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
arhgef OP
56 posts
 

Hi ghdprentice - Your advice has been really useful - Thanks! Especially the part about taking a weekend audio trip with my wife :) She has agreed so may in fact be the elusive audio babe. 

 

I will try to get a chance to listen to the AR Amp. It is amazing how much of the sound comes from the preamp. Do you think solid state AR will be OK (if they even make those?). Auditioning the JC5 this week - wonder what your thoughts are on that amp with an ARC pre? Thanks again.

ghdprentice
7,078 posts
 

Thank you for your kind words.

I think part of having great relationships is to look out for your partner while pursuing your passions. Make sure she is very happy when you go to listen to some systems. 
 

Preamps are the heart of a great system. They take really small signals and carefully amplify them. If you don’t get this right, then the sound coming out will not sound great.

 

Audio Research tried to transition to solid state. They have had some great sounding solid state components when they were introduced but ultimately went back to tubes. They have a very strong commitment to reproducing music… not designing to fads or flashy sound. So, I think everything is now tubed. And I have auditioned or owned a lot. It is what I choose. Many folks are looking for a different sound. There are lots of companies catering to those sounds.

 

I personally have become more and more committed to ARC equipment. It embodies what I want in sound quality. Other people want different things. I recommend listening to an all ARC system, and an all MAC, and all Pass. Chose the one you are drawn to. Then over time bring that together. I looked at the JC5… looks like a very fast and powerful amp. My guess is less fleshed out and musical than an ARC. See, what listening says to you… drawn in? Or does it jump out and shout at you. Which do you prefer.

 

Audio 

arhgef OP
56 posts
 

That is indeed what drew us away from the mac - simply asking what we wanted to sit back and enjoy. Thanks for looking into the JC5. It is on its way so we will see. I will follow your advice and try to hear an all ARC on the road. That will mean used ARC but nothing wrong with that. Appreciate your time and comments beyond technology. 

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