McIntosh Tube vs SS w/ Sonus Faber Aida II

Better is subjective. Nothing wrong with having a starting point. Mac has the best resale value so it’s ok to experiment. This is a journey, let him explore and experiment and decide what’s best. 

I have Sonus Faber Amati Traditions.  I am using Rogue Audio Apollo Dark mono amps and Rogue Audio RP-9.  The cables are Nordost Valhalla 2.
The sound is detailed, open, and most importantly "musical".  The separation of the instruments, the soundstage, the timbre of instruments are voices are extremely good.  See my detailed review of the RP-9 in another thread.  Rogue is not a brand that is often "pushed" by dealers, but to my ears is better than many of the Mac amps with the Sonus speakers.  Probably because the Mac is warmer, thicker than the more neutral Rogue's and the Sonus speakers do not need as much "syrup" as the Mac provides.  If you can, at least listen to the Rogue.

@missioncoonery 

Yes going back to your original post yes you owned a 402. I do also and sorry you had issues.  Usually from what I've heard McIntosh customer service is pretty good.  However,  do you think basically your opinion of McIntosh has changed because of the customer service?  Jay's opinion doesn't mean squat to me because there are many reasons to own McIntosh.  Their formula for success has definitely worked over the years. They are built like a tank and last years and hold very high resale value. If you like the sound great but if you don't move on.  The new line of amps or their monoblocks are newer technology and have no autoformers. The overall sound has changed and moved to the neutral side. Whether that's good or bad is a matter of choice.  Jay has gone to very high end amps and seems to snub his nose at more affordable equipment.  Again while I appreciate what he's done his opinion is just that.  Too many guys are hanging on to what he says or take it as gospel. What works for him may not work for you. 

@battbot 

Where are you at on your System? I have a MC 901 curious if you did end up going with Aida II.  And your thoughts on your room size and how it's getting along with the speaker you chose.  

I like SF

@mrklas My upgrade saga started with the new C2800 so I know what you mean.  My system improved immensely with just this preamp change.  Now I’m looking to replace my power amp with a McIntosh MC452 or similar.  I’ve used a bunch of different amps and the McIntosh stuff just really seems to do it for me.  One of the best systems I've heard recently, to me, was a McIntosh C2800, MC462 and Focal Sopra N3s.