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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
decathlon1991
220 posts
 
Here is an interesting thread about bench testing equipment that is suppose to be perfect in every way. I honestly thought it was about how it sounds! Please read. This article should help any person who is looking for that next great high end gear.

https://www.stereophile.com/content/cary-audio-design-cad-805-monoblock-power-amplifier-sam-tellig-a...
invalid
1,203 posts
 
It seems like you have your answer, the Accuphase is chosen more often in this thread than the McIntosh by people who own or have compared both.
jjss49's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
jjss49
6,612 posts
 
accuphase is creme de la creme japanese solid state - very hard to beat for beauty of sound and feel

macintosh is ok, some sound good, tries too hard to look good imo

as mentioned above, you want meters, look at luxmans too... not quite as nice as accuphase, but close
Ag insider logo xs@2x
cleeds
5,960 posts
 
decathlon1991

Wait! Is this you praising McIntosh gear but attacking my personal experiences with Moon or any other product I’ve actually owned in the past? ...
I haven't attacked you for anything. Perhaps you are confused.
Do you do this with every thread or do you have any validity??
Please feel free to read my other posts on this site and decide for yourself. You might consider that if I've behaved as you suggest the moderators would have excluded me long ago. 
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