McIntosh question

[gr8fl4295]

I've got a quick question about McIntosh power amps....
What is the difference between having a stereo power amp and 2 mono power amps?
Any disadvantage using only 1 mono power amp?

[mgbills]

The only disadvantage I see in a mono is there is no backup if the primary side fails.

That said, early in building my rig I passed on a $200 Mc50. I've kicked myself for that mistake. My 250 weighs approximately 35 lbs. I think the 50 was 10-15. McIntosh amps are extremely rugged. I know someone here dropped one, and it caused a failure...so they're not indestructible. But they deal well with mismatched loads, and they seemingly will take years of being cranked.

Having the stereo amp gives a 2nd channel for an additional cab, or as a backup.

Sorry for the rambling answer, and I can't honestly say whether I've misspelled anything or made any sense. I managed to snag a soundboard copy of the national flu.
Peace
M

[gr8fl4295]

I won't be trowing them around or even going on tour with them.
I basically don't know enough about them to know the answer.
If I buy a mono power amp on ebay, will it work with a SMS preamp and JBL E110 1x10?
Also is 60w too loud for bedroom levels?

[mgbills]

It will work great!

One of my favorite McIntosh features is that it sounds great at low volumes. One caveat...I have OBEL's in my guitars, but I think it would be universally great sounding in that configuration. I play my 250 with my wife in the same room, with the volume on the amp barely cracked. Sounds great to my ears. I also use the SMS with the trimpot on the back cranked.

You won't get the magic sizzle like you would at high volumes, but I would venture to say none of us want to practice at that volume.

[NSP]

Mmmm.....420 posts