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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
arcticdeth's avatar
arcticdeth
1,572 posts
 
Great stuff!
if your set on a Mac, your in the correct direction.

Mac gear is amazing, service is great, BUT, buying used gear I believe is NOT serviceable, ONLY TO ORIGINAL purchaser.

tread lightly........

find out before u drop a lot of coin.

The McCormack amps are absolutely no slouch.
  Great service as well, and you can call Steve McCormack and speak to him directly over the phone!!

 The new revamped SMC audio is amazing! 
Double,check the,warranty/service buying a used Mac amp.
arno3
12 posts
 
Don't forget to try the vintage Mcintosh integrate ma 6850. It blows away all my other Mcintosh ss gear and it was my cheapest Mcintosh purchase. I use it on Harbeth super hl5 plus, on more efficient speakers it's even better.
good luck to you.

mrklas
441 posts
 
I am invested with McIntosh as I have a tube preamp and SS amp- no regrets. 
The questions I would pose are integrated vs separates and used versus new. 
Are there better investments for the money?  Absolutely, yet I am satisfied with the fact I enjoy unwinding with music everyday. 
astorey
29 posts
 
I never cared for Mcs but probably never listened to them in the right system/room. Got a great deal on a MA 5200 and was very impressed with it. Took some time matching it with various source components and speakers. And it took some time to sound better. 
But it is a keeper for me now and the classic looks and over build are great. Very neutral sound but punchy enough for small-medium size listening room. It would be good to get one with 150 watts or more. Worth the extra if you can. 
jollygreenaudiophile2's avatar
jollygreenaudiophile2
275 posts
 
I personally have not "Fallen in love" with the Mac sound but have a good bit of respect for it. 
'Subjective as that is'. But, nearly all of them I integrated into my main rig were SS, not tube. Most were also "Vintage". It seemed best to me and also the "easy path", to purchase certain Mac "Paired Set’s". These "set’s", I tried, somehow seemed easier to set-up and complimented each other quite well. Both in their cosmetic attributes, as well as in their sonic capabilities. I had heard many speak well of the MC2105 amplifier paired with the C-28 preamp. "A set I kept in fact". If your patient you could I believe, find this set at your price-point.
Also, The MC2105 has separate gain controls for each channel "Also, these I am thinking, were the original amp with their signature,- Auto-formers!
So no clipping! On the front panel. And some simply use those as the volume/attenuation. So that there is no need for a preamp. I never tried that myself, but I am sure there are those here whom could respond if you wished to know more. A perfectly "Mint", MC2105 should fall into your budget area!
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