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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
yakbob
477 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
67 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
67 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.

yakbob
477 posts
 

@howardlee , I’m not sure where you saw the 352’s dimensions, but according to the McIntosh’s own literature, the 352 is roughly 17.5” deep:

Unit Dimensions (W x H x D)
17-1/2" (44.5cm) x 9-7/8" (25.1cm) x 17-7/16" (44.3cm)

 
I see now…McIntosh’s “brochure” lists the depth at 20”, however, the website and owners manual list depth at 17.5”. The front to rear spread on the feet is 13-3/8”. If you can hang a little chassis off the front or rear of your shelf, while still keeping that 13-3/8” on the shelf, it  could fit. It might mean right angle XLRs or right angle RCA adaptors for connections. I’ve used both in my system without issue.
 
check out page 8 of the owners manual:
 
https://www.mcintoshlabs.com/-/media/Files/mcintoshlabs/DocumentMaster/us/ma352om01.pdf?rev=6336318325f042f59836c47559309530&revision=63363183-25f0-42f5-9836-c47559309530
russ69's avatar
russ69
3,520 posts
 

OP, your listening chair can be your balance control. Been there done that. I also have had McIntosh and PrimaLuna amps, I still have the PrimaLuna.

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