McIntosh MC303

Shimei

Active Member
Jan 24, 2020
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www.tekton.design
Hello,

This is my first post here as I came upon this site while searching for more feedback on McIntosh Amps. I've never heard the McIntosh brand before but recently found a McIntosh dealer locally in which I plan to visit for a demo. I'm interested in upgrading an Emotiva Generation 3 5 Channel. Actually, I'm thinking about dedicating the Emotiva to surround channels [future upgrade with eliminate Atmos on Ulfs and go with 4 ceiling or overhead speakers] and using the MC303 [if purchased] to power the Tekton Ulfberht L+C+Rs into 4 ohms each. From a price point I consider this a major upgrade. On paper I see the Emotiva rated right around 400 watts per channel into 4 ohms but what is intriguing about the McIntosh besides the 300 watts rms is that 1200 watt per channel dynamic or peak output.

Just thought I'd drop my first post here and get in touch with some of the McIntosh owners. I'd appreciate any advice you may have in preparing to demo the amp at the local dealer. I plan on bringing one of the best sounding CDs from my own collection Jesse Cook's One World [Latino guitarist].

Here's a couple of pictures of my current setup [moved in 2 months ago and still decorating]. I'm playing with vegetation and trees at this point in order to provide some sound dispersion as the whole function without form approach by placing padded foam everywhere just doesn't appeal to me. Besides, padded rooms trigger bad memories o_O

20200124_084010.jpg


Entertainment Room.jpg

Enjoy,
Shim
 
Last edited:

kach22i

WBF Founding Member
Apr 21, 2010
1,591
210
1,635
Ann Arbor, Michigan
www.kachadoorian.com
Sounds like you are going for more power in what appears to be a dedicated Home Theater.

Do you do any serious two-channel stereo listening in this room with this system?

Looks to be a very live room acoustically speaking.

And with high ceilings?

I do NOT know this amp in question, might of accidentally heard it at my local McIntosh dealer, they have one of the few dedicated rooms in the country (World of McIntosh (WOM) Experience Center).
 

Shimei

Active Member
Jan 24, 2020
4
3
25
51
www.tekton.design
Sounds like you are going for more power in what appears to be a dedicated Home Theater.

Do you do any serious two-channel stereo listening in this room with this system?

Looks to be a very live room acoustically speaking.

And with high ceilings?

I do NOT know this amp in question, might of accidentally heard it at my local McIntosh dealer, they have one of the few dedicated rooms in the country (World of McIntosh (WOM) Experience Center).

Hi Kach,

Vaulted ceilings over 16 feet in height. Na, never listen to only stereo but most music is pushed through an Onkyo 5100 at this time utilizing the center channel by Onkyo's Dac. And yes, the room is "lively" with toned down reflection as time progresses. The Tekton's are rated 1000 watts each L and R but center only 400 watts, however, the center's level is -5 db between the L and R. I'd like something to push the Tekton's to the limit but I am left wanting. I'm told the Tekton Ulf's love a lot of power and it's a shame to not demo them for fast sprints like garaging a sport's car.

My local dealer is in Boise Idaho and I plan to make way to the showroom this weekend. I'm pretty doubtful as to whether they'll have the amp in stock.

A ten grand investment is quite a bit without hearing first. I have high expectation of McIntosh just based on reputation. I mean I hope that not only the financial cost but the overall weight of an amp weighing in at 150 pounds is of champion quality. 70 amps according to specs by McIntosh! I'm glad I had a dedicated power line ran to the entertainment room during the house build.
 
Last edited:

kach22i

WBF Founding Member
Apr 21, 2010
1,591
210
1,635
Ann Arbor, Michigan
www.kachadoorian.com
Reputation is there like you said.

Only negative I've taken seriously is the multi-format disk players by McIntosh neglecting Red Book CD playback a bit. One size fitting all equally is hard to pull off. My McIntosh CD player has always sounded pretty good to me though and enjoys a good reputation despite it's age.

Call ahead for an appointment, and ask them to warm it up for you is my suggestion.

You might have better feedback at a dedicated H.T. forum.
 

SuperDave

Well-Known Member
May 12, 2017
252
78
158
Texas
Shimei,
I have had the MC 303 for almost 8 years. It powered my center, rear left, and rear right speakers. It is a beast and very capable for HT. Check the dimensions of your cabinet, the MC303 is huge and deep.

Dave
 

leftside

Well-Known Member
Jan 22, 2018
173
211
150
It's going to be great for HT. Even better for stereo with a decent standalone DAC.
 

Addicted to hifi

VIP/Donor
Sep 8, 2020
4,610
2,039
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Australia
Hello,

This is my first post here as I came upon this site while searching for more feedback on McIntosh Amps. I've never heard the McIntosh brand before but recently found a McIntosh dealer locally in which I plan to visit for a demo. I'm interested in upgrading an Emotiva Generation 3 5 Channel. Actually, I'm thinking about dedicating the Emotiva to surround channels [future upgrade with eliminate Atmos on Ulfs and go with 4 ceiling or overhead speakers] and using the MC303 [if purchased] to power the Tekton Ulfberht L+C+Rs into 4 ohms each. From a price point I consider this a major upgrade. On paper I see the Emotiva rated right around 400 watts per channel into 4 ohms but what is intriguing about the McIntosh besides the 300 watts rms is that 1200 watt per channel dynamic or peak output.

Just thought I'd drop my first post here and get in touch with some of the McIntosh owners. I'd appreciate any advice you may have in preparing to demo the amp at the local dealer. I plan on bringing one of the best sounding CDs from my own collection Jesse Cook's One World [Latino guitarist].

Here's a couple of pictures of my current setup [moved in 2 months ago and still decorating]. I'm playing with vegetation and trees at this point in order to provide some sound dispersion as the whole function without form approach by placing padded foam everywhere just doesn't appeal to me. Besides, padded rooms trigger bad memories o_O

View attachment 60920


View attachment 60919

Enjoy,
Shim
Love the speakers.
 

Shimei

Active Member
Jan 24, 2020
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3
25
51
www.tekton.design
Love the speakers.

Thank you. The pictures I shared was from a year and half ago... Here's an updated photo of the room. Appreciate your sentiments!

 
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Kal Rubinson

Well-Known Member
May 4, 2010
2,360
697
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www.stereophile.com
Thank you. The pictures I shared was from a year and half ago... Here's an updated photo of the room. Appreciate your sentiments!

You will have to make some accommodations for the MC303; it will not fit where than other amp is.
 
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Shimei

Active Member
Jan 24, 2020
4
3
25
51
www.tekton.design
You will have to make some accommodations for the MC303; it will not fit where than other amp is.

Hi Kal,
This is a really old thread and I didn't realize I hadn't updated my signature. I sold my Emotiva XPA 5 channel and went to an Emotiva DR3 and sold that also. I ended up w/ a Parasound Halo A31 and now content.
Lastly, I sold my Tekton center channel and now enjoy 2.2 listening.

Thanks for chiming in!

Would like to hear these speakers but not available where I am.

Don't know where you live but I'm in Nampa Idaho .... if ever in the area lemme know. I'd be happy to demo the system to you.

Happy listening!
 
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Addicted to hifi

VIP/Donor
Sep 8, 2020
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Hi Kal,
This is a really old thread and I didn't realize I hadn't updated my signature. I sold my Emotiva XPA 5 channel and went to an Emotiva DR3 and sold that also. I ended up w/ a Parasound Halo A31 and now content.
Lastly, I sold my Tekton center channel and now enjoy 2.2 listening.

Thanks for chiming in!



Don't know where you live but I'm in Nampa Idaho .... if ever in the area lemme know. I'd be happy to demo the system to you.

Happy listening!
Thanks mate. Would love to come over for a listen but I am in Melbourne Australia.cheers
 
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