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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
grey9hound
1,112 posts
 
Only decent Mac was the MC275.
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 

grey9hound
1,112 posts
 
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 
gte357s OP
281 posts
 
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?  

https://shenzhenaudio.com/products/topping-dx7-pro-es9038pro-dac-headphone-amp-bluetooth-5-0-32bit-7...


roxy54's avatar
roxy54
8,206 posts
 
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.
erik_squires
16,898 posts
 
I'd listen to the following potential alternatives too:
AyrePassLuxman
Buy the one you like best.


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