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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
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.

yakbob
471 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
3,518 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.

howardlee's avatar
howardlee OP
60 posts
 

@yakbob, cannot thank you enough.  Amazing diagram on the owner's manual, even showing inter-feet distance (no one does that). In a later section of the manual, the depth is given as 20 1/2 inches, with cabling!  My rack is a separate heavy bookcase, so moving out no problem. The manual also gives dimensions for the enclosure, which might make me add a fan, but not a big deal there. Now have more to consider......looking on more input on actual unit's sonics. Haven't found many reviews so far.  My experience of doing eval at a dealer isn't too helpful except in extreme cases!  Thank you again!

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