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Macintosh MA352 vs PrimaLuna 300 EVO Hybrid

I know the 352 has been discussed previously.  I was about to pull the trigger on the PrimaLuna when the MAC came to my attention.  I think there's not much price differential here.  Obviously what I'm looking for is a tube front end driving solid state amplification.  I've always sworn off of Macintosh stuff because of the cachet (for right or wrong).  Both will drive my KEP R7 Metas with the Mac more than I require.  However, all I care about here is that it also has a couple balanced inputs and, of all things, a balance control.  I have a small hearing loss in one ear.  All these things become less significant in regard to the sound.  PrimaLuna is a tube outfit, and the front end is likely most important here. I don't care about the phono as I'm fixed there. As far as service, I've got a PrimaLuna dealer right next to me and I figure the Mac dealers are all over.  Reliability does matter, however, as dragging these weighty items about is not an attractive option.  Any ideas would be appreciated. 

128x128howardlee
oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
3,882 posts
 

Personally I like the 352.  I know some people are turned off by it's looks but it's a very good sounding amp.   

I have owned a few used  mcintosh and I enjoyed them.  I always got more than what I paid when i sold them too .  How many companies can you say that about?

freediver
1,214 posts
 

^^^ well P/L does not have a balance control OR Balanced Input so if you can live with no balance control,1 Balanced input,based on best sound, I would take a Made in Italy, Pathos Logos(110wpc.@ 8 ohms), Classic Remix Mk.II or Classic One Mk.III(both 70/130wpc.@ 8/4 ohms) over ANY Hybrid available from any manufacturer..Oh & at least $2000.00 or more savings on the cost of the Mac or P/L!

yakbob
471 posts
 

I own equipment from both PrimaLuna and McIntosh. (Evo 300 Power amp, McIntosh C2300, and MCD-1100.)

As for reliability, I’d consider the Evo Floyd and McIntosh to be a draw. The PL gear is built to a very high standard as is most McIntosh gear. 

I really enjoy my Evo 300, but in this case the MA352 is probably the safer bet. Not because the Floyd is bad, but I’ve read reviews on that unit that read as if it was just “fair”. PrimaLuna’s wheelhouse is tube-based equipment.

Also, the EQ on the 352 may be of more help to you with your stated hearing imbalance, potentially helping with any future hearing issues that occur as we all age.

 

howardlee's avatar
howardlee OP
60 posts
 

I haven't seen a review like that but you make sense. Problem is, I've got a 15 1/2 shelf and the Mac is 20 inches deep.  Their smaller 252 would fit but I don't think it would be much of an up move from my PS Audio Spectral hybrid.

howardlee's avatar
howardlee OP
60 posts
 

I haven't seen a review like that but you make sense. Problem is, I've got a 15 1/2 shelf and the Mac is 20 inches deep.  Their smaller 252 would fit but I don't think it would be much of an up move from my PS Audio Spectral hybrid.

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