ML 436 vs Mac 501
-- Sat, 08/01/2009 - 09:11
I am in the market for some new monpblock amps and had the opportunity to hear a demo of Mark Levinson 436 vs the McInstosh 501. They were both played through a Mac C-1000 pre amp (SS) along with a Mac front end (MCD1000 and MDA1000). Speakers were the B & W 800d and Wilson WP 8. The only difference that I am aware of was the cables (it was difficult to see as the Mac equipment was all in a rack and access to the back was outside the listening room, where as the levinson amps was by the speakers).
I was startled to hear how much better the Mac sounded against the levinson. In just about every category,from top to bottom, soundstage, slam, resoluton, transparency, etc the Mac blew away the Levinson.
It was so night and day that I got to thinking if cables could make such a huge difference or perhaps if the dealer (while they carry both lines, Mac is their brand) was presenting a true side by side test?
Thanks in advance for sharing your thoughts.
Rich
True test is the Mac system with the power amps with its best cables versus the ML system with its power amps on both sets of speakers.
Listening to the MLs through the MAC system doesn't tell you squat unless you have that exact front end, cables and speakers
Find another dealer or set up an appointment and tell them you want to listen to the MLs in an all ML system.
What system do you have? Maybe the Macs are better but the comparison wasn't fair.
Sheepherder
Shenandoah Valley, VA
True test is the Mac system with the power amps with its best cables versus the ML system with its power amps on both sets of speakers.
Listening to the MLs through the MAC system doesn't tell you squat unless you have that exact front end, cables and speakers
Find another dealer or set up an appointment and tell them you want to listen to the MLs in an all ML system.
What system do you have? Maybe the Macs are better but the comparison wasn't fair.
Sheepherder
Shenandoah Valley, VA
Couldn't imagine a comparison of gear that is more polar opposite. Levinson is detailed, dead, and unemotional to my ears. I think its for old, deaf people. Mac is warm and the midrange is mushy for my taste. Comparing the 2, I would choose the Mac also, but there is much better stuff out there. Try Ayre, or see if you could find a used CJ Premier 350 as a couple of alternate options.
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