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Used McIntosh Amp or better new options out there? - Amplifier or Integrated

A little about me, I am in the process of building my next step up 2-channel system for a listening room that is 17’x13’x12’. Current gear: LS50 and Paradigm Studio 20 v5 + Rotel RA-12 + SB2000 
For me new speakers I’m thinking in the $3-4k price range floor standing speakers. Some of the speakers I’m considering: Dynaudio Evoke 50, KEF R7, Focal Aria 936, Salk Song3 tower and my stretch budget option is the 805 D3s. 
I mostly listen to Jazz, orchestra/instrumental, Pop, some trance/electronic and Classic rock. I’m a fan of a clean but less harsh highs, non shouty mids and tight controlled bass. 

Now back to the topic at hand. I came across a used MC152 at a local high end audio store. The sales guy indicated this was originally a demo amp from their store that one of their regulars bought and recently traded it in for a large Mac amp. He indicated its from 2017, but no way for me to know for sure (not sure if the serial number will let me look it up?). I auditioned this amp on speakers they had in store and I really liked the sound it produced on my usual music tracks. However the left VU meter needle on this amp was not working. Apart from that looked in mint condition, not scratches, no marks on the screws that would indicate tampering. The dealer said he’ll get it serviced from a local third party McIntosh repair shop and can then sell it to me once fixed and I’m satisfied with its condition. They are asking $2.8k for this amp, which is what attracted me to it given how expensive they are normally. 

Now my question is, should I bother taking the plunge? Now that I found out the VU meter is broken, I’m a little turned off since someone is now going to open this thing up (probably for the first time). I’ve heard Macs are bullet proof and last for ever, but does anyone see any red flags here or anything I should look for?

Given the $3k ish price range, is there something else I could consider in this range (I prefer Class AB or Tube or Tube Hybrid). Is paying close to retail for a new MC152 from a dealer worth the extra money (warranty and less anxiety)?  This is the first time I’m buying in this price range, so I want to make sure. I’m open to both a good stereo power amp or an integrated as long as its a sizeable upgrade from my RA-12. If its only an amp, I intend to us the RA-12 as a preamp for now till I can budget for a good tube preamp (Rogue Audio perhaps) 

I ideally wanted to stay at about $6k for speaker + amp and was leaning towards one of the Dynaudio towers + a parasound Halo or Rotel RA-1592 / 1582 MkII type amp. I always dreamed of owning a McIntosh or Luxman but couldn’t stomach to full retail price on those beauties. Any help to reduce my anxiety or providing some suggestions would be much appreciated :) 

Thank you! 
sr20022002
sr20022002 OP
15 posts
 
@gdnrbob Good point. I am planing to prioritize speakers for sure. The issue I’m dealing with there is Dynaudio and Focal are no where to be found near me for auditioning and the dealer I’m dealing with is going to be a no-return type deals (since he is offering me some more than usual discounts). I have the ability to audition Sonus Faber Sonetta V, B&W and KEF. I’m personally in love with 805 D3 from the audition, but I feel the Dynaudio evoke is going to be my type of warm smooth sound from what I read online ... so its a little bit of a tossup. This is one of the reason I’m opting into a high current solid state amp with lots of dynamic power so that it wont matter if I have a 84db 4ohm speaker or a 90db 8ohm ... (at least that’s my thinking, correct me if I’m wrong) 

@decooney I thought of that. I am so in love with the way the Rogue Chronus Magnum III looks and sounds. But then my McIntosh dream will never come true if I spend that kinda money. 

Another super awesome integrated that I’d consider endgame for me is the Parasound Halo and maybe put a tube preamp stage on it if I really crave tubes at some point. 

But all these routes mean I can’t have McIntosh. I’m not the kind of person who swaps equipment too often, if I buy a $4-6k amp + speaker setup, I’m probably not going to upgrade or switch it out for a long time. That’s why I want like a rock solid power amp that will just be end game and then I can swap or switch different preamps (tubes or SS) as needed over time.
So in that sense, sometimes I feel I could just buy new and not have to deal with the headaches later. 

hilde45's avatar
hilde45
5,433 posts
 
Dynaudio 50 $2200 each at Crutchfield. 60 day trial and $20 to return. https://www.crutchfield.com/p_345EV50WN/Dynaudio-Evoke-50-Walnut.html?cc=07
Focal 936 $2290 each, $20 return https://www.crutchfield.com/p_091A936PWA/Focal-Aria-936-Walnut-Prime-Veneer.html?cc=02

I got ML 60’s via Crutchfield and that’s was my return shipping when I decided not to keep. I tried the Focal 936 via The Music Room; too bright for my space. I bought Salk bookshelves.
sr20022002 OP
15 posts
 
@hilde45 The only issue with Crutchfield is that I’ll have to pay retail price. Whereas my local dealer can potentially give me a better price. Maybe I could just take the trial and then buy locally, but I don’t think its worth the hassle.
willgolf
945 posts
 
Raven Audio out of Texas has 3 integrated tube amps in your price range.  I had a chance to buy Mac but thought the sound of Raven was better driving Sonus Faber Amati Homage Speakers.  Take a look at their website and then call Dave Thomson, who is one of the owners.  
hilde45's avatar
hilde45
5,433 posts
 
OP,
The prices I listed were open box or scratch and dent (not bad, really) prices. I had a back and forth with Crutchfield for the MLs and they gave me a break on the price, and also on some Klipsch's I bought. In other words, they negotiate. For that kind of money -- and for the trouble it takes to get rid of a speaker (for a loss) later, I though a trial was necessary. Of course "hassle" is relative to one's life, so I wish you the best whatever you choose.
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