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Which integrated amp for rock/metal (and why McIntosh?)

Dear all,

I recently obtained new speakers (Fyne Audio F704) and I have the idea (my wife says it too) that my NAD M32 doesn’t seem powerful enough to push music through our living room. On the Totem Winds I had before, it was less of a problem, the F704’s are really massive. I mainly listen to rock / metal, my wife likes to add some EDM/EBM (dance) in between. I’m also running a REL Carbon Special so the low is covered well :)

Which integrated amp should I look for (probably opening Pandora’s Box here) to enjoy rock/metal? The few hints I found online, were Krell and McIntosh. I’m wondering if it’s because of the "rock ’n roll name" (Krell) or the rugged look (McIntosh). I could for example get a MA9000 (300w, Class AB integrated amp) - would that be a good choice? Is it worthwhile to move from a Class D amp to AB?

Looking forward to read your input.
128x128koenvingerhoets
koenvingerhoets's avatar
koenvingerhoets OP
22 posts
 
Thank you for your feedback already. While I set out to see if the MA9000 would be a good match, the last 6 hours I got very interested in the Hegel H590 (power & connectivity), the Gryphon Diablo 300 (mentioned as the best amplifier ever).
Thank you for the feedback @jjss49 and @verdantaudio for the references, thx @kenrus and @g_nakamoto for vouching for the MA9000.
archguy's avatar
archguy
45 posts
 
All of those are top-notch, and very powerful amplifiers. I think you’ll be happy with any of them.

When it comes to shipping glass-front McIntosh amps, specific requirements apply and they are ably described in the following PDF guide:
http://0343d7e.netsolhost.com/AAK/How%20to%20ship%20a%20McIntosh.pdf  
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I’m also available at any time for free consultations on this matter! Best Regards


stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,273 posts
 
If you buy a used McIntosh amp, make sure it has the original box and packing.  If not, run away from it as no amount of packing and bubble wrap will allow the glass front to arrive in one piece.
koenvingerhoets's avatar
koenvingerhoets OP
22 posts
 
Thanks @stereo5 and @archguy for your concern. I can pick it up in the original box - so all ok on that side.

After reading reviews and comparing technical sheets for hours, I'm focusing on
- Hegel H590 (has all the connectivity I need)
- Gryphon Diablo 300 (as the amount of positive reviews are just massive)
- McIntosh MA9000 (as it started my hunt for the next amp)

I guess I'll contact Fyne Audio too. After all, their speaker are fairly new in the market, not much "mix & match" to be found yet.

chayro
2,935 posts
 
I think the MAC might be a good choice for you, assuming you live in the US, where they can be serviced forever, but more because they have tone controls that can be very important in tuning the sound to your taste for individual recordings. Heavy rock and metal are often mixed with different priorities than acoustic music, so it’s really nice to be able to get the sound where you want it. It’s not so much of what is a "better" amplifier. Think more in terms of what suits your listening tastes. It would also be a good idea to arrange a home audition, which any decent Mac dealer should do for you.  Same with any of the high-dollar amps you are looking at.  Service is included in the dealer's margin and the customers of high-ticket items have every right to avail themselves of what they are paying for.  
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