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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
preslisa64
37 posts
 
I have the McIntosh 601 monoblocks, Martin Logan 15a Renaissance and a McIntosh c47 pre amp. Music is absolutely crystal clear. Highs are strong, cymbals are perfect. Midrange and voice, I don’t think anything can compare or I just can’t imagine
 something sounding better
You haven’t Really heard Whitney Houston until you hear her and others on this system. It’s really mind boggling. 
Bass and low end is awesome also. Stand up Bass on jazz is perfect. The transition of deep base on violins to mid and upper ranges are seamless
Rap, yes Rap, will blow you away.
 So so much power when you need it and still Chrystal clear. 
Still looking to upgrade from a blusound node 2 to something that will match my system more. Like the 5k Lumin. But, no big rush. 

flatblackround's avatar
flatblackround
279 posts
 
I am running the often maligned MA 6900 integrated into Maggie 1.7s with a sub.   It makes me very happy.
lhasaguy's avatar
lhasaguy
336 posts
 
Let me add another very happy McIntosh owner.   I have MC501s driving 3.6 Maggies via a C220 tube preamp.  I bought all the McIntosh gear used 10 years ago +/- and could sell them all today for what I paid.  Another thing about McIntosh amps, they are typically under rated for power.  My MC501s are advertised at 500 wpc, bench test to about 750.  As others have said, you can get your money back out if them if you don't like them.  Another vote for Audio Classics and used gear as well!
arno3
12 posts
 
To flatbackround, did you ever compare your ma 6900 to any other Mcintosh amp? I have several other Mcintosh amps that make me happy, but my ma 6900 just doesn't deliver. What do I do wrong?
The ma 6900 was in production for 15 years, so it must do something wright!  Can anybody help me to let it s(w)ing???
g_nakamoto's avatar
g_nakamoto
348 posts
 
@ihasaguy, i once read that mcintosh amps usaully put out about 33% more than it's rated output!
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