A Killer Height Channel Amp! McIntosh MC255 Amplifier | Home Theater Upgrade
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 15 ต.ค. 2024
- Is this the best height channel amplifier?
========================================
Got questions? Get fast responses here.
Visit us at Patreon. Support the channel and get perks and other benefits. Consultation, Advice, Review Requests, huge discounts on audio and video gear.
/ sparechange
THANKS TO OUR PATREON SUPPORTERS!
========================================
Review Room: • HOME THEATER TOUR! 4K,...
========================================
Equipment used for review:
JVC NX7 4K projector: bit.ly/2RkgmFy
Sony 65A9G: bit.ly/2oxpJpD
Sony 75X900F:
Amazon - amzn.to/2U1w8DG
B&H - bit.ly/2MXyr8V
XPAND X105-RF-X1 3D glasses: amzn.to/2wGmmMz
Trinnov Altitude 16: bit.ly/2wec1My
Rotel RB-1590: bit.ly/2OYNy6r
Rotel RMB-1585: bit.ly/2ZczUk3
Pro 4K HDR: amzn.to/3aJceH1
Panasonic UB9000:
Value Electronics - bit.ly/2n41miZ
B&H - bit.ly/2P6BWg3
Amazon - amzn.to/3399vTl
Oppo 203: amzn.to/2MgN7PM
AppleTV 4K: bit.ly/2qbWoSK
Bowers & Wilkins CT 7.4: bit.ly/2n41miZ
SVS PB-16: bit.ly/2QjiH47
Salamandar Talia Seating: bit.ly/2n41miZ
Middle Atlantic Rack: bit.ly/2J4wuX5
Niagara 3000: amzn.to/2ZHPOkM
Niagara 5000: amzn.to/31U7ufI
Shot on:
Sony a7III:
Amazon: amzn.to/2Bx0K90
B&H: bit.ly/33R19iP
Sony 24mm
Amazon: amzn.to/35ALOnO
B&H: bit.ly/2s2QhAW
More Equipment:
www.amazon.com...
========================================
Follow Us:
/ sparechangeyt
/ sparechangereviews
/ sparechangereviews
Listen to our podcast here:
iTunes: apple.co/39jFpi0
Spotify: spoti.fi/38Sk9j1
Anchor: anchor.fm/spar...
Google Podcasts: bit.ly/2Ui3Rff
Breaker: bit.ly/2WG0tfS
Radiopublic: bit.ly/39g0nOv
========================================
For sponsorship, product reviews, and collaboration, you can email me here:
sparechangereviews@gmail.com
========================================
#hometheater #McIntosh #HiFi
========================================
DISCLAIMER: This video and description may contain affiliate links, in turn I may earn from qualifying purchases.
*CONFIRMED. THE LITTLE WRENCH IS FOR THE SPEAKER TERMINALS AND NOT THE SHIPPING BOLTS*
*ALSO CONFIRMED. I USED IT TO REMOVE THE SHIPPING BOLTS ON THE OTHER AMP*
i was going to comment on this but you've hit the mark already - its used for both :)
I own the 2013 version of this amplifier you’re gonna love the sound, Your rotell
is not in the same class.
That amp is beautiful!!! There’s not another piece of equipment that can match its beauty!! And they sound pretty darn good too! Congrats brother.
Thanks they're pretty.
I would argue the DarTZeel or Kondo Japan is more beautiful.
I’ve always loved the look of McIntosh equipment, especially the amplifiers. I’m sure the sound is even better.
Great video, you can tell you're excited. I ordered the 257 and am waiting for it. I've purchase less expensive amps but over the years I've spent quite a lot because they do not last. My suspicion here is that this will last. I have to rack mine as well. You have 12-channels, must be a nice system. Thanks for the video.
Ahh yea. I have the 7ch version powering my bottom layer Focals. Love it!
Now your showing off! I like it.
This brings back fond memories of when I bought my 7 channel mcintosh amplifier and mcintosh MX122 processor in 2016. Those boxes were heavy as hell. I think I heard that same music in my head when i finally unboxed them. They are a thing of beauty and never gets old to just look at them even when they are off. The MC255 looks awesome Shane!!!!!
It's pretty sweet.
That is one sexy amplifier, can't wait for review.
Congrats. You will be pleasantly surprised at how solid Macs sound. I am sure you will be keeping them once you hear them..
Do you own a McIntosh?
I see you have a channel but have not checked it out yet. It's audio related?
Meh they sound like every other amp. They’re built well and look nice though.
I just bought this amp and trading in my MC152. I ordered it late August and hoping to get my hands on it at some point in October. Can’t wait! It will be powering my 5 channel focal speakers with a Anthem AVM60 processor.
Congrats! Enjoy it's a great amp.
How do you like your Mc 255 amplifier?
I'm in the market for this amp or the MC152. I listen to music in 3.2 channel stereo mostly. It looks like the
Mc255 is a better buy over the MC152. Any thoughts?
Thanks!
@@davidstein9129this one might be for sale. Email if your interested.
I have the MC-207 amazing amplifier
I have had the MC602 driving my Legacy Focus for about 10 years. McIntosh makes an amazing amplifier. Nothing but as much clean power as you want to push. The Mac has IMO a warmer sound than say the Rotel but a lot of what a person wants to hear is personal preference.
Wow! I have the MC602, MC205, Mr85 and MX122 and my speakers are the Legacy Focus. Can't beat that. Cheers!
Hey Shane, great video, as usual.
I have a question: I’m thinking about getting 2 MC152s for my Atmos channels. Do you think it’ll be enough power?
Thank you,
Reggie
Or you can purchase one of my Mac amps and save some cash. But yes that amp will work fine.
@@therealshanelee
Thanks for your quick response. My first choice was to get a MC255, as you did, but I already have my other McIntosh amps strategically distributed on my apartment electrical circuits. I don’t think they can handle an additional 10 amperes amplifier. So that’s why I have to settle fo the MC152. But thanks again for the response. By the way, when I first saw this video, for a second, I thought you were really carrying the amp. Lol
Shane, how are you man?
I have a question: it’s been a year since you have bought the MC255. What are your impressions about it? How has it been performing with your Atmos channels?
The plastic wrench is not for the metal pallet bolts. It’s to tighten down the binding posts 😊
🤦🏻♂️ but I have the power drill for the terminals!
SpareChange uh yeah... don’t do that Shane 😂 😎
ummm.... but they wrench works on the pallet bolts, too. But, you are correct, the pallent bolts weren't the main reason for the wrench . :)
Beautiful amplifier! I am so curious as to why you got rid of the Rotel amplifiers? You seemed like such a Rotel guy! Thanks for the videos!
They are great. Using dual Mc462 and just added the Mc257.
Awesome setup 👍👍
The looks of McIntosh have always emitted a "distinguished old money" feel to me. When I was younger, a couple of my friend's parents had McIntosh amps. They were just 2 channels. What I remember hearing from them was a "warm analog-type" sound. They are tube amps (or at least were), correct?
These ones are solid state but they do have tubes.
@@therealshanelee is this your first McIntosh installment in your theater?
*I've only been a consistent viewer/ sub for 6 months..?* I think I remember watching a tour of a McIntosh "experience site" you did though.
Spare change am waiting for your review on mcnitosh mc257. Have just ordered one!
You bought two multichannel macintosh?!?! :O!?...You are going to love them...I dare say with Trinnov and Macintosh you are at the top of the tops of home cinema sound quality in amplification. And is not madness...is called "I want top sound quality from my system". Crazy are the people that waste their money and life in drugs and casinos.
Hahaha that opening when you carry that box by yourself! No way man! 🤣 that will sounds good with your b&w
I've been hitting the gym on quarantine.
I've run McIntosh with Legacy Audio speakers and Martin Logan Electrostatic speakers and they sound amazing.
😳🥂
1:27 for a second there I thought it was Shane singing 😂
What you mean? That WAS me!
Yeah,I have heard it. I live in Berlin,Germany. I'm a American,but what Mc amps cost here is crazy!!! I was actually thinking of buying the 5 channel amp? Here in Berlin it cost 10,000 Euros!!! The Germans add so much taxes on American and others stuff! They make sure they help German products here at home for sure! I settle for 2 Rotel's instead. I don't even know if I wanna look at your channel anymore Shane?! Damn! Keep'em coming brother I enjoy your videos! Berlin signing off!!!
Yep, the MX-160 costs in Europe 21.000€, in the States 'only' 14.000$ (12.600€) that's almost half, I bought last year a demo with only just hours from a dealer for 8850$ since the MX-170 came out. So I paid 8000€ for a 10 hours demo that costs 21.000€ in a dealer in Europe, I'll buy with 13000€ saving about 1083 4K blu-ray's since I can buy 4K blu-ray for around 12€ used from the UK. When you're smart you can sure pay high end from witch 4K blu-ray is eyes and ears dream shocking when you have McIntosh pre-and poweramp in a high end surround system!
Very nice 👌 we're going 2 need an updated ht tour bud😏😘
😁 end of the year.
I considered monos for speakers but McIntosh doesn’t really get into them on the lower watt ranges. They told me that a need for monos vs stereo/multi is not relevant as they manufacture units with multi amps that work without all the noise issues that other non mono amps experience. So with the mc255 it’s like buying 3 or 5 mono quality amps. They don’t bother each other when living under same roof.
Matched your processor. Congrats
Not sure why you need this for height channels? I have a McIntosh MI254 for surround channels and it’s more than enough, especially for height channels.
Congrats man.. Enjoy them..
is it worth to connect the MC255 into the wall Mains or to a AudioQuest Niagara Power conditioner ?
She's a keeper!!!!!😂😂😂
Excellent choice in amplification - it's 3.6db headroom is ASTOUNDING! and best in class as i see it ( a pretty sizable jump in performance over the MC205) - the 200w x 5 is impressive...
its cool its made right here in the good o'l USofA.
i'd like to go the same route in the future
I have the mc257 and I love it. 10k still paying on it.😂
On one of your videos you mentioned being able to purchase 4k movie downloads. What site? Thanks!
th-cam.com/video/Pjs_uHgtp_Q/w-d-xo.html
Looks like a big McIntosh double box to me after the straps were removed.
Possibly MC257 and MC255 or a pair of MC257 for those empty spaces in your rack :D
That's a lot of sparechange right there 🤑
You are going to love those amps!
They are pretty nice 😁
Loading that rack looked like a pain! May of been easier going from the front and placing the Mid At plate on after?
It’s never easy moving around a Mac! But oh so worth it!
@@chma9503 we learned the front was the way to do cause I got a custom mount for it. Only sweated a little.
Using a Mcintosh for Height Channel demo is a waste of a great amp. Can you power up your LCR's instead? This is what we all want to hear!
I used them in the late 1970s to power speakers in a Disco environment.
I have another one that'll be powering the lower 7.
@@therealshanelee You are the man Studio 54!
Biamping , does this deliver 400 watts per channel?
Can you pair up a Denon Receiver to the McIntosh MC255 amplifier? Is there anything that limits what sends the pre outs to a McIntosh? I keep hearing that you must have a McIntosh Processor with that amp. Any truth into this?
You can use any prepro with line outs.
Would this be too much for just 2 Atmos speakers or for height channels in general?
They make 2 channel versions. No need for a 5 channel one.
@@therealshanelee sweet! Will look into it 👍
Hope you get to keep it...lol what dreams are made of!!
I have heard a couple of the newer integrated amplifiers and 601 mono blocks all very impressive sound!
YEARS ago I had a McIntosh 7106 six channel amp. At the time, I had it paired with JBL 4430 Studio Monitors. Beautiful amp, but low in power.
I'm curious about yours.
I just got a used 7106 off at ebay 🤣 man so far im loving it. Im trying it with my surrounds and at only 100w/ch they actually more open sounding and dynamic than my monolith x7 amp which is 200w/ch. I will try them next for my front lcr when i bridge them into 320w/ch.
@@rendroidz4680 that old McIntosh amp sounds better than a high powered Monoprice amp?! 🤯
SpareChange yes. I think it has to do with high current. Mcintosh is built to last thats why their market value doesnt really down that much and some even go up in value.
Never heard of this brand. Looks cheap. You get it from a white van?? 😂 Lol this is what dreams are made of, or at least what the soundtrack is powered by!
Lol. Was discounted at Walmart so I grabbed ✌️
Shane looks like a happy kid on Christmas morning. With good reason!
Life of Bliss that’s because it is way above your education level. Enjoy your cheep Yamaha, pioneer, etc. this is for 6 figure systems and more.
@@2shoestoo please... if i wanted an 80s built computer, I'd ask my grandma if I could search her attic. Let me know when you're done playing duck hunt from 1994 and I'll show you what real technology looks like
Life of Bliss your talking to Grandpa and the best equipment is not of this era. Yes most technology but true sound and quality of material will never be seen again like in the brands and equipment of yesterday. And yes I own a new Marantz
Nice vid. Curious on thoughts about biamping 255 to a pair of b&w 803 d3’s. Presently I am biwiring amp to main speakers. Thanks.
You'd be better off not getting a five channel amp for biamping. They have other models.
Thats flex when you have 8k amp powering speakers that only have effects a relatively small percentage of time with faitly low dynamics most of the time.
I have a good demo in my B&W review that shows how much is up top.
Can't wait for the review. How does it compare to the Rotel RMB-1585 ?
It holds it's own.
@@therealshanelee I heard it's better than the Rotel by far. Specs on both are similar.
The Cadillac of amplifiers?!?!
Height channel? What about other channels? Is amp good enough for the other channels? Seems an odd title.
It's mentioned in the video what will power the lower channel.
Shane, I'd love for you to review one of Mclntosh's Processor's, I can't find any reviews on them.
How much is the 7channel version???thanks🙏🙏🙏🙏
$10k
Please review Arendal 1961.
Yo shane how were able to play with that 90 lb. box like there was nothing in it? 🤨
🏋️♂️
Well done 👍 mackintosh kudos to you for making it all in America if I could afford to buy one I’d By it just because of that fact
Great amp, not sure why you'd have that running some Atmos speakers unless you just like the way it looks..
my guess is because they enable great sound, with same acoustic signature as the 7 channel amp... and, if you so happened to have speakers all voiced from the same MFG, you'd be in acoustic heaven... hehehe... just my 2 cents. (I'd like to do the same, but can afford it right now.)
I am poor. I could only afford the MC58:
Mcintosh MC58 Amplifier: 8 channel amplifier with 50 watts each for your home audio system.
8 Channel may be combined for higher power if needed to 4 Channel in bridged mode.
Manufactured 2000 - 2010
50 Watts x 8 Channels
100 Watts x 4 Channels
Multi-Zone Capability
The McIntosh Glow
Only Shane would use an $8k Mcintosh for height channels :) Curious what you think of it!
I guessed right! Lol I had a feeling
👍
How can I order
Will we see a review of the movie "The Outpost" ?
Personal preference, I would not upgrade my Bryston 9Bsst2 for McIntosh gear. Bryston as more boom for the amount of watt and reliability....I bet you the new Bryston 9B3 kick ass.
Bryston is nice but in a different league. Mid-Fi vs Hi-Fi.
Gorgeous.
Good lord my man! I'm sure it is a killer amp for height channels, but you're talkin to about 1% of viewers that are going to use this $8,000 amp for heights LOL! Most of us would think this amp would be the coolest thing in the world to use as our LCR and surround channel :) all that being said I'll watch McIntosh porn any day of the week, so thanks for showing the unboxing of this gorgeous piece of kit!!!!
Just bought an Emotiva XPA 7 gen 3 for 4 in ceiling speakers 😬 Blame you all for giving me ideas and making me spend 🤣
Congrats on not skimping out! 🍺🍺
Shane after seeing you with the McIntosh I feel I have skimped 😂 Definitely without a doubt it livened up the over heads though. I did spend more on the ear level amp with a Parasound a52+ 🙂 Great videos and good reviews! I know your honest with what you say and I like how you don’t just like everything and are judgemental. Why your opinion counts with me 👍
@@robintodd3901 what's that? You didn't get 2 a52's 😳 ok you skimped. Just kidding. Both awesome amps.
SpareChange Believe me I wanted to 😳😂 Would love you to get a hold of the Q acoustic concept 500’s & 300’s for a listen to. It’s what I have. I have the Q Acoustics 2000Ci for a centre which is ok but wish they had made the same centre as the 500 & 300’s. It’s all want want want but I’d like the processor you have but I’ll likely skimp and eventually go for an RMC-1. RMC-1 is just over £5000 for me here in 🏴 Cheers 👍
Ahhh yes. A Mcintosh amp for Atmos speakers.
I have this. Diagram in manual could be better, McIntosh told me they hired a firm to redo manuals. Get a salamander rack with wheels, it needs wheels.
only time I seen or heard anything by them was when Elias went to visit a guy who had a few things of theirs.
Living the dream! ;)
Obviously you've been going to the gym....💪
Someone finally noticed! 🥂
@@therealshanelee hahaha I noticed yesterday but got distracted and didn't comment, btw- I enjoy your channel...
Cute empty box routine.
What you mean. Can't a guy just work out?
Over Kill be time ! 8000 dollar amp for height channels !! wow,,,, You must be that 1.6 billion dollar power ball winner !
Madness. A 55kg.amp for 8k to drive a bunch of height speakers that need up to 7 watts of amplification. Boy, your channel must pull in cash like crazy. The Macintosh guys might watch this in disbelief too:-)
Where my prize I said Mac Lol
I say MacFuture , in 30 years we wil see who is still LOL
That's a really good looking amplifier. I hear that McIntosh amps are great. It's unfortunate that they make their amps only for rich people. That amp costs around $20,000 in the South Pacific region.
Hallelujah 🙏
Love the camera trickery at the beginning with the box. You know it is a serious amp when it comes bolted to plywood. Waiting for all the hater comments " $8K to power 🔋 your Atmos speakers?? Seriously Shane you are so out of touch with your subscribers. No longer Spare Change. Such an elitist. I just unsubscribed" 😅🤣😂. Shane you need to start making some hater aid for them to drink.
Lol most folks have been civil with the comments.
thats allot of changes there for height channels lol im clearly not making enough money!
I will not waist 8000$ on this amp even if I had a unicorns farting gold dust farm!
Good thing. Less competition for me. That's how I got these. I had to sell a ton of gold farts from my 🐎💨
@@therealshanelee no competition here i love my music and movies but not to the point of overspend on damn amp.... good for you and enjoy im glad farting business is going well .....;)
@@therealshanelee I have a surround system with the Kef Reference and definitief the big center 4c. I waisted really some years not possible to watch tv because now I can say the correct term, I had only lot of low sound in my center and with 2 dealers not knowing anything about Kef Reference I found later a dealer wo by accident sold a demo center Kef Reference 4c. Like superman I asked a demo with my own recorder for hearing tv shows I like and therefore could compare perfect and for the first time I could hear the most beautiful sound ever because I have nerve damage in my ears by operations in my shoulders so the surgeon somehow touched my nerves going to my ears and since then my ears are extremely sensitive therefore I had to go to a high end surround system. My mouth was with open when I could hear for the first time in more than 4 years this amazing clear warm width open sound that was 100% my wish and with open mouth a asked the dealer why I do'n get this same sound at home, at home were I have terribly sound with a lof of low sound that I could listen for only 1 hour a day or less. The dealer said my power amp Parasound A51 didn't had enough power, you have only power for the low sound that's why you had a lot of low sound but this McIntosh power amp had enough power for your heavy Kef Reference and had enough power to give the mid and high sound, that's the reason that you are sitting with open mouth at me. I told the dealer later but the numbers on my Parasound show that the Parasound A51 has even more power? He smiled at me, don't look at those number McIntosh is total from another world. I bought a very good demo with a good discount. So stoyan kaloyanov you should first have the experience before you start talking about farting. I had to fart also but was smart to look for alternatives, I could buy a really good second-hand but the difference between the demo was so small that I picked the demo because I needed this perfect power amp because of my extremely sensitive ears and I have surround for 30 years and I needed perfect sound and this McIntosh gave the perfect sound and it is built like a tank that will last for at least 30 years you should also think way ahead why those McIntosh are so expensive and they are worth every dollar!!!!!!!
Fire the camera person! All that going in and out of focus gave me a migraine!
tons of Overkill in a waste of money if you're going to use it to power hi channels. Much better values just going with the monolith series. you won't notice the difference
LMAO. I always enjoy a good joke 🤣
@@therealshanelee it's no joke. If you're going to stick $8,000 in multi channel amp why don't you just get a $20,000 one. It's called law of diminishing returns
@@therealshanelee do a double blind test between the Macintosh and the monolith. I guarantee there will be no difference heard.
@@ryanschipp8513 So you've compared many amps in your system that you heard or Not heard a sonic difference between the two or are you just speaking in generalities?
@@therealshanelee you know as well as I do and also Gene from audioholics that just because the amplifier cost $8,000 and the monolith is about 2,000 it doesn't mean it's going to be better sonically for surrounds. I mean come on man. We aren't talking about to channel listening here in your title you're talkin about powering surrounds. Barely any information comes out of surrounds. Please don't insult the obvious
Nice amp. Just a few steps below Pass Labs X-5 - 5channel amp- which is no longer made. Sweet. Toss that rotel piece of junk out the window Shane. Welcome to the high end .
rotel piece of junk😒
Nothing wrong with Rotel.
Rotel is great for the money
Pointless