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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
27 posts
 
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.
264win
51 posts
 
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...


sheffieldrock
19 posts
 
From 25 years of experience with no. 333 driving AudioStatic ES300R and DCM-5. Mark Levinson still “Balls to the Wall”.  It’ll put musicians from Accept to Vivaldi live in your living room. TBH, Krell FPB 600/700, Boulder 2060 and Audio Research Classic 150 mono’s would as well.
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