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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
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!
mr_m
1,900 posts
 
The only Mac I would consider is the MC-275. Otherwise just go lie down for awhile till the urge goes away.....Former Mac owner.
audioman58's avatar
audioman58
4,129 posts
 
Knowing  Mac and selling them know they are dependable ,and 
nice looking with the meters ,respectable sounding but not in the passlabs class or ,a Krell or a Mark Levenson .
i am into modding ,go to utube many average parts at least a dozen red wima capacitors decent but nothing speacial 
for coupling capacitors there are so many different better choices 
also it is a class AB amplifier a top Amplifier usually will have at least   The first 10 watts in pure class A which is sonicly better
unless running a top digital amplifier like Merrill which has its pros and cons . You didnot mention budget , or integrated only 
or new or used . McIntosh is very respectable and maybe the nicest looking but not near the best sounding if spending over $6000 New for a seperate or integrated. I am just giving my evaluation after selling them for several years . If you have the extra money a Pass labs is clearly a step up , as well as the New Krell line.
fbgbill's avatar
fbgbill
302 posts
 
I had a complete Mac separates setup in the 80's. Amp, preamp & receiver. For whatever reason, I moved on to a Nakamichi integrated receiver when I went to CD's. I kept the CS's over the years and they went into storage in a closet. Now in retirement I decided to dive back in and plunged in with Mac again. C2600 tube preamp, MC462 amp, MCD600 CD, SACD player. Also have Mac speakers. Could not be happier with the sound. I know there are a lot of Mac haters on the forum but we all have varied taste and ears.
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