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Help! Buy McIntosh MA252?

Hello. Noobie audiophile here who would appreciate some advice.

I currently enjoy my digital audio music collection from PC --> Integra 20.3 --> B&W 683s.  No complaints but it's time to upgrade.  I'm intrigued by the McIntosh MA252 integrated amp.  Sounded pretty great at the store and the reviews seem to be unanimously positive.  I'd be using a EVGA Nu Pro audio card.  The MA252 will be worth more than my entire current setup, PC included, which begs the question, is it overkill in regards to 1. the speakers and 2. the digital audio source? Will the sound quality really be that much better or am I better off spending my hard earned money elsewhere (speakers, external DAC)?

Thanks in advance for your input and advice!

Daniel
dridel
amylai888
6 posts
 
hello, I have bought the MA252 and I am quite satisfied with its performance. I am connecting it with Harbeth C7 and Luxman 03 CD player.  The sound is stunning and has strength. However, in my opinion, connecting MA252 with PC is a bit waste. This amp provides a very  impressive and gorgeous sound, if there are no good equipment for matching it, I am afraid it cannot perform its best.
dridel OP
15 posts
 
Thanks for your input! Great to hear you're enjoying your MA252.  I hope you don't mind if I pick your brain some more.

Can you elaborate why the PC would not be up to par? I am listening to lossless files and would get an internal audio card/DAC (EVGA Nu Pro vs Sound Blaster AE-9).  It seems many people here use Tidal or other streaming services so not sure how a PC is worse than that.  I was more worried about my 683s not being good enough for the MA252.
skypunk's avatar
skypunk
499 posts
 
I had a 252, Pathos Classic One MK3 .

sold the 252 and kept the Pathos Classic One.

then bought a Raven Blackhawk MK3 and the Pathos was replaced in my main system by the Raven. 
Listen to as many options as you can. Raven has 45 day return and check out Pathos at Up Scale Audio as they have 60 day returns.

McIntosh 252 did not do it for me. Not saying it won’t for you.
ejr1953
918 posts
 
Do you have the option of giving your dealer a credit card number and bring the demo units home to hear them driving your speakers in your listening room?

I have a McIntosh tube preamp and McIntosh solid state power amp and love that combination driving my Focal speakers.
dridel OP
15 posts
 
That's a good idea, ejr, I'll ask my local dealer.  Otherwise it's so hard to imagine how each component will end up fitting with your existing setup and whether it makes enough of a difference to justify the cost.  Paying 7-15% restocking fee each time is just not realistic.

Skypunk, in what aspects was the 252 weaker than the Raven and the Pathos?
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