Choose between McIntosh MA9000 used vs MA8950 new


I really need some input! I am trying to upgrade from my starter kit. I just found a used 4-5 years old MA9000, fine condition (except cosmetics), and is comparing to buying a new MA8950. Ma9000 has generous leg room (300 W) with more tone controls, bigger everything, but that was older 2017 technology and already discontinued. Ma8950 is less powerful (200W), but is the latest design, bit better DAC, more dynamic headroom (filter capacity). Now I cannot decide which one to go for. Btw I used streamer as my source most of the time, and driving a b&w 805 d4. Thanks for your help.

randywong

All dacs in a McIntosh integrated or in their preamps are a compromise. Same goes for their phono stages. I would get the 9000 with the extra power, and get a good external dac now or later on. So many better dacs for a couple thousand dollars that would better any of the dacs in these integrateds.

@randywong.  Always go for more power over less power. A little extra head-room never hurt anybody. Also, why buy new? There’s a huge pre-owned market out there that can save you thousands. Take advantage of it. I’ve been buying pre-owned audio for over 25 years with great success. If I had to pay new retail prices for my current audio system, I wouldn’t be able to afford it. As for DACs? Go for the best external DAC that you can afford. Happy listening.

I bought a lot of my system used (speakers, integrated amp, and ddc).  Buying used has served me well and it’s great but only If I buy the right component.  The OP mentioned that the MA9000 was in fine condition except cosmetics, that would be a red flag for me which is one of the reasons, in this case, I suggested buying new.  

@jastralfu Just because a person shopped the used market today, yesterday, or last week and didn’t find anything to their satisfaction, doesn’t mean that they should just give up on the used market and run out and buy new. One may just have to exercise a little bit more patience and wait for the right used unit to show up on the used market, and then jump on it. The saving is just too great. Patience will be greatly rewarded in the used market. If in any way, if it can be avoided, I absolutely never buy high end audio at retail prices. Why? Because I have champagne taste on a beer budget, LoL!!! Happy listening