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Mcintosh, YBA, Brinkman integrateds

I'm downsizing my system and I've narrowed my search to these three integrateds: Mcintosh MA6900, YBA Passion Integre and Brinkman The integrated. I would appreciate any opinions on them. I've demo'ed the Mcintosh, but don't have the ability to demo the YBA or the Brinkman (any other integrated recs are appreciated too). I like the Mcintosh, but from what I've read about the YBA and the Brinkman they may be smoother, more grain free, more accurate. The Mcintosh is big and heavy too, the others pretty compact, easier to manage in old age. What's important to me is accurate midrange, clean highs, bass oomph without bloom. I listen mostly to acoustic music (voice and instrument) with a smattering of rock and electronic and R&B (the Mcintosh seemed to do everything well). I've been spoiled by nice components and I don't want this downsize to hurt. I rarely listen in a sweet spot, mostly off to the side. Budget is appropriate for these products. I have an Electro CD player and Tannoy speakers. People seem to generally like the Mcintosh and the YBA without complaint. IYO, what's the best buy and hold option? Thanks for your time!
scootsterd166
s7horton
1,077 posts
 
I haven't heard the YBA, but I own the Audio Refinement, made by YBA. Others in your price range (used) would include the Mark Levinson 383, and the Jeff Rowland Concentra II. Both of which are excellent pieces. I've heard great things about the Mac also. If you really aren't sure, try to pick the one that you think would have the highest resale. Someone here at audiogon is also looking for something like that, so you wouldn't have trouble getting rid of it.
warrenh's avatar
warrenh
2,299 posts
 
I own the YBA, Passion. I liked it much better than the Mcintosh. From sound to build quality it took out the Mc. Never heard the Brinkman, so I can't say, but I would take book in a tete a tete the Passion would hold its own, rather easily. Infact, I liked the Passion more than the ML MF and the JRDG, as well. It's a beautiful piece of electronics. Read my review in the archives.
aball
2,016 posts
 
You will get all different answers. I, for instance, disagree with Warrenh completely. I find the YBA integre (even the passion) too thin for my tastes. The sound is very delicate with not enough energy. The McIntosh has a quite different sound in that it has lots of presence and coherence, soul that makes me smile, and emotion that the YBA, I find, lacks. The MA6900 feels like it takes charge and makes the speaker do what it should, all in a super-silky-smooth manner that leaves me with goose bumps. Soundstage is deeper too than the integre DT when both are playing Triangle Celius speakers and the Mc has a good bit more bass definition (admittedly a lot more power) as well.

It will boil down to your tastes really because the YBA and the Mc are 2 very different approaches. What kind of music do you like? YOu may have to buy used and then resell with little loss if you don't like it. This is what I have done for years. I ABed ML 383 with MA6900 as well and still would opt for the Mc thanks to its smooth power although the Levinson was very nice too. Don't know Brinkman. Good luck! Arthur
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