Quote Originally Posted by saeman View Post
Are you talking about the 255 wpc version of the MC2255 or some other version? I can't imagine that that much power would not be enough, with plenty of headroom.

I've powered the 4341's with as little as a Marantz 2275. Granted, there is little headroom there, but still enough to blow the walls down. Maybe you should have your MAC tested. Just a thought!

I've used the MC2255 to power the low end of 4355's with excellent results. A well maintained 2255 will likely bench near 300 WPC.
Saeman, yes, I'm using the 250 watts per channel McIntosh MC2255 and don't get me wrong, it's a beautiful amp that provides enough power to make yer' ears bleed but my comment is more along the lines of achieving the perfect balance. I've got this feeling that more power would "open-up" the 4341's and allow them to really show their stuff.

I've been using that same MC2255 amp (and a matching McIntosh C33 pre-amp) to power my L-65 Jubals. With that set-up the Mac literally "owns" the Jubals. On more than one occasion I've had people who aren't even remotely interested in audio comment on the "beautiful sound."

That said, I have my system set up in a terrible room because I have no choice as I rent and I'm not about to try to change the acoustics of someone's house that I don't own. One wall of my living room is a tacky marble fireplace. Yeah, that's right a nice wall of shiny stone to bounce sound off of.

BTW: Under the subject of "vintage audio porn," here's how I managed to come to own the most exquisitely preserved McIntosh MC2255 and matching C33 pre-amp... An ad appeared in the Vancouver Craig's List saying "older nice condition stereo for sale" on a lark I phoned to see what it was... the guy who answered explains that he builds luxury homes (and I mean real luxury homes: as in $10 million construction cost) and that a client from Australia is rebuilding his Whistler ski chalet and this stereo from the late 70's or early 80's has been built-into-the-wall of the living room since it was originally purchased... and the owner has only spent a couple weeks each year at the chalet... so the builder is "salvaging" the stereo and the brand of the stereo is McIntosh... sold! The amp and pre-amp had literally never seen daylight and were so shiny and clean you would have thought they were brand new.