Benchracing is fun!

Jstas
Jstas Posts: 14,804
edited January 2007 in Car Audio & Electronics
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:

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:
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:
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%):
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:
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%):
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.
Expert Moron Extraordinaire

You're just jealous 'cause the voices don't talk to you!
Post edited by Jstas on
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Comments

  • MacLeod
    MacLeod Posts: 14,358
    edited January 2007
    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.
    polkaudio sound quality competitor since 2005
    MECA SQ Rookie of the Year 06 ~ MECA State Champ 06,07,08,11 ~ MECA World Finals 2nd place 06,07,08,09
    08 Car Audio Nationals 1st ~ 07 N Georgia Nationals 1st ~ 06 Carl Casper Nationals 1st ~ USACi 05 Southeast AutumnFest 1st

    polkaudio SR6500 --- polkaudio MM1040 x2 -- Pioneer P99 -- Rockford Fosgate P1000X5D
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  • lpreston
    lpreston Posts: 35
    edited January 2007
    I LOVE my Pana-tube. Wish my other vehicle could take a double din....
    Panasonic CQ-TX5500 Japanese Tube
    PrecisionPower DCX-730 Processor
    McIntosh MMC446
    polkaudio SR6500 x2
    polkaudio SR104DVC x 2
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  • 1996blackmax
    1996blackmax Posts: 2,436
    edited January 2007
    One of the guys over at maxima.org has that HU in his system. He is pretty happy with it.
    Alpine: CDA-7949
    Alpine: PXA-H600
    Alpine: CHA-S624, KCA-420i, KCA-410C
    Rainbow: CS 265 Profi Phase Plug / SL 165
    ARC Audio: 4150-XXK / 1500v1-XXK
    JL Audio: 10W6v2 (x2)
    KnuKonceptz
    Second Skin
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  • Jstas
    Jstas Posts: 14,804
    edited January 2007
    Well, if they get more, I will probably go and snag one but right now, doesn't look like it will happen.
    Expert Moron Extraordinaire

    You're just jealous 'cause the voices don't talk to you!
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  • MacLeod
    MacLeod Posts: 14,358
    edited January 2007
    Ive always wanted a Denon Z1 myself. I think you can still find those from time to time but theyre like $1500!
    polkaudio sound quality competitor since 2005
    MECA SQ Rookie of the Year 06 ~ MECA State Champ 06,07,08,11 ~ MECA World Finals 2nd place 06,07,08,09
    08 Car Audio Nationals 1st ~ 07 N Georgia Nationals 1st ~ 06 Carl Casper Nationals 1st ~ USACi 05 Southeast AutumnFest 1st

    polkaudio SR6500 --- polkaudio MM1040 x2 -- Pioneer P99 -- Rockford Fosgate P1000X5D
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  • Jstas
    Jstas Posts: 14,804
    edited January 2007
    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!
    Expert Moron Extraordinaire

    You're just jealous 'cause the voices don't talk to you!
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  • Bill Ayotte
    Bill Ayotte Posts: 1,860
    edited January 2007
    That hu is sick. Does it have a built in tube amp or is the tube in the output stage of the hu?
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  • lpreston
    lpreston Posts: 35
    edited January 2007
    Tube is in the preamp section.
    Panasonic CQ-TX5500 Japanese Tube
    PrecisionPower DCX-730 Processor
    McIntosh MMC446
    polkaudio SR6500 x2
    polkaudio SR104DVC x 2
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  • MacLeod
    MacLeod Posts: 14,358
    edited January 2007
    Jstas wrote:
    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! ;)
    polkaudio sound quality competitor since 2005
    MECA SQ Rookie of the Year 06 ~ MECA State Champ 06,07,08,11 ~ MECA World Finals 2nd place 06,07,08,09
    08 Car Audio Nationals 1st ~ 07 N Georgia Nationals 1st ~ 06 Carl Casper Nationals 1st ~ USACi 05 Southeast AutumnFest 1st

    polkaudio SR6500 --- polkaudio MM1040 x2 -- Pioneer P99 -- Rockford Fosgate P1000X5D
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  • Red230SX
    Red230SX Posts: 211
    edited January 2007
    OMFG!!!! That Panny is SEXY!


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