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.
koenvingerhoets
These are nice amps @mofojo ! And slightly more portable than the 40kg of the PA 3100 HV. Looks nice indeed. I admit I love the sober bulkiness of the T+A. Nothing fancy - just music. 

I thought about separated amps @arcticdeth.  I even considered monoblocks. But in the end, the T+A factory is 2 hours drive away. Stepping up to spending big money (speakers, MP and amp are each more expensive than my wife's car), I really wanted to pay attention to guarantee and repairs. REL sub is new, T+A covers guarantee for 3 years after repairs, etc. 
Honestly, to christen the speakers I was looking for music that would be subtle, vocal, and heavy as well. I eventually settled for Light Field Reverie. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J72wtM8d1DM Give it a shot - amazing to feel how the music builds up tension and how accurate the speakers throw it in my living room.
@koenvingerhoets   ---   Thanks for your detailed response to my question and congrats on a very nice, well thought out system. I think the T + A is a great choice.

I believe your T + A integrated is up there on a tier with the Boulder 866, Gryphon Diablo 300, and a few other "holy grail" integrateds that would cost a fortune to beat. I have a good friend who has one and absolutely loves it. For what it's worth, I was a separates guy for years and years, but since I bought the Boulder 866 last summer, I haven't given separates another thought. Now I am curious just how great it might sound driving the Fyne F703 or F704. Do you really need a sub with those massive F704s? I'm guessing your bass must be bone-shaking.

Do you find any weaknesses at all with your new speakers? What has been your experience with breaking them in?

Thanks for your patience in answering these questions. As you can tell, I'm very curious about these speakers. :)


You're welcome @waltersalas 
I had the REL before the Fyne's. I doubt I would buy the REL if I had the Fyne's first. They manage really well, it's surprising but as you now, they have a 360° / downfiring approach; Works well.
No weakness experienced, looks good and sounds even better.
I can record a song on iPhone for you, but it won't be the same as the real stuff.
I got here to late to give you my recommendation so I’ll say congrats on a very nice Integrated and a very nice system as a whole! That’s a system to be proud of for sure. I haven’t listened to these components but if they sound anywhere near as good as they look I’m sure you are a happy guy!
If you were wondering what I was going to recommend it was going to be the McIntosh MA352. A very powerful integrated at a price where even after shipping would be much less than the MA9000. Yes it doesn’t have all the built in bells and whistles but it is what I think of as a true “Rock & Roll” amp! Huge power (265 watts into 8 and 530 watts into 4 ohms), just a straight forward old school amp that gives beautiful mids and highs and big time slam!

https://www.mcintoshlabs.com/products/integrated-amplifiers/MA352

https://www.mcintoshlabs.com/-/media/Files/mcintoshlabs/ReviewAwardDocuments/MA352-Hi-Fi-World-Febru...