2. amps-preamps
  3. 1017881909

What Would You Do?

What would YOU do? I'm not satisfied with my current system but I'm ready to jump off this bandwagon with something I like. Right now I have a McIntosh MA6500 (not the glorified MA6900) integrated amp, Tannoy D500 speakers, old Tandberg tuner and an Arcam CD92 cdp. Something doesn't work and I'm pretty sure it's the Arcam cdp because I briefly ran it through a splendid CI Audio DAC and it was much improved (I just sold this because I love simplicity, but I did love it). I bought the McIntosh for biased reasosn (I loved them as a kid so when it came time to get a real system I went Mc, even after auditioning many amps) as well as the Tandberg tuner (I could not afford a Tandberg receiver as a kid). This system plays in a large Craftsman style room with lots of beautiful original wood, but rugs and furniture help soak up the soundwaves.

My office system sounds better: Rega Brio with Rega Planet cdp and Soliloquy 5.0 speakers. I love the sound of the Rega cdps so I'm opting for a Jupiter cdp for my main system. I've heard them both and the Jupiter is that much better.

Here's my thinking: Monarchy SM70 Pro with an FTAudio passsive preamp (with the Jupiter). Why? Because I like supporting small entrepreneurs and both of these products have impressed me. I already ahve the FT Audio preamp thinking I would use it in a different set up. But this adds the complexity seperates

Or: Sim Audio Moon I-5. I love this integrated amp too (but the industrial design is another story) and it's a tad better than the...

Magnum Dynalab MD-208 receiver which sounds wonderful and has a great tuner (I DO listen to FM radio) (and the design is beautiful), but my god, I came all this way and got another receiver? Simplicity. This and a Jupiter would be simple and beautiful.

I love my Tannoys right now so those are staying. I could also, I suppose, upgrade to the McIntosh MA6900 with its sweet, warm sound.

I would like to keep this equipment for a while, but would probably like to leave room for upgrading in the future so I can have fun again the future.

By the way, I highly recommend Aimee Mann's Bachelor No. 2 which has provided background for this message.

What would YOU do? I appreciate the wise words of this community. Thanks.
smith2c1d7
stehno
1,453 posts
 
Dump the Mac and purchase the SimAudio. Or better yet, check out the Odyssey Stratos amp and Tempest preamp. Each sells for $1k and comes with a 20 year warranty. And you would probably have to spend thousands more to even come close to the sonics and power of the Odyssey's.

odysseyaudio.com has the url's for all the rave reviews done on this amp. For another $1k, you can order a monoblock pair of the Stratos.

-IMO
jayvis
7 posts
 
I don't think your problem is the MA6500. I am convinced you will not find a better overall integrated amp that will provide you with more accurate sound and owner satisfaction. I've auditioned both and don't think the MA6900 is worth the extra bucks unless your speakers are very low impedance and hard to drive. I own the MA6500 and Arcam CD92. The sound is piped through a pair of JM Labs Electra 915.5's and I am happier than ever with the performance of the system. Of course, there are certain cd's that don't sound quite right which I attribute to the quality of the recording. It sounds like you are dead set on keeping your Tannoys. This may be your undoing. I was a long time Klipsch fanatic that swore there was none better until I took the time to compare within my system. You may be surprised with the results when you experiment with different speakers. Also, don't rule out speaker cable. It CAN actually make a difference. Talk to a long time Mac dealer. He should be able to point you in the right direction.
pipetman
45 posts
 
Check on the output impedance of the Jupiter! If it's the same as the Planet (around 10 kOhm) it's a very bad match with your passive. Had a Planet hooked up to a Placette passive for a while and it sounded terrible (passives work better with a low source impedance). BTW - and I hope it's not inappropriate to mention: I have an I-5 for sale.
stehno
1,453 posts
 
I am more convinced that it would be too easy to find an amp superior sonically to the Mac. :)

IMO
bwhite
807 posts
 
Stehno - I have to ask you a question. On many threads, you suggest to people they try the Odyssey products yet you have also posted that you've never heard them. This doesn't make sense to me. What's up? ...I'm just curious.

How can you post things like, "Or better yet, check out the Odyssey Stratos amp and Tempest preamp. Each sells for $1k and comes with a 20 year warranty. And you would probably have to spend thousands more to even come close to the sonics and power of the Odyssey's."

"...check out the Odyssey Stratos amp at odysseyaudio.com. You'll see some excellent reviews on this amp at their website. amp is fast and powerful, very highly rated and comes with a 20 year warranty."

And another - this is the one where you proclaim you've never actually heard the amp, "Check out the $995 Odyssey Stratos amp reviews at odysseyaudio.com. I've not heard this amp, but from what all others say, it should blow away any other amp near this price range."
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