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Choose between McIntosh MA9000 used vs MA8950 new

I really need some input! I am trying to upgrade from my starter kit. I just found a used 4-5 years old MA9000, fine condition (except cosmetics), and is comparing to buying a new MA8950. Ma9000 has generous leg room (300 W) with more tone controls, bigger everything, but that was older 2017 technology and already discontinued. Ma8950 is less powerful (200W), but is the latest design, bit better DAC, more dynamic headroom (filter capacity). Now I cannot decide which one to go for. Btw I used streamer as my source most of the time, and driving a b&w 805 d4. Thanks for your help.

randywong
bigtex22's avatar
bigtex22
84 posts
 

Echoing the comments above, I’d get the MA8950:

  • 200 watts plenty
  • Don’t buy cosmetically damaged equipment; difficult to resell
  • 8950 has HDMI input
  • DAC 2 is excellent and replaceable

I own the MA8900 paired with SonusFaber Nova 5s and the setup is excellent in a large room. The DAC 1 is excellent too - just missing the HDMI but I may buy the newer DAC for $1k. 

chcumo63
21 posts
 

I own an MA8900 paired with B&W 804 D3s and run an Aurender N100 (USB connection) into the internal DAC.  I recently upgraded to DA2 module and there is a marked improvement over the DA1 module.  I agree with several people here and would go with a new MA8950 as 200 watts is plenty of power and headroom.   I listen primarily to classic rock, progressive rock and some jazz.  I don’t find that I’m missing anything with the 200 watts of power on tap.  I also listen to a lot of vinyl on a VPI Prime Scout table running through the internal phono preamp. Again, for my ears, I’m missing nothing.  Get the new 8950 and a factory warranty and be happy!!!

oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
3,825 posts
 

I am mostly a tube guy and I really like the 8950.   It will give decades of enjoyment.  It has an excellent HT bypass mode should you ever want to integrate.  An awesome Amp for sure.   3 year warranty, new amp smell....

 

 

 

 

randywong OP
8 posts
 

Thank you everybody for your inputs, I think I shall go the route for the new Ma8950, though a bit higher in price, but I shall keep it long term with my speakers.

emergingsoul
1,131 posts
 

An integrated is confining. Unless you have space issues I would branch out with a few separates. McIntosh is known for amplifiers. So much better things out there worthy of exploration

Although they do offer tone controls which is nice. Tone controls tend to restrict the signal path and you can really hear the difference when you disable feature in most processors.

 

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