2. amps-preamps
  3. 175809-166561

Best upgrade: amp or pre-amp?

Of course, it depends...

So here is my setup:

  • Amp: McIntosh MC7100
  • Pre-amp: McIntosh C712
  • Others: Focal Sopra 1 and Bluesound Node

I was thinking to upgrade to an integrated (McIntosh, Hegel or Pass Labs are on top of my list), but I might decide to go for the long game: get the best amp/pre-amp for the same budget as the integrated (max 10k CAD) and update the other half later, in 5 years-ish..

So I'm open to suggestion! But remember a suggested a pre-amp, must match the MC7100 and an amp must match the C712 as I plan you have them together for a little while.

Thanks for the hive mind. I realize this is a tricky question!

papyneau
webking185's avatar
webking185
204 posts
 

@papyneau , McIntosh MA8950 is a fine choice.  Figure you have this brand already and would like to try something else.  I think the Luxman is a better match for the Focal Sopra 1.  Maybe you can demo in stores?  If I had to choose, Luxman for sure, either the 509 or 590.  The 590 is on my list for sure.

erik_squires
16,398 posts
 

OP:
 

I don't want to bias you too much, but there was another recent thread on Mc vs. Luxman here as well.  Listen for yourself, but of all the possible comments I could see thrown at Luxman, analytical or cold are not the one's I'd use.  Certainly not what I'd buy either. :)

Best,

 

Erik

overthemoon
444 posts
 

@papyneau If you are in Quebec.  I highly suggest you include Moon by Simaudio in your comparison.  

I have owned Mc amplification and when it was time to get more power I compared McIntosh & Moon - I was comparing MC 462 to Moon 330A.

I went with Moon because I thought the sound was more dynamic and detail presentation was better. 

mickeyb
585 posts
 

Buy an older class A krell. If recapped that would be best. I’m talking ksa series. They’re warm with lots of detail and not that difficult to work on. Dual mono design. Will drive any speaker and just look so cool. Can find for under 3k. 

bassdude
501 posts
 

Well... yes... the MA8950 appears to be a great integrated amp... but... "there’s always a but"... it is a very, very sophisticated integrated amp... with lots of circuitry and a sophisticated DAC... and comes at a premium price for all of that. Plus it’s all SS design.

The MA352 on the other hand is less sophisticated, includes no DAC, but has a tube preamp / buffer that adds a great touch to the sound quality... and... costs a bit less.

If you want a little more flexibility in your sound quality - the MA352 might be a good option - you can try various DAC’s and tubes to see what sounds best to you... and it still has enough power to drive most speakers. It sounds especially good with Harbeths!

As far as Hegel H390 or H590 - yes they’re great, but may be too much of a change from the McIntosh sound. And... again the DAC is included, and while it’s very good in the H590... and... part of the bargain - I think I’d prefer saving the money and picking my own preference in DAC’s. The primary reason I got the H590 was because it sounds great with Harbeths and is what they demo their amps with at shows.

If you’ve loved the McIntosh sound... you might think about sticking with it... with the MA352, unless they've got another tube / SS hybrid amp a step up from the MA352.  

Just a thought...

More to discover