Mcintosh MAC7200 or Hegel H390 for a new pair of Kef R7 META


I'm about to pull the trigger on a new pair of Kef R7 Metas. Which amp would be a better match? I love the look of the 7200, but does it have enough power for these speakers? 

mrbanker32

I had a similar choice to make earlier this year as I went back and forth between Hegel H390 or McIntosh MAC7200 / MA8950. Luckily, a local dealer had both to look at and audition.

Both companies make outstanding integrated amplifiers (receiver in the case of the MAC7200). You can’t lose with either. Old McIntosh (from decades ago) had a house sound which is referred to a lot on these boards, but modern McIntosh products are much more neutral sounding in their design.

As mentioned, the ability to upgrade the DAC inside the McIntosh products as things advance is a great feature. The DA1 and DA2 (I have McIntosh products that have each of these internal DACs) both sound excellent.

Hegel integrated amps are manufactured in China (designed in Norway), though I would not be surprised to see Chinese components in McIntosh gear. That may or may not matter to you.

Food for Thought Category: I was tempted by several used Hegel H590’s at that time that were heavily depreciated from new with seemingly good histories / owners for (around) the price of a new H390.

I fully agree with the thought process of the MA8950 over the MAC7200 if you can do without the tuner to get the DA2 Digital to Analog converter.

McIntosh or Hegel units with 200+ watts should be more than enough for most listening sessions and environments. Both have tons of power; again a toss-up.

I replaced a bottom of the barrel McIntosh MA5300 which I put up for sale immediately (which was a really, really nice sounding integrated). I took a loss (of course), but it sold very quickly; so resale is good on McIntosh products.

Buy the unit that speaks to you more...but you can't lose with either!

I'd consider a Unison Research, Unico 150 to pair with the KEF R towers... a departure from the mainstream yes but maybe read the reviews and try and demo one. I bought a 150 for my son & his wife for their new place. He's got Focal, Kanta No. 1 & I have to say, it is an impressive pairing for sure.

https://unisonresearch.com/en/prodotti/unico-150/

@jheppe815 Great advice! I was very close to pulling the trigger on a new pair of Meridian DSP5200Se but decided to go the separate route. Thanks for the breakdown!