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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
sandthemall
544 posts
 
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.




sandthemall
544 posts
 
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.




raysmtb1's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
raysmtb1
800 posts
 
Hey Dill,

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
stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,377 posts
 
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. 
roxy54's avatar
roxy54
7,964 posts
 
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.
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