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McIntosh vs Accuphase?

Right now I'm using a Marantz PM-11S1 w/ Monitor Audio Gold floor standers. I'm a big fan of Marantz reference gear and their smooth yet detailed warmth. That said, I'm looking to get an integrated for my bedroom setup with a built-in DAC (no room for separates), which nixes something like the PM-KI Ruby. Looks to me like the McIntosh MA5300 / 7200 or Accuphase E-280 / E-380 fit the bill. I'm not really interested in Hegel or Rotel based on their aesthetics. I kind of like the idea of VU meters as well. So the question is, between the two McIntosh integrated or the Accuphase, what's my play? I'm located in the US so that's two points for Mc (pricing and service). But the Accuphase stuff looks to have much higher quality components, design, and build quality. Though for the price of the E-280 w/ option boards I could get a MA7200 and have spare change. Hmm...
lostark
oldhvymec
5,101 posts
 
Accuphase is one of the few products, I’ve sold I really wish I didn’t.

I’m a MAC guy, with CAPS. There is something about Accuphase and small planars. 25 years ago I was in a bit of a bind. Yup the Mac stayed the Accuphase went. I still think about the clarity and build quality of that unit. It was really built well. The sound, VERY refined mids one of the few like Mac that didn’t boil my ears... Preamp! Quality parts!

One small issue was a service. Something to do with lumination. Wanted me to split the shipping for a recall. I though it odd. So requested the parts.. They got all uppity and voided the warrantee. I didn’t care, I kept it 2 - 3 year beyond the warrantee. I did the "BULB" swap 200.00 shipping, NO. Send me the parts...

The guy that got it never stopped using it. His son still listens to it..

It’s 32 years old...

I heard a AP 380 and a  MAC 5300,  4 months ago.. Mac went back, just not close. This guy is B&W guy and a pair of the smaller ML planars, (OK sound really).. Accuphase really made them sing..  Mac was boomy highs were just tone controlled to death. Didn't sound like a Mac to me..

Regards
audioman58's avatar
audioman58
4,116 posts
 
No comparison , McIntosh has great looks and very respectable 
Accuphase is in another class ,dollar 
per dollar ,especially their  class A gear Japan excellence , McIntosh is not built to this standard ,they use a lot of average parts build quality I sold it I know first hand ,just look on Utube it shows the Mc assembly line ,not withAccuphase.
rosco88
24 posts
 
Side by side I have 2 systems, Mc22 and 2xMc75's and a Supratek DHT pre (running 2a3's) with Accuphase A70 power amp. I mix and match all sorts of speakers on them, Harbeth, Dyn's, Apogee and WAR.  The Supratek Accuphase is a clear step above the Mc system, sound stage, dynamics and detail. I like the Mc system a lot which is why I kept it. I have found a valve pre (was originally using an Ayon) in front of the Class A Accuphase is a beautiful combination.  The A70 Accuphase delivers neutrally with all the detail.
glupson
7,842 posts
 
Unless something changed over the last couple of years, McIntosh can be found even at Best Buy. Accuphase is much more elusive. Elusive enough that I dropped it off the shopping list as I simply could not locate one. Hopefully, you get a chance to listen to both and, as someone earlier mentioned, do not dismiss Luxman just yet,
harley52
79 posts
 
Glupson
the mac is sold in magnolia. big difference. you just happened to leave out a detail. r u associated with msnbc or cnn? they leave out the details also.
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