Will keep u posted as things evolve and tube rolling gets underway
Hello,
I am new here but following this thread since I am currently weighing M1.2 and M2.2 options. I have owned M1.1s and regret selling them, although they did sound dark and a bit rolled off in the high frequencies, particularly compared to the 300wpc Class A monoblocks that replaced them. The low bass of the M1.1s had some bloom but was still controlled...an odd combination with the best description being that the bass was a touch on the ripe side of "full" but maintained that same profile throughout all volume levels and never got out of control. The NC1200 amps I had here were the opposite and were too overly damped to sound realistic.
One thing I noticed with the M1.1s is that they never lost control as things got louder but there was a point where they simply ran out of steam and the music wouldn't go any louder. This point was way above where I typically listen but slightly limited the upper level of my occasional desire to rock-out. I suspect the M2.2 would do about the same but offer a bit louder limit point while maybe providing more control (e.g., less bloom in the bass) along the way? The only potential drawbacks being any performance deficiencies compared to the M1.2s. BTW, Vladimir was no help in deciding....."your choice" was his general response after asking about my speakers (90dB Aerials) and room, which is medium/large (18x30x9 feet) with the system set up in about 2/3 of that area.
Therefore, my thoughts and choice come down to purchasing the M1.2 knowing I will likely have about the same power performance as I did with the M1.1s, but hopefully a little more refined performance in the high frequencies and elsewhere, or trying the M2.2s to achieve the little bit extra level of power and control I am looking for (and perhaps a bit better damped bass) with a hopefully very similar sound to the M1.2s. I would go for the 2.2s as being a better power match for my speakers and room, except my hesitation being related to some comments I have read about the M2.2s sounding a bit "rougher" as the volume increases, which I presume is related to the crossover from Class A to AB. Vladimir said something similar, as I remember, being that the M1.2s remain more "linear" (I cannot remember the exact word he used here) at higher volumes, which I found odd since that implies the main sonic difference is that the M1.2s sound better than the higher powered M2.2s at higher volumes, which would be the opposite of why someone would want M2.2s. I assume then, the M2.2s are for folks with really hard to drive speakers, and/or large rooms, where the M1.2s are clearly underpowered.
Therefore awsmone, I would be very interested to hear an update on your transition from M2.2s to M1.2s, and any positives or drawbacks you perceive. Thanks for any updates.