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)?
Welcome to the audio forum. I've only been in the forum for about one year, but I've met some really nice individuals that know their stuff when it comes to audio. REALLY know their stuff and happy to pass on their knowledge. Many times the information shared back and forth goes over my head, and I'm sure I have asked some questions that have given most members a good chuckle. But I always get polite answers full of information for the most part....then there are a few dicks as you've found out. Ignore them as I do -- life's too short to waste time on them. I'm glad to see that you are tackling the life challenge you've been handed, kudos to you.
Amps that put out the same watts into all ohm ratings listed have autoformers. Those that give different power ratings for 4/8 ohms (typically) don’t have autoformers.
sandthemall is correct. I know from direct personal experience that a Mac without Autoformers does not sound like classic Mac. It is OK, but the smooth solidity and "gravity" is not the same.
To OP, I purchased a McIntosh MA6600 200wpc integrated with all the bells and whistles including big blue meters from Audio Classics used for $3200.00. It looks brand new And has the great McIntosh house sound. It is quite heavy, weighing in around 75 pounds out of the box. The sound is to die for, you won’t be disappointed.
this is not how I spell mackintosh. This is how Siri spells Macintosh. I know how to spell it. I had an accident 2 1/2 years ago that love me a quadriplegic, if you don’t know what that is good means that I can’t use my legs or my hands so I’m dependent on Siri. She’s not the sharpest tool in the shed, sorry about that. I joined this forum a couple months ago because I thought that the audio guys were a nice bunch of dudes. Don’t worry I knew that there was a couple of douche bags mixed in with this form. Nice to meet you
To the OP, The reason the MA252 ‘sounds good with CDs’ and is on the affordable side is because it doesn’t have output transformers.
If you want a classic Mac and classic Mac sound, I suggest getting a Mac integrated that has output transformers (aka Autoformers). This may mean buying used but Macs hold their value.
To the OP, The reason the MA252 ‘sounds good with CDs’ and is on the affordable side is because it doesn’t have output transformers.
If you want a classic Mac and classic Mac sound, I suggest getting a Mac integrated that has output transformers (aka Autoformers). This may mean buying used but Macs hold their value.
Thank you for bringing civility back to this thread.
For the OP, demo if you can. McIntosh and every other manufacturer makes great gear. Some pieces are loved more than others as each has its own sound. In the right system, McIntosh is awesome.
@dill, there you go again! there's no need to critisize a person because he can't spell! all people wan't is advice and recommendations on this forum! peace to you!!
I have the MA252 running Maggie 1.7s; I also have a Sony HAP Z1ES digital player (and vinyl too). The MA252's sound is slightly warm and creamy smooth. A decent amount of detail too. Since I'm running Maggies, I have to turn the volume up to 60+ to "rock out". I listen to a lot of jazz and alternative rock. This integrated is the real deal, but it might not be the best fit for my power-hungry 1.7s. I'm considering an upgrade the the MA352. With efficient speakers, the MA252 could be a really nice option. As has been mentioned above, the look of McIntosh equipment is part of its appeal, but sound-wise, the equipment that I've heard delivers the goods. By the way, I have a Best Buy Magnolia near me, so I've had the opportunity to listen to some of their BIG solid state & tube amps. The blue meters are something to behold.
I recently purchased a McIntosh MA252 off if this site to replace my older Marantz that tended to overheat pushing my B&W 683s. Tried it out at a local dealer and immediately fell in love they also had it paired with B&W 702s, so I also upgraded to a used set of those. Truly a refined sound. I do not regret either purchase.
I bought my McIntosh MA8900 Integrated from Audio Classics. Great guys, first class treatment even if buying used. I didn't want a Tube Amp, as even the Solid State McIntosh have the classic warm sound they are known for. I'm looking to add a Mac SACD transport next..most likely used. McIntosh retain their value very well and the big blue meters are hypnotizing. My 2 cents.
I have the MC275 paired with C47. Its powering a pair of Sonus Faber Olympica 3. The amp is under powered. I got it because I’ve always wanted tubes. Thinking of getting another MC275 so I can do mono. I also have the MC252 hooked up to a set of KEF R3. I like to hear my music on the louder side and have to crank it up to 55-60 on both systems. It’s more of a look and you’re paying for the brand name. I think they have gotten very snobby and want crazy money and customer service is rude.
At the end of the day it looks cool sounds good. Its not the most amazing thing since slice bread.
Try a Mac. I really don't believe that you'll regret it. Make sure that it has the (controversial) Autoformers. I do like the 2105 best of the ones I've had, but the several that came right after are great as well. Go to Roger Russell's site to become more familiar with the history.
Thank you for all the feedbacks, need some time to digest all the information. But using a passive preamp, or go direct from the DAC to the MC275 is something I will look into. I actually, I don’t know what determines if a preamp is needed. I definitely don’t need more volume. My 18w Almarro usually set between 9-11 o’clock, and the colume in my computer is 1/3 - 1/2. If I play from computer, then yes, I can control volume from in the computer. I am using a audio-gd NFB3 and still waiting for a Topping dx7 pro. Below is the product page of the DX7, towards the bottom has RCA output specification, but it doesn’t mentioned anything in ohms or V. Can I connect it directly to Mc275?
And if you would like to see some High Quality Vintage Audio products look here .
https://skyfiaudio.com/ They have some Amazing Equipment , and they are Very Very proud of it
LOL . I think NOT. You are obviously not familiar with McIntosh If you like McIntosh they made many great amps MC30 My Favorite tube amp MC240 my next fav tube amp MC2505,2105,2205 My fav solid state amps from McIntosh. There are many more . Have you ever wondered why McIntosh amps seem to go UP in value over time. There is a reason why. Show me any other audio mfg that make products that go up in value over time
@dill,like another commenter said, don't be sarcastic!!! people on audiogon forum ask for advice!!! if some can't spell, it's ok!!! don't have 'hate' in you!!! there's allready enough in todays world!!!
I’m new to this whole Audio world. I have a lot of time on my hands and I’ve been reading these forms and checking stuff out online. I tried Macintosh I never looked back. The stuff holds its value really well and like somebody before me said the service was superb. If you look up a website called the music room. They are used equipment dealer and have lots of Macintosh stuff. The best part is they have a money back guarantee on anything they sell. I think it’s good for 14 days. So, if you buy Macintosh and hate it I think you’re Just out some shipping.
You could consider a classic McIntosh receiver like the mac4300V. You’d get 100W per channel, a nice 5 band EQ, variable loudness and a very nice phono section. Something to consider...
The only thing I didn't see is a budget. You have a limit? Mcintosh can be spendy if your not careful. I've owned Mac for 50 years, you know my position. Not to say there aren't better components out there. I will say the overall brand "Mcintosh" is pretty darn good.
I like tone control, simple... I like a balance option and A/B/Tape out, options. All of my units do. C11,20,22,2500,MX110,MX120s all have tone control. ALL work very well.. SS power amps.. Different and expensive..
The 252 your speaking of is a good example of the "new" Mac sound. Is it good?... Very clinical, precise, accurate, dark background, no floor noise, silky smooth especially with CD......I called the MA252 a CDs dream. With an ES Sony the playback was just magical. The unit was made for CDs simple... These words explain how it sounds to me on a round speaker system... They can put out some good sound... I heard it with B&W.
MC275 has a few models there. The early ones, look out, they can get very close to 90 watts per rail. They can also be used in series, paralleled or STRAPPED. You can stack Macs. They are stable @ 2 ohms. You can fry eggs on them too..HOT!!!! They can blast my friend. The later models like the GG, SE (SS), with ICs have a different sound for sure,,, quite different..They are A different AB class of amp..Different transformers too.
There is one thing they surpass all others on, SERVICE. You can get your Mac fixed in Antarctica... really...Half the stuff made today you can't even get a schematic for, Cary Audio is a great example of that.. ....Mac... Good service everywhere, in the world...
gte357s OP yes, I hear good thing about the MC275. The only thing is I will need a preamp, which then increase the cost, and one more component to worry about having synergy.
Only decent Mac was the MC275. Save your money, they don’t need anymore gain from an active preamp. Go direct if your source has volume control or go passive preamp. They love a 10kohm passive preamp, as they are 90kohm input and have good low input sensitivity of only 1.2v in on the rca input for maximum output watts, most sources today give out more than 2v!! some even 4v!!
I'm not sure a Youtube video is an adequate overview of what a system could sound like. That said, I am very confident that any Mc amp section will deliver everything your speakers can take. The depth, silent backdrop and fidelity are exceptional, IMO.
In your case, you've been working with integrated amps for some time, so a MA252 might make a nice upgrade. In my case, I found the best results with a tube preamp and SS power. I'm also a jazz fan, but trend more toward big band and fusion. Full disclosure is appropriate: I turned in my C2300 for a C50 for reasons that had nothing to do with sound quality.
So, I suggest you consider if you want to go to separates or stick with integrated. Separates will reveal a lot of detail in the music and enable you to optimize the pre and amp sections to your personal preferences. I'm a vinyl junkie with 2 tables, so the higher end Mc preamps were good solutions. I've always preferred SS power, primarily because control over the drivers seems more audibly defined to my ear.
If that seems of interest, you could go with any number of affordable SS amps like the MC7100 I mentioned earlier and a tube pre like a C2200 to accomplish a similar result. Alternatively, you could go with a MC275 and a C45 or MX unit if you really want to do tube power. Either of those alternatives could land you below your maximum budget, too.
I strongly suggest an email to Audio Classics as a good investment of time. They really know what they are doing, are Mc experts and genuinely interested in delivering superior value to their customers. They have been my go-to source for high-end audio for 30+ years, and I can't recommend them highly enough.
@effischer yes, I hear good thing about the MC275. The only thing is I will need a preamp, which then increase the cost, and one more component to worry about having synergy. If I am going to get a preamp, I read very good reviews on Supratek and Coincident which are $2000-$2500 used. Together with the MC275 will be like $6000 ....
and what’s your opinion on the 252? I found this YouTube video with MA252 and Marten Duke 2 monitor speaker. Honestly, I am shocked by the mid bass in that video with such a small monitor speaker. I wonder if a subwoofer is placed somewhere, or it is because of the 252.
I'm not familiar with your speakers, but if they are as efficient as you note, then McIntosh power could be a very desirable choice. While many might disagree, I find they provide super-clean power and uncolored flat presentation.
Their tube amps are what made them famous and the one that most people reference is the MC275. It's been made essentially the same way for decades and is now on its 6th generation. If you're patient and watch the ads closely, I'm sure you could find a MC275 III, IV or V in decent condition near your budget target. It features mono bridging if you want to go that route. There are also standard mono units in MC40, MC60 and MC75 variants.
If you want to go SS, the second generation MC7100 (it features XLR input connections) could be a good way to go. It offers 150 watts stereo and a mono bridge for 300. It was made with a toroidal transformer, is well-reviewed for sound quality, is bullet-proof reliable and sells in the $1200 per unit range. There are several others that you could consider, some of which are quite collectable and also near to your price point. The MC2300 is a famous example and is the amp that powered the Wall of Sound back in the day.
A good place to start researching what's out there and find out the best potential match would be Audio Classics. They're the foremost McIntosh retailer around, ship worldwide and have a stellar reputation. They're located in Vestal NY, so not far from the Mc factory. Surf their website - you'll find it a great source of information.
@dill there are McIntosh dealers in Vancouver, Canada. It will be hard for me to find time to audition them due to the lock down with kids at home. My question is more like, if there are successful story out there pairing McIntosh and efficient speakers like Zu. And specifically people’s thought on MA252 compared to other models. When I get a chance, I guess I can go to one of the dealer and try it with an Audio Note speaker if they have them on display. The Audio Note are expensive and not a mainstream brand, but it is the only efficient speaker they have that is design for tube amps.
@tuberist, yes, I think I either want a tube, or a SS with those cool blue meter. I wonder how many people buy McIntosh because of those, LoL. And your comment about SS will sound different likely very true. That’s why I want to hear what other thinks. Even though I like the look, the sound is more important. If SS is the McIntosh thing, then I guess I will stay away from it until I am ready to change my whole set, to speakers like Focal or B&W.
heh Dill, your sarcasm is inappropriate IMO. Many who come here do not have English as a first language. GTE, I owned the Almarro 318B for many years. It's a great low cost SET amp. The McIntosh SS gear you're thinking of will provide a very different sound presentation than you are used to. Can you try a McIntosh at your home? If you really want to try out some SS there are many brands unless you have to have those blue meters. I've never been a McIntosh fan but many here are and will advise you.
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