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View Full Version : Benchracing is fun!


Jstas
01-10-2007, 05:21 PM
Benchracing is basically sitting around talking about what-if's rather than doing it.

But, I have a purpose!

I was trying to pick up one of these:

http://www.audiocubes.com/images/f_panasonic_cqtx5500d.jpg

Which is a Japan only model from Panasonic. It was going to cost about $1200 total with the FM converter and such but alas, the importer has it listed on back-order and due to the fact that they have no direct supplier, they do not know if they will get it in at all let alone when. It's a shame though, it's a really nice unit. It has a nice antique look to it. Not that I could have bought it now but it would have been nice to know availability.


So in my pseudo-depression about not being able to get my hands on the stereo I wanted, I was wandering around the Internet and stumbled on an Audiogon page for a McIntosh amp with a link to the McIntosh Labs website. I cheered up almost immediatly because McIntosh still makes Car Audio! WOOHOO!

So to replace the Panasonic idea I had, I've found these:

Head Unit:
http://www.mcintoshlabs.com/images/products/MX406_front_small.jpg
http://www.mcintoshlabs.com/mcprod/shopdisplayproducts.asp?hid=2&id=33&cat=Control+Centers+%26+CD+Changers&prodid=1077&product=MX406

CD Changer:
http://www.mcintoshlabs.com/images/products/MCD4000_small.jpg
http://www.mcintoshlabs.com/mcprod/shopdisplayproducts.asp?hid=2&id=33&cat=Control+Centers+%26+CD+Changers&prodid=1065&product=MCD4000

Stereo Amp (150W x 2, 20-20,000 Hz response, THD .005%):
http://www.mcintoshlabs.com/images/products/MCC302_top_small.jpg
http://www.mcintoshlabs.com/mcprod/shopdisplayproducts.asp?hid=2&id=22&cat=Power+Amplifiers&prodid=1060&product=MCC302

In-dash Power Meter for Stereo Amp:
http://www.mcintoshlabs.com/images/products/MPM4000_glow_small.jpg
http://www.mcintoshlabs.com/mcprod/shopdisplayproducts.asp?hid=2&id=23&cat=Meter+Module&prodid=1072&product=MPM4000

Bridgeable Stereo Amp w/ built-in power meters for Sub (600 watts at 4 ohms, 20-20,000 Hz response, THD .005%):
http://www.mcintoshlabs.com/images/products/MCC602TM_glow_small.jpg
http://www.mcintoshlabs.com/mcprod/shopdisplayproducts.asp?hid=2&id=22&cat=Power+Amplifiers&prodid=1063&product=MCC602TM

All that powering a set of SR6500's and an SR124, that would be an awesome stereo for a custom installation! It's a shame that it's probably $15K worth of gear and that doesn't include the wiring, sub box materials or other installation hardware. Still, it's nice to dream sometimes.

MacLeod
01-10-2007, 08:27 PM
I love the looks of those Pany tube HU's! I would love to have one of those! I guarantee you my SQ score would jump at least 5 points just because this thing "looks" like it should sound incredible!!!

As for the McIntosh HU, yeah I know theyre supposed to be the best but OMFG they are ugly! They look like the old OEM HU's that went in GM sedans.

lpreston
01-10-2007, 08:47 PM
I LOVE my Pana-tube. Wish my other vehicle could take a double din....

1996blackmax
01-10-2007, 09:28 PM
One of the guys over at maxima.org has that HU in his system. He is pretty happy with it.

Jstas
01-10-2007, 10:14 PM
Well, if they get more, I will probably go and snag one but right now, doesn't look like it will happen.

MacLeod
01-10-2007, 10:55 PM
Ive always wanted a Denon Z1 myself. I think you can still find those from time to time but theyre like $1500!

Jstas
01-11-2007, 12:15 AM
Well, Denon don't make 'em anymore so they are very rare.


We could always do a smash and grab at Polk HQ though! They got at least one there!

Bill Ayotte
01-11-2007, 12:57 AM
That hu is sick. Does it have a built in tube amp or is the tube in the output stage of the hu?

lpreston
01-11-2007, 05:55 AM
Tube is in the preamp section.

MacLeod
01-11-2007, 12:40 PM
We could always do a smash and grab at Polk HQ though! They got at least one there!

I think that one is one of the Rockford Fosgate pieces.

Still not a bad idea tho! ;)

Red230SX
01-12-2007, 09:41 PM
OMFG!!!! That Panny is SEXY!


If it sounds 1/10th as good as it looks, then I bet it sounds smooth :)