tube pre & ss amp integrated
Been tooling around youtube , I know but what else is there now ? Very cautious !
Wife has fallen for Mcintosh MA352 . I must have tubes some place in there , she likes ss, seems to be the best of both worlds for us .
I am wondering what would compete with mac soundwise?
Will be using Klipsch Forte 4's with it .
Thank you and be safe.
I’ve heard the MA252 and it doesn’t sound like it has tubes in it even though it looks cool. it’s a fine amp aside, albeit pricey. Other options that would sound good and are affordable to modestly pricey are: Rogue Sphinx 3, Marantz Model 30, Pass INT-25 (pricey), Van Alstine Set 120, LTA Z10 are all integrated (1-box solutions) that either have tube hybrid, (no exposed) tubes, or sound warm with tube like qualities. |
I am with @soix . You don't need 200wpc. Also, I have owned a Vincent SV-226 (Now sold as the SV-227, 100wpc) and truly enjoyed it. I also owned a Pathos Model One MKII (Now sold as MKIII, 70wpc). I believe either would serve your speakers well. I would lean towards the Pathos, having a slightly more refined midrange if not quite the dynamics. IMO the Pathos is a showcase piece. |
I have a similar system , MC452 and Klipsch Cornwall IV's. I purchased a MC70 tube preamp used, but fairly new. What a difference, sound staged doubled in size was very happy with the change and sound . I'm sure there are other tube pre's out there that would suffice. I'm a MC. fan and was lucky to come across the MC70 at a good price . I use basic cables Audioquest interconnects and Knukonceptz twisted speaker 14 ga. wire good luck |
Wow ! Lots of things to check out . Thanks. Checked the Pathos today . That is a nice piece although we don't think that it is quite as musical as the mac. But at half the price it could work as a holdover until the macs get going again. The Aesthetix was nice too but maybe just a touch behind the Pathos. A bit less musical. Off to the races.
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