McIntosh MA12000 is it worth upgrading to.

I like my MA12000, but use it with external DAC and phono stage.  I’ve never used the tone controls and don’t understand their inclusion.  I assume that properly selected separates might provide better sound, but not sure this is true within the McIntosh family of amps and preamps.

Ask yourself if adding a better DAC to your present setup might provide more pleasing results than trading “up”.

Do it! You’ll love it! It’s an amazing, amazing piece of equipment. I think that it’s a sweet deal that Macintosh is doing. I’m going to try and take advantage of it myself.

75% of MSRP for trade in ??? Sounds like desperation. Hopefully they're not in trouble too. Shows how much margin is available to play around with - and - next we'll either be seeing the trade in pieces appearing somewhere at high prices or- the roll out of the "Certified McIntosh" program...

I don't understand why you would spent that much cash on a machine you only use as an power amp. My 452 is an amazing power amp would only upgrade to the 462  or a new 12000 for the tone controls and the Dac. And the added connections Is the Dac not that good,  can't believe Mc. wouldn't be using weak chips. And my phono stage is fine, I don't get it. My system sounds amazing, I only want to upgrade not to spend crazy dollars on Dac's and to use less space.  

@eoj4952 

I have a C2700 feeding a pair of MC611s. As far as the DAC in the C2700 goes, it will compete with anything up to $5K. It is crazy good for an almost "add-on" piece of equipment. I do run an additional DAC, and it is clearly better than the DA2 module; however, the DAC retails for $19K! The fun is when switching back and forth; the MAC puts a smile on my face!