MCINTOSH mc 452 VS bRYSTON 14 BSST2

I realize you have already narrowed your search but for that price have you considered VTL (tubes) or MSB? I really like the the MSB S200 over the Bryston. I find the Bryston to be sterile sounding with harsh treble. The MSB has the most detailed and flat response that I've heard from a stereo amp. I've compared these two using Harbeth S-HL5 speakers, Kudos C30s and Marten Django speakers. I have not heard the McIntosh MC452, but I have heard the MC501 and MC601 monoblocks. The MC601 monoblocks are a real step up form the MC501 in terms of detail and resolution and I must say I liked the MC601s quite a bit. I'm not sure how their character may or may not relate to the MC452, though. I will say that based on my experience with some Bryston products and McIntosh, I would prefer the McIntosh sound signature when directly compared to the Bryston.

If you can stomach the price, the MSB S200 is phenomenal.

What pre-amp are you using? I really don't think you would need as much power as either of those amps is putting out. The 207/2 is 91db. Maybe upgrading your pre-amp would give a bigger benefit.

*EDIT* After thinking about this a bit more I definitely think it's worth revisiting your pre/pro before considering replacing the power amp. What pre/pro are you using? I missed the part where you said you use this for home theater when I created my suggestions above.
Edited by Greg121986 - 10/4/12 at 12:12pm

Where are you from? MSB has a lot of international retailers and they are very popular in Asia which I found to be very interesting, considering they are based in California, USA. My local dealer whom I linked above can also order one for you if you end up being interested in the S200.

I replaced my XQ40/XQ50c with 205/2 and 202/2c. I have the Integra 80.3 (not sure I am that happy for music with it) and use a Bryston 4Bsst2 for the 205/2s. Since you are 100% HT and not music I am certain the Mac or Bryston will both work fine. I know from talking to Kef US that the McIntosh mates well with the Reference series. I never found the XQs lacking for HT although my room is only 13'w x 16'd x 9'h. Musically the Reference was a big jump up and I also home auditioned the Revel Ultima Studio2s which were also great. To muddy the water the best amps my contact from Kef said he heard with the Blades were the 28B monos. What are you using for the other channels, speakers and amps?

Unless you have gobs of money to burn I don't think it's necessary to spend that much money on the amp if you're not going to be doing a lot of scrutinizing 2 channel music listening. If it's for home theater use I say get whichever is cheaper if you really feel the need to upgrade. You're in the realm of severe diminishing returns at this point.

Do you have a sub or subs or are you running the 207/2s full range? I am guessing you would cross the 207s at 40 Hz and let the sub(s) take the low effects.

How do you like the Emotivas? I am surprised the XPA-2 is not adequate for the 207/2s crossed at 80 Hz. If you like Emotiva you could get an XPR-5 for a lot less money and keep the XPA-2 in case you go 7.2. Otherwise either the Mac or 14B would be awesome and likely a bit overkill, but I am all for that.

Get a Behringer iNuke 3000. An amp is an amp is an amp. They all sound the same except for tubes where they purposely build in distortion to give it that "warm" sound.