A Nak or a Mcintosh
Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: Car Audio
Forum Discription: Car Stereos, Amplifiers, Crossovers, Processors, Speakers, Subwoofers, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=53128
Printed Date: May 14, 2024 at 7:47 AM
Topic: A Nak or a Mcintosh
Posted By: dwarren
Subject: A Nak or a Mcintosh
Date Posted: April 03, 2005 at 2:23 PM
I've decided that I want to upgrade my 4 channel amplifier. I am currently using an Alpine mrv-f407 which is ok but it isn't good enough in my mind. So here are my options; A new Nakamichi pa2004 for about $469 or a used Mcintosh mc444 or mc420 (i think, there are a few different models hanging around). A brax or helix might be in the in the loop too, not sure about those two yet
I just want some opinions no questioning my motives, yet 
Oh and no they are not available to listen to, no cars or sound boards -------------
Replies:
Posted By: DYohn
Date Posted: April 03, 2005 at 2:48 PM
IMO there is no better, cleaner power available for cars than McIntosh. Nak is good, as is Helix, but I'd trade my PA2004 for an equivalent Mc any day. ------------- Support the12volt.com
Posted By: dwarren
Date Posted: April 03, 2005 at 2:59 PM
The one "rumor" or whatever that seems to creep up with the Mc is that their technology is, well old and hasn't been updated in some time. This is not to say that they don't sound good.
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Posted By: DYohn
Date Posted: April 03, 2005 at 4:55 PM
Huh? What "rumor" is that? I don't know what you're talking about, unless you mean they use the best audio technology in the world and have not followed the recent fad of so-called all-digital (and in general lesser-quality) amps. McIntosh amps have always been and continue to be the world-leaders for sonic quality and design innovation. Like I said, IMO there are none better. ------------- Support the12volt.com
Posted By: dwarren
Date Posted: April 03, 2005 at 5:04 PM
well, that will suffice for my decision, sorry if I upset you  -------------
Posted By: DYohn
Date Posted: April 04, 2005 at 11:21 AM
lol, no, not upset. Sorry if I came off that way. I'm not a fan of too many things but high-end amplifiers is one, so maybe I get too passionate about them!  ------------- Support the12volt.com
Posted By: kgerry
Date Posted: April 04, 2005 at 1:33 PM
BTW, dwarren... "my" technology is, well old and hasn't been updated in some time.... and i still know more than 80% of the posters here.... ha ha technology, like knowledge, doesnt go bad... sure there will always be "newer" technologies, but that certainly doesnt negate the previous ones they are built upon..... ------------- Kevin Gerry
Certified Electronics Technician
MECP First Class Installer
Owner/Installer
Classic Car Audio
since 1979
Posted By: Francious70
Date Posted: April 04, 2005 at 2:44 PM
Are Mc amps SS or tube??
Paul
Posted By: uthinkuknoaudio
Date Posted: April 04, 2005 at 3:20 PM
Nakamichi of course... just because i'm partisan. Honestly though, both amps are fantastic and sound quality is superb on both. I'd go Nakamichi because i am loyal to them and they have never treated me wrong over the past 16 years.
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"I don't play games. I play Nakamichi and that for real yo" - Probably some japanese kid said this in the early 80's trying to sell stereo out of his trunk lol.
Posted By: DYohn
Date Posted: April 04, 2005 at 4:35 PM
Francious70 wrote:
Are Mc amps SS or tube??
Paul
Solid state, class A and A/B. There are a couple of tube amps for cars, but really they are pretty esoteric and not for everyday use. I wouldn't use a tube amp in a car that was going to be driven everyday. ------------- Support the12volt.com
Posted By: dwarren
Date Posted: April 04, 2005 at 4:45 PM
Well, I too am passionate about amps and front sound stage, so I shall be investing in a mcintosh perhaps today! kgerry and DYohn, i absolutely agree with you two on the technology part of mcintosh, old or new they are what they are, nice amps. uthink, i wouldn't expect any other answer from you but at least you are consistent. -------------
Posted By: uthinkuknoaudio
Date Posted: April 04, 2005 at 4:55 PM
thanks!
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"I don't play games. I play Nakamichi and that for real yo" - Probably some japanese kid said this in the early 80's trying to sell stereo out of his trunk lol.
Posted By: dwarren
Date Posted: April 04, 2005 at 7:18 PM
I think the mcintosh opportunity has been shot down, due to space resrictions, so I have a Nak pa-504 or the pa-2004 available, what are the big differences between the two? -------------
Posted By: dwarren
Date Posted: April 04, 2005 at 11:17 PM
bump
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Posted By: DYohn
Date Posted: April 05, 2005 at 10:09 AM
The PA-504 is an older model (1995-99) rated at 50W X 4. It is a very nice amp with a nice clean crossover, designed in Japan and made in the USA. The equivalent amp today is the PA-1004. The PA-2004 is a larger amp rated at 100W X 4, and includes a nice crossover and their new electronics called "Harrmonic Time Alignment" which is basically a digital DSP time delay system. I have it turned off on mine. Some early PA-2004's were built in the US but most you can find available today were built in Taiwan or China. A very nice amp. ------------- Support the12volt.com
Posted By: dwarren
Date Posted: April 06, 2005 at 8:50 PM
Sorry to bring this thread back, but I am now an owner of the Nakamichi pa-2004. just dropped $450 on it about 20 mins. ago. The only strange thing about it is the little hardware kit that comes with it contains two allen wrenches, neither of which work on the amp or the agu fuse holder. go figure.
The amp says handcrafted in the usa, is that legit?
Thanks again to all who put in their two cents.
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Posted By: DYohn
Date Posted: April 06, 2005 at 9:40 PM
If it says that on the case, you have one of the good ones! Congrats. Your Rainbows should really come alive. At least one of the allen wrenches should fit the M5 hex head bolts they supply to mount the amp... ------------- Support the12volt.com
Posted By: dwarren
Date Posted: April 06, 2005 at 9:52 PM
I tried both of them, perhaps I am too nervous to figure it out, but I tried a few times. I don't have my tools where I am, and I must get that cover off, its killing me not being able to see all those buttons and switches...
I hope they will too, as well as gaining some volume, as i have doubled my power so a gain of 3dbs (or so) right?
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Posted By: stevdart
Date Posted: April 06, 2005 at 10:00 PM
I see you got that PA-2004 into your sig line right away! Maybe you should add "USA model" lol Good buy!
Posted By: dwarren
Date Posted: April 06, 2005 at 10:29 PM
I am glad you noticed so soon . I have to be proud of something, ya know. -------------
Posted By: Poormanq45
Date Posted: April 07, 2005 at 9:50 AM
Congrats on getting the PA-2004
I'm currently helping a friend put together a system composed mostly of Nak gear, except the HU.
He's going to be using a PA-2004 for the sub and possibly another one for the front(components) and rear(coaxials) speakers. It should sound great
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