's just say I really like the Pass sonic personality. It was all my decision. I auditioned the Pass int 60 and really liked it, especially with the MSB Discrete with optional second power supply. But I thought I might want just a little more headroom so I went with the int 250. Can't wait to hear it in my home listening room.
 
still-one said:
It is a mono block in function. You will require two to handle a pair of speakers. Unfortunately there are several brands of speakers that cannot be bi-amped (or bi-wired).

I look forwarding to hearing this one.
Click to expand...

Like Wilson and Magico
 
This amp looks like a steam train ... kind of weird. I bet many will miss the gigantic meter present on the 611 / 1.25kW.
 
Is this a one off prototype, something old or something brand new? And, no, I don't want to buy one...too big and heavy for my application. Plus, I've become a Pass fanboy. :congrats:
 
Brand new, regular production amp. Think of it as a MC601 (for bass) and MC2301 (mids/tweeter) in one chassis with crossover or direct inputs and adjustable gain levels.

Home run I’d say!
 
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