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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
dmbwire
44 posts
 
You should demo the MC-152. Has all the newer Mc features. Easily obtains the stated 150 wpc and has great headroom. One of the most “musical” sounding of all Mc amps. I paired with a C47 pre in my office rig. Great combo. 
miketuason
337 posts
 
I’m also a happy Mac owner here, but before I purchased my MC 601 monoblocks, I was auditioning between Audio Research, Pass Lab, and McIntosh, I end up liking the Mac amp with the C2300 tube preamp by far. Before this I had the C2100 for 25 years build in the early 70s, no pretty blue light nor meter just pure clean sound until I wanted to upgrade and still endEd up with Mac that matches really great with Vandersteen speakers. Obviously I did not bought the Mac for it’s looks, it’s purely for its sounds quality because if the AR or Pass Lab sounded great to me, I would have bought that instead and they’re not pretty looking.
pgaulke60
299 posts
 
I own a Mac 252 and just love it.  Use my B&W 803 D4 speakers and run only digital in this system using a modest Bluesound Node 2i.  It sound exceptional in my office.  And if you are into the look, it is a look that becomes an art piece.  Doesn't have the meters, but has an awesome look just the same.  But it is the sound that does it for me.  I don't think I will ever get rid of that 252.  Just to cool.  I will ultimately pass it down to one of the kids when they get settled.
gte357s OP
281 posts
 
@aberyclark thanks for your input, that’s what I am worried.  In fact, I just received the 2A3 tube and test out a 4 W SET amp.  It matches better than the 18W Almarro, I feel.  So, I feel the MA275 is not a good match with my speakers, too much power.
 
@treynolds155 The MHA100 is interesting.  Wow, it is like a Swiss Army knife.  It can be a all in one, but it also has a preamp out so it acts as a DAC+preamp?  That’s a plus which opens up option to buy a power amp.  There are some power amps I am interested such as the Yamamoto A08s.  Can I bypass the headphone amp section when I use it for speakers?  One concern is usually, something must be sacrificed when cramping more features and keeping the budget.  It would be even better to have a DAC out to my integrated amp?  I just bought a Topping D7x DAC.  
magicrobert
16 posts
 
If you can handle very low wattage, I would highly recommend a First Watt J2. Plain box. Nelson Pass magic inside. But, this is a power amp. $2200 - 2400 pre-owned w a 3yr warranty backed by Pass Labs.
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