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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
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!
lhasaguy's avatar
lhasaguy
336 posts
 
I am working off a 71 year olds memory, but one of the big magazines (stereophile maybe)  bench tested the MC501 mono blocks circa 2008 and they tested out at 750 wpc.
flatblackround's avatar
flatblackround
279 posts
 
The MA 6900 is 200 watts per using their auto former design.  It does not double down into 4 or 2 ohms.  So it is on the low power side of their SS amps.  I run preamp out to a subs crossover and back into the amp section. To me an improvement.  I also have a Wyred4Sound St1000v2 which drove Maggie 1.7s well with 400 watts class D. After a few months I went back to the McIntosh. I may switch again for fun.
g_nakamoto's avatar
g_nakamoto
348 posts
 
mcintosh amps are rated into 2, 4 and 8 ohms!! they don't put out more power into 2, 4 and 8ohms. that's how they are designed!
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