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Tempted to buy a Macintosh

I am quite tempted to buy a Macintosh amp, and would like to learn more about it.

I have a Almarro 318B (18W) integrated and a Triode Lab 2A3 integrated.  For speakers, I have a set of Zu Omen Def I and Spatial Audio X5.  I haven’t heard a Masintosh in person.  I mainly like its retro look.  From reviews, I heard it has a very smooth sound, which may match with my listening preference.  I only listen to Jazz and Bossa Nova with low-medium volume.  And my questions are:

1) My speakers are efficient speakers and I listen in low volume.  So, I don’t need and want big power.  Is Macintosh a good match to my speakers?  I have no interest to change my speakers for now.

2) my budget is around $3000 for used equipment.  That is not a lot for a Mac.  So, it seems I would go for an integrated.  

3) I like tubes, but it seems Macintosh is more a SS brand.  And it seems there is no tube integrated.  The entry level MA252 is a hybrid with a tube preamp and SS amp.  I listen to some your tube video and it sounds great.  But of course, can’t draw any conclusion base on YouTube videos.  Is that a good choice to step into Macintosh world?  Or people would suggest to go different routes to get the full potential of Macintosh?  That is all SS, or separate tube pre amp (e.g. Coincident or Supratek) and power amp (MC275)?
gte357s
astorey
29 posts
 
I never cared for Mcs but probably never listened to them in the right system/room. Got a great deal on a MA 5200 and was very impressed with it. Took some time matching it with various source components and speakers. And it took some time to sound better. 
But it is a keeper for me now and the classic looks and over build are great. Very neutral sound but punchy enough for small-medium size listening room. It would be good to get one with 150 watts or more. Worth the extra if you can. 
jollygreenaudiophile2's avatar
jollygreenaudiophile2
275 posts
 
I personally have not "Fallen in love" with the Mac sound but have a good bit of respect for it. 
'Subjective as that is'. But, nearly all of them I integrated into my main rig were SS, not tube. Most were also "Vintage". It seemed best to me and also the "easy path", to purchase certain Mac "Paired Set’s". These "set’s", I tried, somehow seemed easier to set-up and complimented each other quite well. Both in their cosmetic attributes, as well as in their sonic capabilities. I had heard many speak well of the MC2105 amplifier paired with the C-28 preamp. "A set I kept in fact". If your patient you could I believe, find this set at your price-point.
Also, The MC2105 has separate gain controls for each channel "Also, these I am thinking, were the original amp with their signature,- Auto-formers!
So no clipping! On the front panel. And some simply use those as the volume/attenuation. So that there is no need for a preamp. I never tried that myself, but I am sure there are those here whom could respond if you wished to know more. A perfectly "Mint", MC2105 should fall into your budget area!
arcticdeth's avatar
arcticdeth
1,572 posts
 
Dude, ignore the negative,

Mac amps are amazing!!

 Just double check the used warranty , as I don’t think there’s any service for a used buyer!

 Go with bryston, odyssey, sanders sound, if it’s an issue.

 If Mac does warranty for secondary owner , go with Mac!

 Make sure Mac does warranty on used gear, if not look elsewhere, or drop the coin and buy new Mac amp.

your call brother!’Be careful!
aberyclark
1,355 posts
 
Beware of the MAC tube integrated amps with your Zu's. I have ZU Omen Defs myself. I wrote MAC and the total output gain is 44db. With the tubes you are looking at super loud tube hiss. I was running a tube pre with a ss, high gain amp with a total of 43db gain...the hiss was unbearable. I had to place a passive pre in between the pre and amp. I now have a tube pre and a low gain FirstWatt amp. 

I say with your speakers...stick with Solid State if you are looking at Mac Integrated amps.
treynolds155
184 posts
 
I've got 95db Omega alnico monitors powered by a MHA100 (non autoformer for speaker taps) fed by a MB50 streamer/dac. At spirited volume the meters aren't even hitting 2 watts. I've had class A and tube amps, all separates, some pretty high end stuff in the past and I'm not wanting for anything with this setup. It sounds great, draws very little power, runs cool to the touch and it's nice to know you can leave the house for a while with everything still running. 

Sound wise it's probably not SOTA but what I'm learning is that Mac gear hits that nice balance of performance and enjoyment factor. Think of it in car terms. A Lotus or similar style car will perform better, but will be an uncomfortable ride even in the short term. A nice Benz or BMW will give the average driver all the performance they need, and still be a very comfortable ride in the long term. Think listener fatigue, Mac stuff is often described as smooth. 

I'd imagine your Zu's would sound great with Mac gear. Good luck!
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