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McIntosh vs Accuphase?

Right now I'm using a Marantz PM-11S1 w/ Monitor Audio Gold floor standers. I'm a big fan of Marantz reference gear and their smooth yet detailed warmth. That said, I'm looking to get an integrated for my bedroom setup with a built-in DAC (no room for separates), which nixes something like the PM-KI Ruby. Looks to me like the McIntosh MA5300 / 7200 or Accuphase E-280 / E-380 fit the bill. I'm not really interested in Hegel or Rotel based on their aesthetics. I kind of like the idea of VU meters as well. So the question is, between the two McIntosh integrated or the Accuphase, what's my play? I'm located in the US so that's two points for Mc (pricing and service). But the Accuphase stuff looks to have much higher quality components, design, and build quality. Though for the price of the E-280 w/ option boards I could get a MA7200 and have spare change. Hmm...
lostark
arafiq's avatar
arafiq
1,656 posts
 
Accuphase, of course. I am building a new system and recently heard an Accuphase at a dealer (it was an exchange I think since the dealer does not carry Accuphase otherwise). We compared the Accuphase E-480 with McIntosh (I think it was the 7200, but can't remember the exact model to be honest), and to my ears the Accuphase was better -- more transparent and neutral (in a good way). I ended up buying a used Audio Research integrated, but Accuphase would have been my second choice.
rill
7 posts
 
Keep in mind, in the USA the McIntosh 7200 will actually be the MAC7200, which is a receiver (with a tuner). The integrated only MA7200 is only available outside of the states. The two units are otherwise identical.  The MAC7200 is authorized to be sold through many online retailers, unlike the other products.  The MA5300 is a direct coupled amp, not an Autoformer amp. It is also authorized for online sales.
arafiq's avatar
arafiq
1,656 posts
 
Also, if you're considering Accuphase, don't rule out Luxman.
erik_squires
16,027 posts
 
Great speakers.

I haven't heard Mc gear in a very long time, but the place to rule it in or out is in the treble.

Best,

Erik
oldhvymec
5,101 posts
 
Accuphase is one of the few products, I’ve sold I really wish I didn’t.

I’m a MAC guy, with CAPS. There is something about Accuphase and small planars. 25 years ago I was in a bit of a bind. Yup the Mac stayed the Accuphase went. I still think about the clarity and build quality of that unit. It was really built well. The sound, VERY refined mids one of the few like Mac that didn’t boil my ears... Preamp! Quality parts!

One small issue was a service. Something to do with lumination. Wanted me to split the shipping for a recall. I though it odd. So requested the parts.. They got all uppity and voided the warrantee. I didn’t care, I kept it 2 - 3 year beyond the warrantee. I did the "BULB" swap 200.00 shipping, NO. Send me the parts...

The guy that got it never stopped using it. His son still listens to it..

It’s 32 years old...

I heard a AP 380 and a  MAC 5300,  4 months ago.. Mac went back, just not close. This guy is B&W guy and a pair of the smaller ML planars, (OK sound really).. Accuphase really made them sing..  Mac was boomy highs were just tone controlled to death. Didn't sound like a Mac to me..

Regards
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