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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
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.
hurricanerh
12 posts
 
I know this combo is above your desired spend but FWIW, I have a C-2300 tube preamp paired with an MC-275 (gen VI) tube power amp. Paired with efficient speakers would make a great set up but every listener is different.  For me, I love the sound and the look is hard to beat.  
russbutton's avatar
russbutton
429 posts
 
Mac made their rep with their tube gear. The Mac C22 preamp is terrific. The Mac 275 amp was the Gold Standard. *Was* is the operative watch word. It’s still a great amp. There are those who see the VTA ST-120 as a Mac 275 killer.

https://www.audioasylum.com/messages/amp/193985/review-vta-m-125-amp-kit-amplifier-tube

There are two ways to look at Mac tube gear. It’s very good, but overpriced for the sound you get from it. That being said, properly cared for, it will never lose value, but will in fact appreciate over time.

VTA tube gear is MUCH less costly and in the views of many, BETTER sounding. But it very rarely comes up for sale used, so you have to buy it new - either in kit form or preassembled and tested. So anything VTA piece you get will have a lower resale value.

A Mac 275 will run you about $5000 or so. That’s also about the going price for a C22 preamp. But the top-line VTA phono preamp, line stage preamp and 60 wpc ST-120 power amp, preassembled and tested, altogether price out at about $4200. You can save about $1000 off that price if you build the kit versions.

http://tubes4hifi.com


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