2. amps-preamps
  3. 182500-170624

Tough amp decision

Hi everyone. Much appreciate the forum’s help in the past and have a tough amp decision coming up. I will make a big investment in electronics soon. My system has Qutest DAC, ARC LS25 II tube preamp, Adcom GSA 555 II amp. Speakers are Celestion 750se or B&W 803 matrix series II ($35 Habitat for Humanity!).Also getting into and really enjoying vinyl, Old Kenwood turntable and Bellari 129 phono preamp. I have my old record collection of about 2K albums so in the long run this will matter. The question: To upgrade I will audition two Mac integrateds: MA 8950, MA 352. Should I instead buy an amp (eg MC312, MC462 or Parasound JC5)? MA 8950 hits a lot of birds, with phonostage and DAC it would free up a lot of components for a second system, but top priority should be one with great sound. Tunes have helped the sharp, “hot” nature of the B and W. If I wait to audition amps I lose a chance to get the 8950 for 6.5K.  A lot of variables to ask you about, but that is the decision. Thanks a lot for you help!

arhgef
ghdprentice
7,038 posts
 

OP,

 

If you are not near a dealer, I recommend  weekend trip to a city. Make it a fun mini-vacation. Set up appointments with a couple audio dealers… say you are from out of town. Have them setup and ready when you arrive. If you take your partner plan on dinner and some evening activity. 

grislybutter
3,105 posts
 

the more I read from the pros here, the more I want separates! I am posting my ad today for my much loved integrated Amp! Baby steps...

ghdprentice
7,038 posts
 

The best performing components are separate boxes. I currently have both a stereo Audio Research Reference 160 stereo amplifier and the exact same design / implementation.. Reference 160 mono blocks. So the channels are separated in the mono blocks. There really is no question the mono blocks sound better. Folks may disagree if it is worth the extra cost… but I think few would disagree the mono blocks sound better.

 

Combining functions (holding other variables the same) reduces sound quality. Interactions of the circuits virtually guarantee this. While design and technology gets better… so does the single box solutions.

So, all things being equal… the less functions the better.

grislybutter
3,105 posts
 

@ghdprentice 

I guess integrated amps are cheaper, than an amp and a preamp (and separate phono stage) so I wonder what the best value is for x, for the sake of argument ~$1500, total. Seems that it will only buy the lowest end of the separates while somewhat of a mid-tier of integrated solid state amps.

ghdprentice
7,038 posts
 

@grislybutter 

At ~$1500… I certainly would not go with mono blocks… a lot of extra chassis cost for inexpensive internal components. Maybe even for separates. My office system has a PrimaLuna integrated amp. I think at that price point… if you choose really carefully integrated is the only thing that will get you near HiFi. 
 

In the audiophile domain, mono blocks win. 

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